Restoration site of Wangdue Phodrang Dzong
The Wangdue Phodrang dzong was founded by the Zhabdrung in 1638 atop a high ridge between the Punak Tsang Chhu and the Dang Chhu, clearly chosen for its commanding view of the valleys below. Wangdi is important in the history of Bhutan because in the early days it was the country's second capital. It is the third oldest dzong in the country after Simtokha and Punakha dzongs, and played a very significant role in Zhabdrung's efforts to unite the country.
When Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel was in Chimi Lhakhang at Punakha, an old cripple approached him and told him that if he built a dzong in Wangdue Phodrang on a ridge that resembled a sleeping elephant, he would unite the country. Zhabdrung concluded that the old man was Yeshey Goenpo (Mahakala) and sent a noble to study the location. The noble reported that he saw four ravens circling the ridge, which flew away in four different directions when he approached. Taking this to be a good omen, Zhabdrung constructed the dzong in 1638. The word "wangdue" means unification of Country, and "Phodrang" means Palace in Dzongkha.
Wangduephodrang in central Bhutan is famous for Lozeys or Ornamental speeches. The annual Wangduephodrang Tshechu was introduced by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal after the completion of the dzong. the three-day annual tshechu is attended by people from Punakha and Thimphu and provides the people with an occasion for merrymaking and reverly, The Tshechu is known for the Raksha Mangcham or the Dance of the Ox. It concludes with the unfurling of the Guru Tshengye Thongdrol where people throng to receive blessings.
Wangdue Dzong has 14 temples, including Kunrey (assembly hall of monks). The Goenkhang has a figure of Gonpo (Mahakala) carved on a stone slab. Sadly the dzong caught fire on 24th June 2012 was virtually destroyed save for the lower walls. The mammoth task of rebuilding is expected to continue untill 2021. As of 2016, the three-storey Kunrey (assembly hall) had been rebuilt but was not open to visitors.
Pele La Pass
The beautiful drive from Wangdue Phodrang east towards the Pele La offers access to central Bhutan and the Phobjikha valley, known for its winter population of black-necked cranes. The pass itself takes you over the Black Mountains, the physical boundary between western and central Bhutan. Pele la pass (3420m), is marked by a chorten and an array of prayer flags. On a clear day (which is rare in these parts) mount Jhomolhari (7314m)& Jichu Drakye (6989m) are visible.
Pele La pass marks the western border of Jigme Singye Wangchuck (formerly the Black Mountains) National Park and is the gateway to central Bhutan.
Its coordinates are 27°33'0" N and 90°13'0" E in DMS (Degrees Minutes Seconds) or 27.55 and 90.2167 (in decimal degrees). Its UTM position is BR25 and its Joint Operation Graphics reference is NG46-01.
Pele La pass marks the western border of Jigme Singye Wangchuck (formerly the Black Mountains) National Park and is the gateway to central Bhutan.
Its coordinates are 27°33'0" N and 90°13'0" E in DMS (Degrees Minutes Seconds) or 27.55 and 90.2167 (in decimal degrees). Its UTM position is BR25 and its Joint Operation Graphics reference is NG46-01.
Gangtey Goemba
Gangtey Goemba is located at about 64 kilometers from Wangdue Phodrang and it will take us about 3 hours to get there. Most tourist and locals alike may vote it for the most beautiful valley in Bhutan on an unofficial poll. The Goemba enjoys the valley’s prime location on a forested hill overlooking the green expanse of the Phojikha valley.
It is headed by the ninth Gangtey Trulku and is the largest Nyingma monastery in western Bhutan. It was founded in 1613 by Gyalse Pema Thinlay, a grandson and reincarnation of influential treasure finder Pema Lingpa.
The entrance to the monastery displays a large painting of Hayagriva. The monks’ ‘dwellings are all around the courtyards while the central tower houses five temples. The porch of the central tower contains paintings of cosmic Mandalas, a Wheel of life, Zangtopelri – The Heaven of Guru Rinpoche, as well as a rare (In Bhutan) picture of the mythical land of Shambala shown inside its circle of snow-capped mountains.
It is headed by the ninth Gangtey Trulku and is the largest Nyingma monastery in western Bhutan. It was founded in 1613 by Gyalse Pema Thinlay, a grandson and reincarnation of influential treasure finder Pema Lingpa.
The entrance to the monastery displays a large painting of Hayagriva. The monks’ ‘dwellings are all around the courtyards while the central tower houses five temples. The porch of the central tower contains paintings of cosmic Mandalas, a Wheel of life, Zangtopelri – The Heaven of Guru Rinpoche, as well as a rare (In Bhutan) picture of the mythical land of Shambala shown inside its circle of snow-capped mountains.
