Punakha

Punakha was the capital of Bhutan and seat of government until 1955, before Thimphu took the title, but it still retains the stately atmosphere of its past and offers breathtaking views of the snowy Himalayas. The climate is more tropical here due to the lower altitude. The dzong (fort-monastery), located on an island at the confluence of the Mo Chhu and Pho Chhu rivers, is particularly impressive and is the main attraction, but there are also other sites of interest in and around Punakha. This low valley is also a popular place for rafting and mountain biking.