![Panoramic view of the Puna Tsang Chu River below Punakha Dzong](https://a4.pbase.com/g3/93/329493/2/120491157.m1toTkv4.jpg) Panoramic view of the Puna Tsang Chu River below Punakha Dzong |
![Punakha Dzong, built at the confluence of the Mo Chhu and Pho Chhu Rivers](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/120468497.s9kTcUi5.Bhutan20091925.jpg) Punakha Dzong, built at the confluence of the Mo Chhu and Pho Chhu Rivers |
![Pho Chhu (Father River) and Mo Chhu (Mother River) join here to form the Puna Tsang Chu River](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/120468498.4TGlRrwy.Bhutan20091933.jpg) Pho Chhu (Father River) and Mo Chhu (Mother River) join here to form the Puna Tsang Chu River |
![Punakha Dzong - the Palace of Great Happiness](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/120468499.RfLLDrJf.Bhutan20091934.jpg) Punakha Dzong - the "Palace of Great Happiness" |
![Panoramic view of Punakha Dzong from across the river](https://a4.pbase.com/g3/93/329493/2/120491158.HauWx2gz.jpg) Panoramic view of Punakha Dzong from across the river |
![Punakha Dzong is one of the most impressive sights in Bhutan](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/120468500.ptG7yUVu.Bhutan20091935.jpg) Punakha Dzong is one of the most impressive sights in Bhutan |
![Punakha Dzong](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/120468501.NOox3IPw.Bhutan20091936.jpg) Punakha Dzong |
![Punakha Dzong is the second oldest and second largest of Bhutan's fortress-monasteries](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/120468502.vuqCBLbw.Bhutan20091938.jpg) Punakha Dzong is the second oldest and second largest of Bhutan's fortress-monasteries |
![Punakha Dzong was the capital of Bhutan until 1955](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/120468503.8nNiIdEN.Bhutan20091939.jpg) Punakha Dzong was the capital of Bhutan until 1955 |
![Panoramic view of Punakha Dzong from the south](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/120491159.eDpCYUh5.Bhutan2009p13.jpg) Panoramic view of Punakha Dzong from the south |
![Punakha Dzong - constructed 1637-38](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/120468504.GgRq2PLc.Bhutan20091941.jpg) Punakha Dzong - constructed 1637-38 |
![Dennis with the Punakha Dzong](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/120468506.BhCAzndT.Bhutan20091942.jpg) Dennis with the Punakha Dzong |
![The river eventually joins the Bramaputra in India](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/120468507.jt72uU0Q.Bhutan20091943.jpg) The river eventually joins the Bramaputra in India |
![Punakha Dzong still serves as the winter home of Bhutan's spiritual leader, the Je Khenpo](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/120468510.efVxH5Ia.Bhutan20091944.jpg) Punakha Dzong still serves as the winter home of Bhutan's spiritual leader, the Je Khenpo |
![Punakha Dzong was enlarged in the mid-18th Century](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/120468514.MOCMhmip.Bhutan20091955.jpg) Punakha Dzong was enlarged in the mid-18th Century |
![Punakha Dzong was damaged by earthquake and fire many times, most recently in 1986](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/120468516.kg9FwZXB.Bhutan20091956.jpg) Punakha Dzong was damaged by earthquake and fire many times, most recently in 1986 |
![The first King of Bhutan was coronated at Punakha Dzong in 1907](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/120468518.eX62lM64.Bhutan20091958.jpg) The first King of Bhutan was coronated at Punakha Dzong in 1907 |
![The spire on the central tower (utse) was added in 1676](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/120468520.9TPcvbqo.Bhutan20091959.jpg) The spire on the central tower (utse) was added in 1676 |
![The Central Tower, or Utse, of Punakha Dzong - six stories high](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/120468522.W25FhYnU.Bhutan20091960.jpg) The Central Tower, or Utse, of Punakha Dzong - six stories high |
