Wangdue Phodrang – The dzong of 1638 guarding central Bhutan
Wangdue Phodrang in central Bhutan takes its name from the great dzong built in 1638 that dominates the district. According to tradition, the name was given by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the unifier of Bhutan, who was looking for the best place for a fortress to guard against incursions from the south.
For centuries the dzong served as a strategic stronghold and as an administrative and religious centre of the region, making Wangdue Phodrang an important crossroads between western and eastern Bhutan. Today the district, also a thromde (municipality), combines rural valleys with a growing town. Do you know legends, festivals or family stories from Wangdue Phodrang? Share them with our community!