Wangdue Phodrang Dzong, commonly known as Wangdue Dzong, is a prominent fortress monastery located in the town of Wangdue Phodrang in central Bhutan. “Dzong” translates to “fortress” in the Bhutanese language, and these structures serve both as administrative centers and religious institutions.
The Wangdue Dzong was built by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal(Unifier of Bhutan) in 1638. It is located in a strategic location on the top of the high ridge between the two rivers Puna Tsang Chhu and the Dang Chhu. On the slopes, you will lot of wild cactus for protecting the Dzong from invaders. The fortress was very important in the history of Bhutan because due to its functioning as the second capital.
The Dzong or Fortress caught fire on 24 June 2012 and was completely destroyed. The dzong construction completed in the year 2022. It was funded by the Government of India. The Main Tower of the Dzong is constructed with Bhutanese unique wood carvings.
As per the legend, the people of the valley searched for a site for the fortress. As per the history of Wangdue Dzong, Four ravens were seen flying away in four directions. This was considered an auspicious sign in the Buddhist religion which represents the spreading of religion to the four directions.
The original dzong was built in 1638 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the founder of Bhutan, as a defense against Tibetan invasions. Over the centuries, the dzong has undergone multiple renovations and expansions.
When Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel was in Chimi Lhakhang. He meets an old cripple who told him that if he built a dzong in Wangdue Phodrang on the hilltop with a stiff ridge that resembled a sleeping elephant, he would unite Bhutan. Zhabdrung concluded that the old man was Yeshey Goenpo (Mahakala) and sent a noble to study the location.
The Wangdue Phodrang Dzong is strategically situated on a ridge overlooking the convergence of the Puna Tsang Chu and Dang Chu rivers in the Wangdue Phodrang District.
Like most dzongs in Bhutan, Wangdue Dzong features traditional Bhutanese architecture with thick walls, wooden cantilevered balconies, and white-washed stone buildings with red and gold finishing. The Dzong is one of the sights while you are in Wangdue or passing towards Phubjikha or beyond.
The dzong served as an administrative center for the district and housed both monastic and government offices. It was an essential hub for religious and secular activities. In 2012, a fire broke out, causing extensive damage to the fortress. Construction was carried out with funding from the Government of India and completed in the year 2022-23.
Every year during the month of September or October months the Wangdue Tshechu or religious festival will take place at the dzong. During this colorful event, locals gather to witness mask dances, cultural performances, and religious ceremonies.
Before the fire, the Wangdue Dzong was a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors with its cultural and historical significance.
Entry fee for Tourist Nu. or Rs(IC).500.00(which is equivalent to US$6-7.
Rinchengang Village is opposite Wangdue Dzong, which is nearly 3 km from the Dzong. You have to hike 20-30 minutes uphill to reach the village. The village is related to the history of the Dzong. Those people residing at Richengang village were skilled laborers brought from India and Nepal to build the Wangdue Phodrang Dzong.
Zhabdrung Nawang Namgyel the founder of Bhutan who built the Dzong brought skilled laborers from neighboring countries to work. It is considered one of the oldest villages in Bhutan. You can see a monastery located middle of the clustered house.