![In 1910, the British signed a treaty here agreeing to not interfere with Bhutan's internal affairs](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/120468524.arorsgSI.Bhutan20091962.jpg) In 1910, the British signed a treaty here agreeing to not interfere with Bhutan's internal affairs |
![The Central Tower is on the left (north) rather than in the middle](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/120468526.WXf1J4jf.Bhutan20091972.jpg) The Central Tower is on the left (north) rather than in the middle |
![Punakha Dzong's temple is in the middle and the assembly hall on the right (south)](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/120468528.nTlNGOxv.Bhutan20091973.jpg) Punakha Dzong's temple is in the middle and the assembly hall on the right (south) |
![Panoramic view of Punakha Dzong from across the river](https://a4.pbase.com/g3/93/329493/2/120491160.YEEKMMad.jpg) Panoramic view of Punakha Dzong from across the river |
![Punakha Dzong is 180m long and has three courtyards](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/120491161.j9ht6qZ1.Bhutan2009p15.jpg) Punakha Dzong is 180m long and has three courtyards |
![Panoramic view of Punakha Dzong from the river bank](https://a4.pbase.com/g3/93/329493/2/120491162.PxVKa67y.jpg) Panoramic view of Punakha Dzong from the river bank |
![Lucky for me, there were plenty of breaks in the cloud](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/120468530.qemFuEKM.Bhutan20091979.jpg) Lucky for me, there were plenty of breaks in the cloud |
![High clouds over a panoramic view of Punakha Dzong](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/120491155.bkpa6M7l.Bhutan2009P17.jpg) High clouds over a panoramic view of Punakha Dzong |
![Central Tower of Punakha Dzong](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/120468532.L0FLwTXj.Bhutan20091984.jpg) Central Tower of Punakha Dzong |
![Temple and Assembly Hall of Punakha Dzong rising above the outer walls](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/120468535.vuP0D9Jy.Bhutan20091985.jpg) Temple and Assembly Hall of Punakha Dzong rising above the outer walls |
![Punakha Dzong - the most impressive of Bhutan's fortress-monasteries](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/120468536.6LqnHH4J.Bhutan20091986.jpg) Punakha Dzong - the most impressive of Bhutan's fortress-monasteries |
![The occasional flood due to bursting glacial lakes has also caused occasional damaging floods](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/120468539.UgOlJgSq.Bhutan20091987.jpg) The occasional flood due to bursting glacial lakes has also caused occasional damaging floods |
![Punakha Dzong is associated with the souther Drukpa School of Mahayana Buddhism](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/120468541.gwkpY3sc.Bhutan20091988.jpg) Punakha Dzong is associated with the souther Drukpa School of Mahayana Buddhism |
![Punakha Dzong](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/120468544.QjCY93Vd.Bhutan20091990.jpg) Punakha Dzong |
![The Central Tower of Punakha Dzong](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/120468546.6ZG0sZps.Bhutan20091993.jpg) The Central Tower of Punakha Dzong |
![Punakha Dzong](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/120468548.tYzuyMFl.Bhutan20091994.jpg) Punakha Dzong |
![Punakha Dzong was restored using the 13 traditional crafts of the Zorig Chusum with funding by the Governments of Bhutan & India](https://a4.pbase.com/g3/93/329493/2/120491163.v3Y1yZ6o.jpg) Punakha Dzong was restored using the 13 traditional crafts of the Zorig Chusum with funding by the Governments of Bhutan & India |
![Traditional cantilever bridge opened in 2008 to replace one washed away by flood in 1957](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/120468550.RRWmFi9J.Bhutan20091995.jpg) Traditional cantilever bridge opened in 2008 to replace one washed away by flood in 1957 |
![The first bridge across the Mo Chu was built in the 17th C.](https://a4.pbase.com/g3/93/329493/2/120491164.oG745S5e.jpg) The first bridge across the Mo Chu was built in the 17th C. |
