This is the last town before we make entry into Central Bhutan. The town shares its name with the Wangdue Phodrang Dzong built in 1638 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel. During the time of Lama Neten Pelden Singye, the Dzong was damaged by a severe earthquake and rebuilt. Dzongpon Damchung was also involved in the renovation, although the date is not known. During the reign of the late king, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, the dzong was renovated under the supervision of Dronyer Pema Wangdi.

 Sitting on the top hill, the formidable dzong is the town’s most visible features. The town itself is the little more than an enlarged village with well-provided shops and hotels. The drive from Wangdue to Trongsa is one of the most scenic in Bhutan while passing through streams, forests and villages before climbing the Petela pass on the Black Mountain range into the Trongsa valley. A few kilometers past the Gangtey Gompa is the village of Phobjikha, one of the winter homes of the Black Necked cranes which migrate to Bhutan from Central Asia.

Wangdue Phodrang has its own monasteries, nature parks and passes and such a beautiful rugged unspoilt countryside that you wouldn’t want to miss a trip to Wangdue Phodrang. There are just so many tourist places to visit here.