Dagana District – Daga Dzong, founded in 1651
The history of Dagana is closely tied to Daga Dzong, which was established in 1651 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the unifier of Bhutan. The fortress remains the administrative and religious centre of the district to this day.
Local legend surrounds its founding: three megaliths – the sky pillar rock Do Namkhai Kaw, the rock of ancient steps Do Kelpai Genthey and the frontier sky fortress Tha Namkhai Dzong – are associated with the story of how the dzong was built. Monasteries such as Shathong Lhakhang and Nyindukha Lhakhang add to the district's spiritual heritage. Today Dagana, in the lower foothills of the Himalaya, lives mainly from farming and livestock. Do you know more legends from Dagana? We'd love to hear them!