Punakha Dzong
On our Day 3 in Bhutan, we left the capital city of Thimphu after two days of wonderful cultural immersion and headed to the scenic countryside of Punakha Valley.
Memorial Stupas, Dochu La Pass
On the way to Punakha, we passed by Dochu La Pass about forty-five minutes outside of Thimpu. Gracing this high mountain pass are 108 stupas 108 chortens built by Queen Mother to honor the Bhutanese soldiers who were killed when fighting the Indian rebels in 2003.
From the alpine high pass of Dochu La, the mountain road descended into the lush countryside of Punakha Valley beautifully landscaped with thick forest and terraced rice paddies.
Punakha Valley
Rice Paddies in Punakha Valley
The highlight of venturing to Punakha is a visit to its majestic Dzong. Dzong means fortress and is the administrative and monastic center of a Bhutanese town.
Also called Punthang Dechen Phodrang (The Palace of Great Bliss), Punakha Dzong is beautifully situated between the convergence of Phochu and Mochu Rivers ( “male” and “female” rivers), It is said to be the most magnificent of all the fortresses in Bhutan.
The Bridge into Punakha Dzong
Built in 17th century, Punakha Dzong served as the capital and seat of goverment of Bhutan before it was moved to Thimphu in 1955. Today, it houses the administrative and judicial offices of Punakha District.
Entrance to Punakha Dzong Bridge
Punakha Dzong is also the winter home of Bhutan’s spiritual leader, Je Khenpo. He and his retinue of 600 monks migrate to Punakha from Thimphu every November. The Dzong also houses the sacred remains of two of Bhutan’s holiest lama and saint.
Tourists Bride and Groom on the bridge into Punakah Dzong
This Dzong is the venue of the coronation of the Bhutanese kings. The recent wedding of the current king was also held here.
A women with a prayer wheel by Punakha Bridge
The entrance to Punakha Dzong, Bhutan
The Dzongs were designed to protect against invasion. One of the strategic features of this Dzong is the steep wooden entry stairs that can be pulled up. It also leads to a very heavy doorway.
One of the two giant prayer wheels the flank the main door of the Dzong. Intricate religious paintings adorn the walls in many part of the Dzong.
We were greeted by this immense building as we entered into the first courtyard to the Dzong, where the administrative offices are located.
We headed into another courtyard that led us into the temple. It was like entering another world. The interior of the temple is beautiful with exquisite wall murals depicting the life of Sakyamuni Buddha. Unfortunately, photography in the interior of the Dzong and all the temples in Bhutan is prohibited.
One of the monastic buildings in the Dzong.
The monastic courtyard in Punakha Dzong
The Dzongs are perfect showcase of traditional Bhutanese architecture. This Dzong shows superb examples of grand designs and construction typical in Bhutanese structures.
If the designs look impressive, the construction of the Dzongs are even more amazing. No nails are used in the building of the dzongs and their architects didn’t use any plan and rely only on mental concepts.
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Linking to Travel Photo Discovery and Our World Tuesday.
What a beautiful place, great shots
Ritva’s ART / Ritva Sillanmäki recently posted..Weekly Photo Challenge: Habit
Hi Ritva, thanks. Glad you dropped by.
Amazing pictures…
Muza-chan recently posted..A Japanese Song per Day: Sugar Soul feat. Kenji Furuya – Garden
Thanks Lili!
What a beautiful fortress. The architecture is impressive and the details are vey exquisite. It’s amazing to think that they didn’t use a single nail and builidng plan. Such an architectural genius. The landscape with the rice paddies look very scenic and peaceful. Look forward to see more of you post of the Bhutanese countryside.
Hi Kira, architectural genius seem an apt description. It truly is amazing. We’ll have a lot more of a countryside for you, so please check back:)
It’s always been a dream of mine to visit rice paddies in the Philippines or in someplace like Bhutan. The Punakha Valley looks amazingly peaceful, and it seems that every scene in Bhutan is a photo worthy moment.
Dana Carmel @ Time Travel Plans recently posted..Virginia: All Signs Point to Hampton Roads
Hey Dana, if you want to see the most spectacular rice paddies, my home country the Philippines is the place to be! Although Bhutan’s is gorgeous, too. True, every corner of Bhutan is picturesque.
arm chair traveling with you is wonderful. your photos are incredible.
Photo Cache recently posted..Leaves, Trees, Vines and Wind. Napa in October
I really love the flat roof tops of the temples, the are so characteristic for Bhutan. Every time I see them, I can tell it’s this country. Otherwise, I would confuse it with Tibet. Lovely photos as always, so spiritual and powerful!
Agness recently posted..Our First eBook “Add your brick to the Great Wall” is OUT!
Hi Agness, thanks! Yes, the Bhutanese rooftop is very distinct indeed.
Marisol recently posted..Bhutan: The Majestic Punakha Dzong
Hi thanks so much for linking it here, as i was able to see your posts. Bhutan is one place i also dream to visit, I am so envious of your so many travels. How i wish I have the means to be like you! Those splendid shots are so informative. I will browse also on your previous posts.
Hi Andrea, glad you found your way here. I really wish with all my hear that you make it to Bhutan sometime soon. Keep the dream alive.
Unbelievable. So incredible. I want to get to Bhutan, the photos are just incredible. Thank you for sharing and thank you and not thank you for making me so very jealous.
Anwar recently posted..Egypt: In the steps of Moses
Hi A, thanks! Ha! Ha! Glad you’re jealous. Hope that will male you head there soon! It truly is incredible.
Wow wow wow – how utterly beautiful! Bhutan is definitely on my to-visit list!
ladyfi recently posted..Drops of beauty
Hi Fiona, thank! Hope you get there soon.
Amazingly beautiful place. The landscapes are too good.
Rajesh recently posted..Rani Gumpha, Udaygiri
Hi Rajesh, it is an amazing place indeed.
I love the photo of the woman in prayer. I cannot even imagine the time that was spent on those immaculate buildings. What an incredible art form.
Hi Erica, thanks! It’s such an amazing art form indeed.
Thanks for the visual tour of Bhutan; reminds me that I need to write back a friend who lives there
That prayer wheel, the bride and groom with a dog and the stupas are the most interesting to me.
Hazel
Hazel recently posted..Resilience
Our pleasure, Hazel! Hope you don’t only get to write but visit your friend in Bhutan as well.
I love the intricate architectural designs … not forgetting the bride and groom on the bridge …
Rachel M recently posted..Hybrid Solar Eclipse – Views from …
Thanks Rachel!
That first picture made my jaw drop, so beautiful!
Thanks Mitch!
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I’m loving reading your blog about Bhutan. We were there in September this year and it had a profound effect on us both. Started as a holiday and ended up more of a life journey. So thanks for the reminders!