Punakha Dzong is a majestic fortified monastery in Bhutan, situated at the confluence of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers. Built in 1637 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, it is the second oldest and second largest dzong in the country. It served as Bhutan's capital until the mid-1950s and remains an important religious and administrative center, housing sacred relics and serving as a winter residence for monks.