Punakha Dzong is the oldest fortress in Bhutan, the former capital of Bhutan, also known as the “Palace of Great Happiness.” “Dzong” was established in the early 17th century by the first religious and secular leader of Bhutan, Ngawang Namgyal, as a combined monastery and fortress that integrated political, religious, and judicial functions. Almost every important valley in Bhutan has a “Dzong” established as a fortress against external invasions. Punakha Dzong, built in 1636, is the second oldest monastery in Bhutan. Bhutanese people believe that where two rivers or roads converge is a sacred place. Located between the confluence of the two main tributaries, the mother river Mo Chu and the father river Pho Chu, Punakha Dzong exudes a tranquil atmosphere with flowing water. In the courtyard stands a large bodhi tree, ancient and towering, with young monks passing by in groups, creating a moment of profound tranquility. Punakha Dzong, a district in Bhutan, is one of the twenty Dzongkhags in the country. Covering an area of 1,016 square kilometers, it has a population of approximately 23,340 people, with Punakha as its capital.