Bhutan - Dragon Kingdom, from the ABC

PUNAKHA
Altitude 4,430 feet
Punakha served as the capital of Bhutan until 1955 and still it is the winter seat of Le Khenpo (Chief Abbot). Blessed with temperate climate and fed by Pho Chu (male) and Mo Chu (female) rivers, Punakha is the most fertile valley in the country. There are splendid views of the distant Himalayas at Dochu La pass (alt. 3,100 m) on Thimphu - Punakha road.

Punakha Dzong
The dzong is strategically positioned at the junction of Pho Chu and Mo Chu rivers. Built in 1637 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the dzong still serves as the religious and administrative center of the region. Damaged by four catastrophic fires and an earthquake, the Dzong has been fully restored by the present King. The Dzong is open for visitors during Punakha festival and in summer months when the monk body moves to Thimphu.

WANGDUEPHODRANG
Altitude 4,430 feet
The last town before central Bhutan, Wangduephodrang is like an enlarged village with a few well-provided shops. Located towards the south of Punakha, the higher reaches of the Wangduephodrang valley provide rich pastureland for cattle. This district is also famous for its fine bamboo work and its slate carvings.

PHOBJIKHA
Altitude 9,840 feet
Towards the east of Wangduephodrang, there is an old monastery of Gangtey Gompa dating back to the 17th century. A few kilometers past the Gompa, on the valley floor is the village of Phobjikha. This is the winter home of black-necked cranes that migrate from the arid plains in the north to pass winter in milder and lower climate.

TRONGSA
Altitude 7,600 feet
Trongsa forms the central hub of the nation and is historically the place from where attempts at unifying the country were launched. The landscape around Trongsa is spectacular and for miles on end, the Dzong seems to tease you, wondering if you will ever reach there.

Trongsa Dzong
Built in 1648, the dzong is the ancestral home of the Royal family. Both the first and second King ruled the country from this ancient seat. All four Kings held the post of Trongsa Penlop (honorary governor) prior to being crowned as King. The Dzong is a massive structure with many levels, which slope down the contours of a hill on which it perches. Because of its highly strategic position as the only connecting route between east and west, the Trongsa Penlop was able to control the whole of the eastern region effectively.

Ta Dzong
This watchtower, which once guarded Trongsa Dzong from internal rebellion, stands impressively and provides visitors an insight into historical significance of Trongsa in Bhutan's history.