The charming region of Punakha is home to one of the most beautiful dzongs in Bhutan. It can be reached by a scenic 3 hour drive from Thimphu after you have crossed over the Dochu La Pass where, if you are lucky, you can get a view of the Himalaya mountains that form the northern border of Bhutan. From the pass you drop down into Punakha Valley where you will find terraced rice fields and the Chimi Lhakhang (Temple of Fertility) which was built in the 15th century by the ‘Divine Madman' (Lama Drukpa Kuenley). You will also find the imposing Punakha Dzong or "Palace of Great Happiness" which was built in 1637, and sits in a strategic, and beautiful, position at the confluence of two rivers, the Po Chu and the Mo Chu. The dzong is home to an exhibition of traditional Bhutanese cantilever bridges (known as bazams) in its tower.