BHUTAN -PUNAKHA /WANGDUE PHODRANG( 1130 METERS)

PUNAKHA served as the capital of Bhutan until 1955. It’s the winter seat of the Je Khempo ( Chief Abbot) & the monk body. It has a temperate climate& its rich fertile valley is fed by the Pho Chu & Mo Chu rivers. It is one of very few places in Bhutan which offers Rafting facilities. Punakha and Wangdue are located in same valley. These 2 places are located within a distance of 17 kms.

1.       CHIMI LHAKHANG : Built in 15^th century, it is a very popular and revered temple. Being dedicated to Lama Drukpa Kuenly, the Divine Madman, the temple is popularly considered to be a temple of fertility. 

2.       PUNAKHA DZONG : It is one of the most beautiful Dzong and was known in ancient times as the Druk Pungthang Dechhen Phrodang or “ the Palace of great happiness” . It is the second Dzong to be built in Bhutan and was the seat of government when Punakha was the capital of Bhutan. Today, the Dzong is the winter home for the clergy.

3.       GANGTEY GOEMBA & PHOBJIKA VALLEY : Gangtey Goemba is an old monastery dating back to the 17^th century. It overlooks Phobjika Valley which is the winter home of the famous balck necked cranes. The cranes migrate from the high plains of the Tibetan plateau in winter to the milder climate of Phobjika.