![Monks relaxing on the banks of the Mo Chu across from Punakha Dzong](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/120468553.JU0ugEwH.Bhutan20091996.jpg) Monks relaxing on the banks of the Mo Chu across from Punakha Dzong |
![It's a very long motorbike ride from Poland to Bhutan!](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/120468558.fxUt4VjV.Bhutan20092000.jpg) It's a very long motorbike ride from Poland to Bhutan! |
![Polish bikers in Bhutan](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/120468559.WUqbAgWE.Bhutan20092001.jpg) Polish bikers in Bhutan |
![Dzong Chug (Little Dzong), built in 1328 by Ngagi Rinchen](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/120468567.u76sojkB.Bhutan20092006.jpg) Dzong Chug (Little Dzong), built in 1328 by Ngagi Rinchen |
![Dzong Chug, the northern bastion of Punakha Dzong](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/120468562.PYepA7MA.Bhutan20092002.jpg) Dzong Chug, the northern bastion of Punakha Dzong |
![Dzongchung, the northern bastion of Punakha Dzong](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/120468570.eKX6kNns.Bhutan20092009.jpg) Dzongchung, the northern bastion of Punakha Dzong |
![Punakha Dzong from the bridge](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/120468565.JKnaL4VY.Bhutan20092005.jpg) Punakha Dzong from the bridge |
![Crossing the bridge, Punakha Dzong](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/120468844.wIJeFNC4.Bhutan20092148.jpg) Crossing the bridge, Punakha Dzong |
![Punakha Dzong](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/120468843.o3q219cc.Bhutan20092147.jpg) Punakha Dzong |
![Dennis, Punakha Dzong](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/120468572.ipkEaNB8.Bhutan20092012.jpg) Dennis, Punakha Dzong |
![Dennis, Punakha Dzong](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/120468574.Nr9q970z.Bhutan20092013.jpg) Dennis, Punakha Dzong |
![Punakha Dzong](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/120468702.C2UL2UOn.Bhutan20092014.jpg) Punakha Dzong |
![Punakha Dzong from the base of the bridge](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/120468703.ghe9PIxj.Bhutan20092015.jpg) Punakha Dzong from the base of the bridge |
![Traditional Bhutanese architecture uses similar details whether it's a fortress or a farm house](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/120468704.HiEdfQog.Bhutan20092016.jpg) Traditional Bhutanese architecture uses similar details whether it's a fortress or a farm house |
![Main Entrance on the north side of Punakha Dzong](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/120468840.j2U2gc1w.Bhutan20092141.jpg) Main Entrance on the north side of Punakha Dzong |
![Main Entrance on the north side of Punakha Dzong](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/120468841.xfriRd4Y.Bhutan20092142.jpg) Main Entrance on the north side of Punakha Dzong |
![Main Entrance on the north side of Punakha Dzong](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/120468842.BIdBcwlQ.Bhutan20092144.jpg) Main Entrance on the north side of Punakha Dzong |
![The main entrance to Punakha Dzong](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/120468705.Sec3Vi2n.Bhutan20092017.jpg) The main entrance to Punakha Dzong |
![The main entrance to Punakha Dzong on the north side of the fortress near the bridge](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/120468706.YUWINkwJ.Bhutan20092018.jpg) The main entrance to Punakha Dzong on the north side of the fortress near the bridge |
![Entrance to Punakha Dzong with steel ladders](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/120468707.QNUPJ8up.Bhutan20092019.jpg) Entrance to Punakha Dzong with steel ladders |
![Steep stairs leading into Punakha Dzong](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/120468709.ZHjk9GY0.Bhutan20092021.jpg) Steep stairs leading into Punakha Dzong |
![Dennis, Punakha Dzong](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/120468710.awP1xd3i.Bhutan20092022.jpg) Dennis, Punakha Dzong |
![Yard between the main entrance to Punakha Dzong and the northern bastion, Dzong Chug](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/120468708.xgQiltHo.Bhutan20092020.jpg) Yard between the main entrance to Punakha Dzong and the northern bastion, Dzong Chug |
