In the history of Bhutan, Punakha district certainly stands out as a spectacle. Punakha used to be the former capital of Bhutan prior to Thimphu from the year 1637 to 1907. In fact, the Punakha Dzong is considered the second largest Dzong (fortress) and the first National Assembly of Bhutan was held here in 1953.
The Punakha valley is very beautiful with a suburban-rural feel to it. The main town of Punakha which is Khuruthang is not an ideal illustration of what a big city looks like in the western world but depicts more of a small town in the middle of the countryside. From certain areas of the district the scenes of the terraced fields across the valleys definitely awes the eye that sees it.
Punakha valley has a pleasant climate with warm winters and hot summers, the valley is located at elevation of 1200m above sea level. Due to the favorable climatic condition, special red rice has become the main cash crop cultivated in the region which is popular throughout the nation.
The district has 11 counties and as a whole is popular for its agricultural produce, owing to the favorable climatic condition in Punakha. To those who are visiting Bhutan, a trip to Punakha is a must do, as there is a lot to see and do here. Some of the venues to explore in the valley are Punakha Dzong, walk through the one of the longest suspension bridge, white water rafting and many more.
Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten
Punakha Suspension Bridge
Punakha Dzong
Chimi Lhakhang