Punakha served as the capital of Bhutan until 1955 and is home to the four queen mothers of Bhutan. It is most popular for its fortress, the Punakha Dzong, which is the 2^nd oldest dzong in Bhutan and the wedding venue of the 5^th king Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and queen Jetsun Pema Wangchuck. The dzong also serves as the winter residence of the chief abbot.

Popular Attractions:

• Punakha Dzong: The fortress of Punakha located in between two rivers of the valley.
• Dochu La: A motorway pass at 3,100m known for breathtaking panoramic view of snowcapped Himalayas.
• Khamsum Yulley Namgyel Chorten: a Vajarakilaya stupa located on a hill top overlooking Punakha valley with a beautiful garden
• White water river rafting: a popular activity in Punakha that takes you along mochhu or phochhu (more rapids).
• Longest Suspension Bridge: An ancient suspension bridge in Bhutan that measures 158m.
• Talo Monastery: a monastery at 2800m dedicated to the founder of Bhutan, Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel.