BHUTAN

DOCHULA PASS - between Thimphu and Punakha valleys
This pass (3433m) is marked by a large array of prayer flags and an impressive new collection of 108 chortens and offers
a panoramic view of the Himalayas. The hill above the chortens is covered by lovely rhododendron forest.
PUNAKHA DZONG
The Dzong was built in 1637 A.D. and lies between two rivers known as “Phochu” (Male River) and “Mochu” (Female
River) and stands as a living testament of Bhutanese history, safeguarding many priceless treasures. This dzong is the
most beautiful in the country and also the most sacred one. It was damaged six times by fire, twice by floods and once
by an earthquake. In 2003 the dzong was opened in a spectacular ceremony.
CHIMI LHAKHANG TEMPLE
Was founded in the 15th century by one of Bhutan’s foremost saints, Lama Drukpa Kunley, also known as the “Divine
Madman”. It is located near the town of Punakha and is dedicated to fertility. Each year hundreds of people come from
all over Bhutan to pray for children. In the temple they are blessed by a monk holding a symbolic phallus. The cheerful
flying phallus that one sees painted on homes throughout Bhutan is a tribute to this saint, whose presence distracts
and thus repels evil spirits.
WANGDUE PHODRANG DZONG
Standing on a hill between two rivers known as “Puna Tsang Chhu” and “Dang Chhu”, has a commanding view of the
valleys below and was built in 1638 A.D. It also houses the District Administration office and the district monk body.
It is important in the history of Bhutan because in the early days it was the country’s secondary capital.
TRONGSA DZONG
This Dzong, built in 1648, is the ancestral home of the Wangchuck Dynasty, Bhutan’s royal family. Presently, the Dzong
houses the district administrative offices and the monastic center of Trongsa. This is also the investiture site for future
kings ascending the Throne of Bhutan. It is constructed in split-levels on a narrow spur and is considered an architectural
wonder. The dzong is a masterpiece and is one of the older in Bhutan and it is perhaps the most spectacularly
sited dzong in the country.
PUNAKHA & WANGDUE
VALLEYS
The Punakha and Wangdue valleys are warmer compared to Thimphu, and have more
paddy fields. The farmers of these two valleys cultivate rice twice a year compared to
Thimphu and Paro valleys. The distance between the two valleys is about 45 minutes
with a car. Punakha served as Bhutan’s capital for over 300 years and its first king was
crowned here in 1907. It is the winter residence of Bhutan’s spiritual leader, the Head
Abbot, and the Central Monastic Body.