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Before 1974, the Kingdom of Bhutan was largely unknown to the world, except that it was a small country surrounded by the Himalayan ranges and bordered India and China. Today, Bhutan is seeing thousands of visitors every year with its national carrier, Druk Air, flying direct from destinations such as Singapore, Bangkok, Nepal and India. Punakha, in Western Bhutan, used to be the capital of Bhutan until 1955, when the capital was moved to Thimphu. Punakha is the main district for rice crops in Bhutan so you will be welcomed by beautiful views of the rice paddy fields and terraces. Located at a lower elevation of 1,200 meters (3,937 feet), it is generally warmer compared to places like Thimphu or Paro. It is also a major tourist district with several key attractions, such as Punakha Dzong, Chimi Lhakhang monastery, and Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup nunnery. Travelers will also experience crossing one of the longest suspension bridges in Bhutan and can opt to explore a local bar at night.