Punakha

The road from Simtokha winds into pine forests and through small villages for 20 kilometers and then opens miraculously onto the northern ridge of the mountains of the mountains. Dochula Pass at 10,500 feet gives one of the most spectacular views of the Himalayas. Punakha Dzong is home to the Central Monk Body and the Je Khenpo (the spiritual leader) during the winter months. Punakha's climate and warm temperature makes the valley one of the most fertile in Bhutan. Chime Lhakhang located on a hillock among the rice fields is picturesque and is a pilgrimage site for childless couples. The temple is associated with the famous saint Drukpa Kuenlay who has built a chorten on the site. Punakha served as a capital of Bhutan till 1955. In spite of four catastrophic fires and an earthquake that destroyed many historical documents, Punakha Dzong houses sacred artifacts and the embalmed body of Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyel. The Dzong is one of the most spectacular dzongs in the country situated at the confluence of two rivers.