Wangdue Phodrang

Wangdue Phodrang is a town in central Bhutan, capital of Wangdue Phodrang District, at an elevation of about 1,300 meters, at the confluence of the Punakha Chhu and Tang Chhu rivers. Its population is around 7,000. The town is famous for its historic dzong built in 1638, which was devastated by a fire in 2012 and is currently under reconstruction. The surrounding area is agricultural, producing rice, wheat, and vegetables. Wangdue Phodrang is known for bamboo crafts and pottery. Nearby Phobjikha Valley is a winter home for black-necked cranes (Grus nigricollis). The town serves as a junction for highways to central and eastern Bhutan. The climate is temperate, with January averages around 5°C and July averages around 22°C. The reconstruction of the dzong is expected to complete by 2025.

Nearby cities

Phobjikha Valley

A U-shaped glacial valley at an altitude of 3000 meters, widely known as the winter habitat for the endangered black-necked cranes.

Khuruthang

Khuruthang is a planned new town serving as the commercial hub for the Punakha district, just south of the historic dzong.

Punakha

Punakha was the capital of Bhutan until 1955 and is famous for its majestic dzong situated at the confluence of two major rivers.

Jamalpur

A northern city known for its nakshi kantha (embroidered quilt) handicrafts and agricultural production.

Faridpur

A district in central Bangladesh, historically significant and known for its jute production and river trade.

Lhamoizingkha

Lhamoizingkha is a subtropical border town in Bhutan, situated on the banks of the Sunkosh River in an area with lush vegetation.

Sirajganj

A major river port and transportation hub on the Jamuna River, connecting northern Bangladesh with the rest of the country.

Laya

An isolated high-altitude village at 3800 meters, home to the semi-nomadic Layap people known for their unique conical bamboo hats.

History & landmarks

Gangtey

A historic village at 3000 meters altitude, recognized for the majestic 17th-century Gangtey Goemba monastery.

Gangtey Monastery

The largest Nyingma monastery in Bhutan overlooks the picturesque Phobjikha Valley.

Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Nunnery

An impressive temple and nunnery complex situated on a ridge.

Bagerhat

Bagerhat is a historic town in southwestern Bangladesh, home to a UNESCO-listed 15th-century mosque city built by Khan Jahan Ali.

Bangabandhu Bridge

One of the longest bridges in South Asia, crossing the Jamuna River to connect eastern and western Bangladesh.

Gasa Dzong

A historic mountain fortress built in the 17th century to protect against attacks from the north.

Buddha Dordenma

A gigantic Buddha statue towering over Thimphu.

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Phajoding Monastery

A massive monastery complex high above Thimphu, reached by a steep hike.

Nature

Puna Tsang Chhu

This wide river is formed by the confluence of the Mo Chhu and Pho Chhu, powering important hydroelectric plants in the country.

Padma River

The main distributary of the Ganges in Bangladesh, known for its shifting banks.

Jamuna River

The lower course of the Brahmaputra in Bangladesh, characterized by many sandbars.

Wang Chhu

The main river of the Thimphu Valley runs through Bhutan's capital and forms a picturesque gorge in the west of the country.

Thorthormi Tsho

A rapidly expanding glacial lake in the High Himalayas, under strict scientific observation due to climate change.

More places

Wangdue Phodrang Dzong

A historical fortress dating back to 1638, situated on a ridge.

RSPN Black-Necked Crane Visitor Centre

An interactive and educational center for children and adults, teaching the biology and conservation of black-necked cranes.

Tongshanjiabu

A massive border peak between Bhutan and China, whose slopes are characterized by dangerous crevasses and ice fields.

Teri Kang

Another seven-thousander peak in the northern mountain range, hidden deep within the rugged glacial valleys.

Phipsoo Wildlife Sanctuary

A sanctuary in southern Bhutan known for its chital deer populations and as a habitat for Asian elephants and tigers.

Masang Kang

A prominent, snow-capped mountain in Jigme Dorji National Park, revered as a protector from the local valleys.

Royal Botanical Park Lampelri

Bhutan's first botanical park, offering rich biodiversity with over 46 rhododendron species and many native birds.

Madhupur Tract

An elevated plateau in central Bangladesh, known for its reddish soils and Sal tree forests.