18/07/2026
We are now standing at an elevation of approximately 1,200 meters (3,937 feet) above sea level.
History
* Pungthang means “the great plain” or “the palace on the great plain.” The name reflects the fertile valley that has long been associated with prosperity and abundance.
* Dechen means “great bliss” and refers to the local protective deity associated with this sacred place.
* Phodrang means “palace” or “residence.”
* According to tradition, Guru Padmasambhava prophesied that a great dzong would one day be built on this site.
* The site was later identified by Drupthob Ngagi Wangchuk (also known as Ngagi Rinchen), one of the 84 Mahasiddhas, who is believed to have come from Bengal (present-day Bangladesh). According to legend, he journeyed to Bhutan to perform spiritual practices to liberate his mother from the realms of suffering.
* In 1637, Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the unifier of Bhutan and the Dharma Raja, laid the foundation stone of Punakha Dzong.
* Construction was initiated under the supervision of Zow Balap, a master craftsman from Trongsa, and was completed on the 8th day of the 8th lunar month in the Female Fire Ox Year (1637).
* The construction was coordinated by Pekar Rabgay.
* Between 1676 and 1680, the Dukhang (Assembly Hall) was enlarged during the administration of the 4th Druk Desi, Tenzin Rabgye.
* Between 1744 and 1763, the dzong underwent major renovations under the 13th Druk Desi, Sherab Wangchuk. ゚ Department of Tourism, Bhutan Baeyul Bhutan Pathways