![View from the Main Entrance of Punakha Dzong looking across to the Little Dzong](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/120468837.mYuSbafg.Bhutan20092136.jpg) View from the Main Entrance of Punakha Dzong looking across to the Little Dzong |
![Dennis with the Little Dzong](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/120468839.AMZK0uk2.Bhutan20092140.jpg) Dennis with the Little Dzong |
![Dennis with the Little Dzong](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/120468838.qlVd1YbI.Bhutan20092139.jpg) Dennis with the Little Dzong |
![Kalachakra Tantra - the Tenfold Powerful One](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/120468711.MEzIFRQJ.Bhutan20092023.jpg) Kalachakra Tantra - the Tenfold Powerful One |
![Large prayer wheel at the entrance to Punakha Dzong](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/120468712.pyzGR971.Bhutan20092024.jpg) Large prayer wheel at the entrance to Punakha Dzong |
![Namthosey, the golden guardian king of the north, Punakha Dzong](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/120468713.khy4aEZS.Bhutan20092025.jpg) Namthosey, the golden guardian king of the north, Punakha Dzong |
![Celestial Being Rising from the Sea, perhaps the Buddhist version of a Mermaid](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/120468714.o8Z7fQ63.Bhutan20092026.jpg) Celestial Being Rising from the Sea, perhaps the Buddhist version of a Mermaid |
![Bhutan2009 2027.jpg](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/120468715.htcyJwKA.Bhutan20092027.jpg) Bhutan2009 2027.jpg |
![Prayer wheel watched over by Yulkhorsung, the guardian king of the east, lord of celestial musicians](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/120468716.TLhucJnB.Bhutan20092029.jpg) Prayer wheel watched over by Yulkhorsung, the guardian king of the east, lord of celestial musicians |
![Spinning prayer wheel, Punakha Dzong](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/120468717.npv92JqF.Bhutan20092031.jpg) Spinning prayer wheel, Punakha Dzong |
![Always spin the prayer wheel clockwise, the same direction that you should circumambulate Buddhist temples](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/120468718.Xki6U8ay.Bhutan20092036.jpg) Always spin the prayer wheel clockwise, the same direction that you should circumambulate Buddhist temples |
![Prayer wheel watched over by Yulkhorsung, the guardian king of the east, lord of celestial musicians](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/120468719.KYKO7GA3.Bhutan20092039.jpg) Prayer wheel watched over by Yulkhorsung, the guardian king of the east, lord of celestial musicians |
![Aerial yoga, Punakha Dzong](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/120468720.GDIsw7Qs.Bhutan20092040.jpg) Aerial yoga, Punakha Dzong |
![Bhutan2009 2041.jpg](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/120468721.d4mSMmlE.Bhutan20092041.jpg) Bhutan2009 2041.jpg |
![Bhutan2009 2042.jpg](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/120468722.e8DQF39F.Bhutan20092042.jpg) Bhutan2009 2042.jpg |
![Bhutan2009 2043.jpg](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/120468723.g9ofSNwg.Bhutan20092043.jpg) Bhutan2009 2043.jpg |
![The Four Harmonious Friends, a popular topic of for murals in Bhutanese Buddhism](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/120468724.9FBuZrcU.Bhutan20092044.jpg) The Four Harmonious Friends, a popular topic of for murals in Bhutanese Buddhism |
![The Five Harmonious Friends](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/120468725.kYy8afls.Bhutan20092045.jpg) The Five Harmonious Friends |
![Wheel of Life with the 12 animals of the Zodiac](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/120468726.n3ibWRte.Bhutan20092047.jpg) Wheel of Life with the 12 animals of the Zodiac |
![Gallery of Enlightened Beings over the head of Yama, Lord of Death](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/120468727.wrgUt67T.Bhutan20092048.jpg) Gallery of Enlightened Beings over the head of Yama, Lord of Death |
