Punakha Dzong

We arrived in Punakha the day before the Royal Wedding in October 2011. As a consequence the security was even sillier than usual although the random body searches were even more random than usual as well. The minute they saw an expensive camera you were waved through on the not unreasonable assumption that tourists are there to take photos rather than plant explosive devices. Until not so long ago Punakha was one of the two capitals of Bhutan and it still retains its role as a ceremonial capital, so that the king and his bride had to do their stuff here first before going on to Thimpu for the main event. Very picturesque even with the annoying tat of Royal Wedding bunting and associated paraphernalia. Getting into the place was quite an effort for those of an unfit disposition with staircases which would fail any western health and safety assessement.