Wangdue Phodrang Dzong
དབང་འདུས་ཕོ་བྲང་རྫོང་
An ancient dzong on a ridge where two rivers meet. Destroyed by fire in 2012, it was rebuilt in the original style in 2022, reviving traditional Bhutanese construction techniques.
Wangdue Phodrang Dzong was built by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1638. It sits on a narrow ridge where the Punakha and Dang Chhu rivers meet. Its strong position made it a stronghold that controlled traffic through central and western Bhutan. A fire in 2012 nearly destroyed the dzong. The government then rebuilt it over about a decade using traditional techniques, and it reopened in 2022. The new dzong keeps the original layout and rammed-earth and timber construction. Every autumn, the Wangdue Tshechu festival is held here. You can stop to visit on the way from Punakha to Phobjikha Valley. Getting there: about 30 minutes by car south of Punakha Dzong. Note: the dzong houses government offices, so the areas open to visitors are subject to change, and you must wear formal dress to enter.
Opening hours
About 09:00–17:00 (check on site)
Nearby sights
- Chimi Lhakhang
- Punakha Dzong
- Punakha Suspension Bridge
- Dochula Pass
- Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten
- Simtokha Dzong
- Buddha Dordenma
- Centenary Farmers Market