![Chana Dorji (Vajrapani), protector of the Buddha](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/120468728.QHkLuxGA.Bhutan20092049.jpg) Chana Dorji (Vajrapani), protector of the Buddha |
![Bhutan2009 2050.jpg](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/120468729.aV9ct5Oh.Bhutan20092050.jpg) Bhutan2009 2050.jpg |
![White stupa in the northern courtyard, Punakha Dzong](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/120468830.NV6EEsJV.Bhutan20092132.jpg) White stupa in the northern courtyard, Punakha Dzong |
![Northern Courtyard, Punakha Dzong](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/120468832.PybKIOQM.Bhutan20092133.jpg) Northern Courtyard, Punakha Dzong |
![White Stupa, Punakha Dzong](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/120468835.2fmCjLhK.Bhutan20092134.jpg) White Stupa, Punakha Dzong |
![Chorten of the First Courtyard, Punakha Dzong](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/120468730.ewI4gLp2.Bhutan20092051.jpg) Chorten of the First Courtyard, Punakha Dzong |
![Chorten of the First Courtyard, Punakha Dzong](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/120468732.vbg0b0X8.Bhutan20092053.jpg) Chorten of the First Courtyard, Punakha Dzong |
![First Courtyard, Punakha Dzong](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/120468731.zt5ZkaP4.Bhutan20092052.jpg) First Courtyard, Punakha Dzong |
![First Courtyard, Punakha Dzong](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/120468733.TXqNI29B.Bhutan20092054.jpg) First Courtyard, Punakha Dzong |
![Sacred Bodhi Tree in the First Courtyard, Punakha Dzong](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/120468734.84PZ4ERE.Bhutan20092055.jpg) Sacred Bodhi Tree in the First Courtyard, Punakha Dzong |
![Administrative center of Punakha Dzong - the First (Northern) Courtyard](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/120468829.0OVi7HDq.Bhutan20092131.jpg) Administrative center of Punakha Dzong - the First (Northern) Courtyard |
![Administrative center of Punakha Dzong - the First (Northern) Courtyard](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/120468828.1niAWho8.Bhutan20092128.jpg) Administrative center of Punakha Dzong - the First (Northern) Courtyard |
![Carved bannister of the upper gallery, Punakha Dzong](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/120468827.uQ3ExYzJ.Bhutan20092126.jpg) Carved bannister of the upper gallery, Punakha Dzong |
![Carved bannister of the upper gallery, Punakha Dzong](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/120468826.CnYD3hDs.Bhutan20092125.jpg) Carved bannister of the upper gallery, Punakha Dzong |
![First Courtyard, Punakha Dzong](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/120468836.67UsrQX3.Bhutan20092135.jpg) First Courtyard, Punakha Dzong |
![The utse (central tower) separates the first and second courtyards](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/120468735.7Kh0mtE9.Bhutan20092056.jpg) The utse (central tower) separates the first and second courtyards |
![Beautifully painted carved bannister around the upper gallery, first courtyard, Punakha Dzong](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/120468736.cE12fAHf.Bhutan20092057.jpg) Beautifully painted carved bannister around the upper gallery, first courtyard, Punakha Dzong |
![First Courtyard, Punakha Dzong](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/120468737.DL0JRxug.Bhutan20092058.jpg) First Courtyard, Punakha Dzong |
![Our guide to the wonders of Bhutan, Tandin Dorji](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/120468738.T9YYf9rv.Bhutan20092059.jpg) Our guide to the wonders of Bhutan, Tandin Dorji |
![Punakha Dzong - Shrine to the Queen of the Naga Spirits](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/120468739.xRV7vBw8.Bhutan20092060.jpg) Punakha Dzong - Shrine to the Queen of the Naga Spirits |
![What looks like weather-worn stones - Shrine to the Queen of the Naga Spirits](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/120468740.QImEA5xa.Bhutan20092062.jpg) What looks like weather-worn stones - Shrine to the Queen of the Naga Spirits |
