Punākha, Bhutan

With a population of just 21,500, Punākha is a sleepy Bhutanese town that serves as the winter capital. While the Punākha Dzong is an architectural marvel, the reality of daily life here is one of persistent bureaucratic headaches and natural disasters. Flash floods from glacial lake outbursts are a common occurrence, having damaged the historic dzong on multiple occasions. And the region's extreme climate - with sweltering summers and frigid winters - can be a challenge for the uninitiated. Overall, Punākha offers a glimpse of traditional Bhutanese culture, but its remote location and environmental risks make it better suited for seasoned expats than newcomers.