"Excursion to Punakha"

Sunday January 21^st, 2007

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Punakha, the former capital of Bhutan, is a highly cultivated valley.  Leaving Thimphu the road climbs a series of zigzag over the Dochula Pass (3Km Approx.) with spectacular views of snow capped Eastern Himalayas. There are also 108 stupas built on the pass.  After that the route gradually descends through varied forest and finally emerging into Punakha. After that a visit to the magnificent Punakha Dzong

is arranged which is the district administration and religious center of Punakha. The Dzong is also winter residence for the central monk body and chief Abbot of Bhutan. It was built in the year 1636 by Shabdrung Nawang Namgyal (the person who unified Bhutan). It is situated between two rivers and is one of the most impressive Dzongs in the country.