![Passageway, Punakha Dzong](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/120468759.xVr1kf9Z.Bhutan20092065.jpg) Passageway, Punakha Dzong |
![Central Courtyard of Punakha Dzong with 4 large murals](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/120468760.Id8O1p5s.Bhutan20092066.jpg) Central Courtyard of Punakha Dzong with 4 large murals |
![The Wheel of Life held by Yama, the Lord of Death](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/120468761.0JnQzVeN.Bhutan20092067.jpg) The Wheel of Life held by Yama, the Lord of Death |
![Wheel of Life - Six Realms - World of Hell](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/120468762.9NtzThsL.Bhutan20092070.jpg) Wheel of Life - Six Realms - World of Hell |
![Wheel of Life - Six Realms - World of Animals](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/120468763.HfnBQZ43.Bhutan20092071.jpg) Wheel of Life - Six Realms - World of Animals |
![Wheel of Life - Six Realms - World of Humans](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/120468764.k6oFlope.Bhutan20092072.jpg) Wheel of Life - Six Realms - World of Humans |
![Wheel of Life - Six Realms - World of Devas (Gods), Realm of Spiritual Complacency](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/120468765.reAJDjpq.Bhutan20092073.jpg) Wheel of Life - Six Realms - World of Devas (Gods), Realm of Spiritual Complacency |
![Wheel of Life - Six Realms - World of Asuras (Demi-gods)](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/120468766.PcFiZeSJ.Bhutan20092074.jpg) Wheel of Life - Six Realms - World of Asuras (Demi-gods) |
![Wheel of Life - Six Realms - World of Pretas (Hungry Ghosts)](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/120468767.EPNk0VBj.Bhutan20092075.jpg) Wheel of Life - Six Realms - World of Pretas (Hungry Ghosts) |
![Samsara - 3 Mental Poisons - Cock (desirous attachment), Snake (hatred & aggression), Pig (ignorance & confusion)](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/120468768.ii209JD0.Bhutan20092076.jpg) Samsara - 3 Mental Poisons - Cock (desirous attachment), Snake (hatred & aggression), Pig (ignorance & confusion) |
![Yama, the Lord of Death, reminds us of our impermanence](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/120468769.kFhHt4oX.Bhutan20092077.jpg) Yama, the Lord of Death, reminds us of our impermanence |
![Wheel of Life detail from the sextant of Hell](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/120468771.nEHjHNjg.Bhutan20092078.jpg) Wheel of Life detail from the sextant of Hell |
![The Wheel of Life is also called the Wheel of Deluded Existance](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/120468772.VOIOAfeO.Bhutan20092079.jpg) The Wheel of Life is also called the Wheel of Deluded Existance |
![Bhutan2009 2080.jpg](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/120468773.BYDWLHEo.Bhutan20092080.jpg) Bhutan2009 2080.jpg |
![Bhutan2009 2081.jpg](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/120468774.qQnt7nDj.Bhutan20092081.jpg) Bhutan2009 2081.jpg |
![Phagkepo, the Guardian King of the South, blue with a sword in his right hand](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/120468776.Tmma6A2T.Bhutan20092084.jpg) Phagkepo, the Guardian King of the South, blue with a sword in his right hand |
![Dennis, Punakha Dzong](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/120468777.8ao5jgoo.Bhutan20092085.jpg) Dennis, Punakha Dzong |
![Bhutan2009 2086.jpg](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/120468778.mwS78dYW.Bhutan20092086.jpg) Bhutan2009 2086.jpg |
![The Six Symbols of Longevity, a mural at Punakha Dzong](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/120468781.dRy9BXhV.Bhutan20092090.jpg) The Six Symbols of Longevity, a mural at Punakha Dzong |
![Pillar covered with hammered plate](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/120468775.WtBlbvIG.Bhutan20092082.jpg) Pillar covered with hammered plate |
![Pillar with Tak Seng Chung Druk - the Four Powerful Animals](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/120468782.cTtBRxf9.Bhutan20092091.jpg) Pillar with Tak Seng Chung Druk - the Four Powerful Animals |
