Punakha Dzong

The most beautiful and picturesque Dzong in all of Bhutan. Phenomenal history. Beautiful views. Calming environment. You can easily spend hours here sitting inside. The climb up is a bit steep, not recommended for someone old or who has trouble walking. Must visit in Punakha.

A very beautiful place that is the second largest and oldest dzong in Bhutan. It contains some of the oldest Buddhist scripts and the remains of Pema Lingpa, a Buddhist Saint who died in 1521. It's a very peaceful and serene atmosphere walking through the courtyards, marred only by the roosters' cockfight and the police telling people they can't go in some areas.

Really loved the fort architecture. It is well maintained and you can get some iconic pictures portraying Bhutan. There is a river running by and flowers mountain all around. The place was peaceful, clean.

Definitely worth visiting Beautiful architecture Seams as reconstructed but looking at photos from 1906, seams like it was always in a good schape. Bridge is fully result as previous one was washed away several years ago.

You cannot miss this place if you love architecture and history. One of the prettiest Dzongs in Bhutan, has great location, extremely picturesque, and also has temples inside the Dzong. Apparently also acts as administrative office for that area, but great for tourists. There are a flight of stairs for you to get inside it but once you are inside it's all plain. Do not miss the visit.

Bhutanese architecture at its best. The bridge also is providing a great view and experience. Loved the art and painting

Punakha Dzong is easily one of the most beautiful and majestic structures I have ever seen, not just in Bhutan but anywhere in the world. Often referred to as the “Palace of Great Happiness,” it is perfectly situated between the Pho Chhu (father) and Mo Chhu (mother) rivers, creating a stunning setting that feels almost surreal. The approach to the dzong is breathtaking, with a traditional wooden cantilever bridge leading to its massive, ornately decorated entrance. The architecture is truly incredible, featuring grand whitewashed walls, golden spires, and richly detailed wooden carvings. Inside, the courtyards are peaceful and beautifully maintained, and the sense of history is tangible. Punakha Dzong was once the seat of the Bhutanese government and remains an important religious center today. One of the highlights is visiting the main assembly hall, which houses some of the most intricate and vibrant murals in Bhutan. The surrounding natural beauty — with lush hills and clear rivers — adds to the overall experience, especially in spring when the jacaranda trees around the dzong are in full bloom. Visiting Punakha Dzong is an unforgettable experience. It’s a place where history, spirituality, and breathtaking architecture come together perfectly. I would highly recommend it to anyone traveling to Bhutan!

Punakha Dzong is probably the most beautiful dzong in Bhutan. It’s massive in scale and set at the confluence of two rivers, which makes the location even more striking. The entire complex, both inside and out, is beautifully restored and in excellent condition. The details of the woodwork and painted decorations are truly impressive. Walking across the traditional covered bridge and stepping into the large central courtyard gives you a real sense of Bhutanese monastic and administrative tradition at its most refined. The visit can easily be combined with a short walk to the nearby Suspension Bridge, the longest hanging bridge in Bhutan, which adds a nice touch to the experience.