Wangdue Phodrang (altitude 1300m) - Picturesque village famous for fine bamboo products, slate and stone carvings

Wangduephodrang is the last town on the central highway before central Bhutan and shares its name with the Wangdue Phodrang Dzong.  This name is said to have been given by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal who was searching for best location for the dzong to prevent excursion from south. At the banks of Punak Tsang Chhu river, Zhabdrung encountered a boy named Wangdi playing besides the river and moved to name the dzong Wangdue - later Wangdue – Phodrang (Wangdi’s Palace). Located in the south of Punakha, the higher reaches of the Wangduephodrang valley provide rich pastureland for cattle. This district is also famous for its fine bamboo products, slate and stone carvings. The new Wangdue town built as administrative centre for Wangduephodrang district is developed at Bajothang, located 4 km north of old town and 30-minute drive from Punakha.

Places of Tourist Interest in Wangduephodrang

Wangduephodrang Dzong
Founded by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1638, on the top of high ridge between Punak Tsang Chhu and Dang Chhu rivers, offering fantastic of the valley below, Wangdue Dzong holds special place in Bhutan’s history. The strategic location of the dzong, provided Penlop (Governor) of Wangduephodrang, chance to protect the routes to Trongsa, Punakha, Dagana and Thimphu making him the third most powerful ruler after Governors of Paro and Trongsa. The Dzong got damaged by fire in 2012 and currently under restoration which is scheduled to completed by 2022 to its original grandeur.

Rinchengang Village
Mesmerising Rinchengang village is located on hill opposite Wangduephodrang Dzong, above the West-East national highway. The village’s old traditional mud-houses are in clustered form with ancient look which is quite unique in comparison to other Bhutanese villages. The entire village is close knit community and according to legends its early settlers were hired in early 17th century by saint Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal as construction labourers from Cooch Bihar in India, for the construction of Wangdue Dzong. They were exceptionally skilled in stone masonry and contributed heavily to the construction of Dzong. In recognition of their contribution, they were offered permanent settlement at this village. Rinchengang is considered one of the oldest villages in Bhutan and still retains its age-old cultures and traditions. Surrounded by terraced rice fields, its is about 15-minutes’ walk to the village from the highway from where one can get fantastic view of Wangduephodang Dzong and Punatsang Chhu river.    

Adha Rukha
The picturesque villages of Adha Rukha are excellent places to get an insight into lifestyle and culture of Bhutanese village community. The entire village practices organic farming and the visit to the village provides wonderful opportunity to experience traditional farming techniques and the warmth of classical Bhutanese hospitality. There are lovely camping spots in the villages while visitors also have option of experiencing village homestays.

Located towards the south of Wangdue town, these villages are at lower altitude and having tropical vegetation so not so pleasant in summer and autumn and spring are better times to explore these villages.