Punakha district is the most beautiful and significant region at the heart of Bhutanese culture. It was in Punakha that Zhabdrung Ngwang Namgyel first established the Chhoesid Nyiden, the dual system of government. In 1651, Punakha was chosen to be the capital from where the newly unified kingdom would be administered.
In 1907, Punakha was, again, the place where the Bhutanese people elected the first king, His Majesty Gongsar Ugyen Wangchuck. Punakha served us the capital of Bhutan until 1955. It is the winter residences of the Je Khenpo (Chief Abbot) and the monk body. Its elevation is about 1300m above the sea level. It has a temperate climate and is good for growing rice, fruits and vegetables in abundance. Its rich fertile valley is fed by the Pho chhu and Mo chhu. The semi-tropical valley of Wangdiphodrang town is located south of Punakha. It’s about 30 minutes of drive from Punakha.The elevation of this valley is same as Punakha. The district is famous for its fine bamboo work and its slate and stone curving. It is the last town of western Bhutan before we enter into the central part of Bhutan
