Wangdue Phodrang Dzong

Wangdue Phodrang Dzong stands on a ridge above the meeting of the Punakha Chhu and Dang Chhu, built in 1638 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal as he brought western Bhutan under one authority. Its position controlled the routes east and south, which is why it mattered far beyond the valley it sits in.

On 24 June 2012 fire destroyed the building. The dzong was under renovation at the time and most of its relics were already in storage, which is the only reason they survived. It was rebuilt on royal command with seismic reinforcement, fire detection and an escape tunnel built in, and reconsecrated on 11 November 2022 in the presence of the King and the Je Khenpo.