Punakha Dzong was built by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyel in 1637. This massive Dzong is beautifully located in between the two rivers called Pho ‘male’ Chhu and Mo ‘female’ Chhu. It was the capital of Bhutan till 1955. The establishment of the Wangchuck Dynasty on 17 December, 1907, took place here and the first National Assembly was also held in this Dzong in 1953. Punakha Dzong continues to be the winter residence of the Je Khenpo (Chief Abbot) and the Central Monastic Body. The Dzong was renovated a few years ago and the wood and brass carvings are worth seeing.