Wangdue Phodrang – The Abode of Wangdue Phodrang Dzong
The last town in Western Bhutan, Wangdue Phodrang is the origin of the fascinating ‘Shaman’ culture and the magniloquence speeches of Shaa. Legends have it that Zhabdrung Rinpoche, while searching for an ideal location for a dzong, encountered an innocent local boy scampering along the riverbank. He was so touched by the boy’s innocence that he named the dzong as ‘Wangdi’s Palace’ and eventually the entire district got its name Wangdue Phodrang or Wangdue or Wangdi.
Pristine and gorgeously cossetted by lush greeneries, this Bhutanese region is the home to many endangered flora and fauna. Thus, the district is listed as one of the environmentally protected regions in the Land of Thunder Dragons. Wangchuck Centennial Park, Jigme Dorji National Park, and Jigme Singye Wangchuck National Park are three of the captivating national parks that can be accessed from Wangdue Phodrang.
Red Pandas, Leopards, Tigers, Black Necked Cranes, White-Bellied Heron, and Spotted Eagle are some of the rare and exotic wildlife and avifauna species found in this region.
Best Time to Visit Wangdue Phodrang: Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November)
Tourist Attractions
Wangdue Dzong:
This magnificent Dzong was built on a hillock that looks like a giant sleeping elephant. It was built by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1638 at the confluence of Dang Chu and Punatshang chu. On 24th June 2012, the Dzong caught fire and it was burnt down but much of the historical relics were moved to safety. It is under renovation now and the annual Wangdue festival is held at Tencholing ground.
Gangtey:
The valley of Gangtey is of a picture postcard setting. It is a lush and green valley that is wide and flat without any trees. For a visitor, this is a pleasant surprise as most of Bhutan’s valleys are tightly enclosed and adorned by looming trees. And sitting majestically in the valley is the much-revered Gangtey Monastery.
Gangtey Goempa:
Gangtey Gompa was established in 1613 by 1st Gangtey Trulku Rigdzin Pema Tinley, the Grandson of Terton Pema Lingpa. It was originally built as a small village monastery and it was later enlarged by the 2nd Gangtey Trulku, Tenzing Legpai Dhendup. Under the present Gangtey Trulku Rigdzin Kunzang Pema Namgyal, the restoration work of the monastery was started in 2002 and completed in 2008.
It is built on a spur overlooking a cup shaped Phobjikha valley below at an altitude of 3000 m. The monastery is surrounded by Gangtey village. This monastery is one of the important Nyingmapa monasteries in western Bhutan. The annual Gangtey festival is held here.
Multiple hiking trails in the valleys.
From soaking in the peace and tranquility of the valley, visitors can partake in day hikes with trails ranging from easy to difficult. From walking through pine forests, temples and villages laden with prayer flags, hikers can even interact with the locals if they so choose to. Also, the various bird species along the trails make it ideal for bird watchers and photography enthusiasts.
A full day hike around Phobjikha valley begins at the base of Hotel Dewachen or from Khewang temple for those who prefer to drive up to the temple. There are many trails to choose from depending on the preference of hikers. The Shasila trail for example is frequented by people of Sha Ngawang and Chitokha to migrate between their summer and winter homes in Gangtey. This trail is highly recommended for bird watchers. For fit and adventurous hikers, the slightly more difficult Khotokha trail is a big hit. Along the route, hikers can visit the monastery and farmhouses before stopping to dig into their packed lunch boxes.