Phobjikha Valley
Phobjikha is a bowl-shaped glacial valley on the western slopes of the Black Mountains, bordering the Jigme Singye Wangchuck National Park. Because of the large flock of black-necked cranes that winters here, it is one of the most important wildlife preserves in the country. In addition to the cranes there are also muntjacs (barking deer), wild boars, sambars, serows, Himalayan black bears, leopards and red foxes in the surrounding hills. The Nakey Chhu drains the marshy valley, eventually flowing into the lower reaches of the Punak Tsang Chhu. Some people refer to this entire region as Gangte (or Gangtey), after the goemba that sits on a ridge above the valley.
Black Necked-Crane Information Centre
Your first stop in Phobjikha should be the information centre of the Royal Society for Protection of Nature’s (RSPN), which has informative displays about the black-necked cranes and the valley environment. You can use the centre’s powerful spotting scopes and check what you see against its pamphlet Field Guide to Crane Behaviour. This is also the centre of the valley’s fledgling ecotourism initiative, and it can arrange mountain-bike hire (Nu 700 per day), a hiking guide (Nu 500) and local homestays.
Black Necked-Crane or Thrung Trung Karmo' as this bird is passionately known in Bhutan is subject of many Bhutanese songs and folklore. They are seen among the painting on the walls of temples and Thankga. These endangered species of cranes migrate from Tibet in late autumn and typically stay till the mid march. The wetland in the center of Phobjikha valley provides the nesting grounds and natural habitat for these black necked cranes.
Black Necked-Crane or Thrung Trung Karmo' as this bird is passionately known in Bhutan is subject of many Bhutanese songs and folklore. They are seen among the painting on the walls of temples and Thankga. These endangered species of cranes migrate from Tibet in late autumn and typically stay till the mid march. The wetland in the center of Phobjikha valley provides the nesting grounds and natural habitat for these black necked cranes.
Gangtey Nature Trek
Our day in precious Phobjikha valley begin with about 2 hours’ trek commonly known as Gangtey Nature Trek. It begins from the mani stone wall to the north of Gantey Goemba to Khewa Lhakhang in the south. All along the trail, you can either try to spot the endangered species of birds, butterflies, plants and animals as well as enjoy the fresh air gushing through the peaceful valley.
Your hike around the villages in the north, central or southern valley will offer you a chance to experience the traditional architecture, daily household activities, farming, culture, religious and community events. You also have options to explore the natural and cultural aspects of the valley depending on our time span of the visit such as Aeko - Shasila - Moel Trek (4 hours), Kilkhorthang - Tsikona - Khemdro Trek (3 hours) and Risu Lam from Gangtey - Kingathang Trial (3 hours). If you wish there are also some higher time frame hikes available from the valley such as Gangtey - Chhuzomsa Trek (2 days), Khemdro - Chendibji ( 7 hours), Tshalila - Rukubji Trek (5 hours) and Zizi via Khebethang - Kamechu in Jigme Singye National Park ( 3 days).
We can hire mountain bikes to bike around the entire valley via a feeder road connecting most of the iconic sites in the valley from temple and monasteries to school and local government centers. Biking will keep your physical fitness checked and let you visit most of the sites in a day before sunset. If you have ample amount of energy left after biking, we can try to accomplish some of the activities recommended by the Black-Necked Crane Information center in their brochure.
Your hike around the villages in the north, central or southern valley will offer you a chance to experience the traditional architecture, daily household activities, farming, culture, religious and community events. You also have options to explore the natural and cultural aspects of the valley depending on our time span of the visit such as Aeko - Shasila - Moel Trek (4 hours), Kilkhorthang - Tsikona - Khemdro Trek (3 hours) and Risu Lam from Gangtey - Kingathang Trial (3 hours). If you wish there are also some higher time frame hikes available from the valley such as Gangtey - Chhuzomsa Trek (2 days), Khemdro - Chendibji ( 7 hours), Tshalila - Rukubji Trek (5 hours) and Zizi via Khebethang - Kamechu in Jigme Singye National Park ( 3 days).
We can hire mountain bikes to bike around the entire valley via a feeder road connecting most of the iconic sites in the valley from temple and monasteries to school and local government centers. Biking will keep your physical fitness checked and let you visit most of the sites in a day before sunset. If you have ample amount of energy left after biking, we can try to accomplish some of the activities recommended by the Black-Necked Crane Information center in their brochure.
Radak Neykhang
By the tall cypress trees of the district court is this timeless 17th-century temple dedicated to an ancient warrior king. The anteroom has a collection of helmets, knives and shields. Inside are five versions of the local protector deity Radrap, one of whom (Terdak Chenpo) is worshipped by the local police, army and royal bodyguards. To the far right is a statue of a local tshomen (water spirit). Roll the chapel dice and the resident monk will read your future.