![One of six gilded pillars, Central Courtyard](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/120468779.XjHbkyyA.Bhutan20092088.jpg) One of six gilded pillars, Central Courtyard |
![Garuda, Snow Leopard, Dragon](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/120468780.KQJUXlhY.Bhutan20092089.jpg) Garuda, Snow Leopard, Dragon |
![Detail of the Garuda and Snow Leopard](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/120468783.1inXtayK.Bhutan20092093.jpg) Detail of the Garuda and Snow Leopard |
![The Central Courtyard of Punakha Dzong](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/120468784.aSYnCWrd.Bhutan20092094.jpg) The Central Courtyard of Punakha Dzong |
![Central Courtyard - 8 Auspicious Offering Bowls](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/120468785.yk2MwVSa.Bhutan20092096.jpg) Central Courtyard - 8 Auspicious Offering Bowls |
![Punakha Dzong - 8 Auspicious Offering Bowls](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/120468786.Tgi04JGb.Bhutan20092097.jpg) Punakha Dzong - 8 Auspicious Offering Bowls |
![Carving detail of the Central Courtyard, Punakha Dzong](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/120468787.vnn1fhYd.Bhutan20092099.jpg) Carving detail of the Central Courtyard, Punakha Dzong |
![Central Courtyard, Punakha Dzong](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/120468788.kJ7KnABs.Bhutan20092102.jpg) Central Courtyard, Punakha Dzong |
![Central Courtyard](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/120468789.WH8yKnpq.Bhutan20092103.jpg) Central Courtyard |
![Central Couryard from the upper gallery, Punakha Dzong](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/120468791.qlcxAKCa.Bhutan20092104.jpg) Central Couryard from the upper gallery, Punakha Dzong |
![Central Couryard from the upper gallery, Punakha Dzong](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/120468792.8wlQL5R4.Bhutan20092105.jpg) Central Couryard from the upper gallery, Punakha Dzong |
![Hammered metal disk with the Kalachakra Tantra - the Tenfold Powerful One](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/120468793.CyupePg2.Bhutan20092106.jpg) Hammered metal disk with the Kalachakra Tantra - the Tenfold Powerful One |
![Painted ceiling over the arcade linking the central and southern courtyards](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/120468794.zMwbabo7.Bhutan20092107.jpg) Painted ceiling over the arcade linking the central and southern courtyards |
![Southern Courtyard, Punakha Dzong](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/120468795.KB0rYmbW.Bhutan20092109.jpg) Southern Courtyard, Punakha Dzong |
![Upper gallery of the Southern Courtyard, Punakha Dzong](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/120468797.q58KOJLy.Bhutan20092111.jpg) Upper gallery of the Southern Courtyard, Punakha Dzong |
![Kuenrey, the temple of Punakha Dzong, Southern Courtyard](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/120468798.F8v8kKmY.Bhutan20092112.jpg) Kuenrey, the temple of Punakha Dzong, Southern Courtyard |
![Kuenrey, the temple of Punakha Dzong, Southern Courtyard](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/120468824.m8ZskJLN.Bhutan20092120.jpg) Kuenrey, the temple of Punakha Dzong, Southern Courtyard |
![Woodcarving, Southern Courtyard, Punakha Dzong](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/120468799.3bmHo01V.Bhutan20092113.jpg) Woodcarving, Southern Courtyard, Punakha Dzong |
![Painting of two dragons holding the Khorlo Wheel](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/120468800.upuyjdeG.Bhutan20092115.jpg) Painting of two dragons holding the Khorlo Wheel |
![Southern Courtyard, Punakha Dzong](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/120468801.9W6Ju2rI.Bhutan20092118.jpg) Southern Courtyard, Punakha Dzong |
![Unfortunately, Bhutan does not allow photos inside the temples](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/120468825.HM3hMqti.Bhutan20092121.jpg) Unfortunately, Bhutan does not allow photos inside the temples |