About Punakha Dzong
Punakha Dzongkhag is situated in western Bhutan, bordered by Gasa to the north, Thimphu to the west and Wangduephodrang to the east and south. The Dzongkhag is located at an altitude ranging from 1100-2500 m above sea level. Until 1955, Punakha served as the winter capital of Bhutan. Currently, it serves as the winter residence for the Central Monastic Body. The Dzongkhag is administratively divided into eleven gewogs, namely Baarp, Chhubu, Dzomi, Goenshari, Guma, Kabjisa, Lingmukha, Shengana, Talo, Toepisa and Toedwang.
Punakha Dzongkhag is well known for rice, vegetables, and fruits owing to its favorable location, soil, and climatic conditions. The Dzongkhag basically grows little of everything but the main cash crops are paddy, wheat, maize, and mustard. Though citrus fruits are among the main fruits grown in the Dzongkhag, other fruits like persimmon, guavas, peaches, plums, pears, avocado, and apricots are grown. The Dzongkhag also grows a variety of vegetables such as chilies, radish, cabbages, brinjals, leaves, and tomatoes.
The Dzongkhag is also a popular tourist destination. Punakha Dzong is a major attraction besides Talo Dzong, Chhimi lhakhang, Khamsum Yulay Namgyel Chorten, and the two hot springs, namely Koma tshachu and the Chhubu tshachu.
The construction of farm roads has connected all Gewog centers even penetrating most of the major villages. Such accessibility has reduced the walking distance to less than one hour from road head for over 98% of the people. An adequate number of RNR centers, Basic Health Units, and Schools are established at convenient locations in all the Gewogs to provide prompt delivery of services.
The 2015 GNH Survey reports Punakha to be in the medium category in terms of happiness with a GNH Index value of 0.758. The Dzongkhag has 100% access to electricity and mobile coverage and has Community Centres established in all the Gewogs where people can avail banking services and credit facilities.
What is Punakha Bhutan famous for?
Punakha valley is famous in Bhutan for rice farming. Both red and white rice are grown along the river valley of Pho and Mo Chu, two of the most prominent rivers in Bhutan. Ritsha (meaning at the base of a hill) is a typical village in Punakha. The village houses are made of pounded mud with stone foundations.