Punakha, the old capital of Bhutan, is still the winter home of Je Khenpo (the chief abbot). Blessed with temperate climate and its natural water source from Pho Chhu (male) and Mo Chhu (female) rivers, the Punakha pit produces abundant crops and fruits. There are fantastic views of the remote Himalayas at Dochula passing on Thimphu – Punakha highway. Punakha Dzong is perhaps the most amazing dzong in the country, especially in early spring when the lilac-colored jacaranda trees bring a rich sensuality to the dzong’s characteristically towering whitewashed surfaces. This dzong was the second to be built in Bhutan, and it served as the capital and abode of the royals till the mid-1950s. All of Bhutan’s kings have been crowned here.