Pungthang Dechen Phodrang Dzong at Punakha, the administrative and religious center of the district, is the winter home of Bhutan's Dratshang Lhentshog (Central Monk Body).

Since the 1680s the dzong has also been the site of a continuous vigil over the earthly body of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the founder of the country, which lies in a special chamber in the dzong.

Punakha Dzong was the capital of Bhutan during the time of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal.

[2] Punakha District is divided into eleven village blocks (or gewogs):[3] Over half of Punakha District (the gewogs of Chhubu, Goenshari, Kabisa and Toewang) lies within Jigme Dorji National Park, one of the protected areas of Bhutan.

The dzongkhag also contains biological corridors along the Thimphu District border.