The Punakha Dzong is the most beautiful fortress in Bhutan. Built in 1637-38, the Dzong stands at the romantic confluence of the male and the female rivers.
It is a gigantic fortress, which is famous for having Bhutan’s most important relic and its main altar room also has the embalmed and preserved body of Bhutan’s founder from the 17th century.
The annual five-day Punakha Domchu festival is held at the Dzong which is a unique festival celebrating the victory over the invading Tibetan forces and an entire episode of the war is recreated during the festival. The Punakha Dzong is listed on the Tentative List for UNESCO inclusion of heritage sites.
Enthusiasts of water sports can also do rafting and kayaking along the two rivers outside the Dzong.