Wangdue Phodrang

Wangdue Phodrang is the last District before reaching the central Bhutan. The high way to the central Bhutan passes from this District. Wangduephodrang valley provides rich pastureland for cattle. This district is also famous for its fine bamboo products, slate and stone carvings. Wangdue Phodrang is also known for the Lozeys or the ornamental speeches.

• Bajo Thang Town

The old Wangdue Phodrang town located near the Dzong is shifted to Bajo. The Bajo Town is a small town built above Punatsangchhu and near the farmland. The town provides platform for the people of Wangdue and Punakha to conduct their business activities. The town looks much busier on Sundays as it is day when local people bring their farm products in the market.

• Wangdue Phodrang Dzong

The Wangdue Phodrang Dzong is stretched along the hilltop above the confluence of the Punatsangchhu and Dhangchhu rivers. Wangdue Phodrang Dzong is the town’s most visible feature.  During pre-monarchy days, the governor of this dzong played an important role. The Dzong is open for visitors during Wangduephodrang Tshechu celebrated in autumn.

• The Temple of Sha Radap

Rada Lhakhang or the Temple of Sha Radap is located near the Wangdue Phodrang Dzong. The Temple is dedicated to the the guardain deity of Wangdue Phodrang region known as Sha Radap. The people of Wangdue known as Sha, regularly visits the temple to seek blessing from the deity. New born childs are also brought in this temple to get blessing and names. Visiting this lhakhang is very good opportunity and is worth paying a visit

• Gangtey Goemba/ Phobjikha Valley

Situated south of the main road and east of Wangdue Phodrang is Gangtey, the largest village of the Phobjikha Valley. In its center is the Gangtey Goemba, a monastery dating back to the mid 17th century. The village of Phobjikha lies a few km. down from the monastery, on the valley floor.  This quiet, remote valley is the winter home of black necked cranes, which migrate from the arid plains of Tibet in the north, to pass the winter months in a milder climate.
Perched on a small hill that rises from the valley floor, the Gangtey Monastery is the only Nyingmapa monastery on the western side of the Black Mountain’s and also the biggest Nyingmapa monastery in Bhutan. The Monastery is surrounded by a large village inhabited mainly by the families of the 140 Gomchens who take care of the Monastery.

• Villages of Gaselo and Nahee

The Gaselo and Nahee villages are located in the western part of Wangdue Dzongkhag. In these villages one can have rejoicing traditional Bhutanese village life. The surrounding sceneries of farmland and the beautiful valley is fascinating.

• The Southern Villages of Adha and Rukha

Adha and Rukha is another beautiful village worth visiting. It is located in the southern part of the Wangdue District. The people here are kind and live up with the age-old traditions.

You could also use a farm house stay and help distribute tourism income to the villages. Summer months are not recommended for cultural groups. The biting midges (sand flies), mosquitoes and leeches are instrument of raw adventure and may not entice the cultural visitors. The highlights are an experience into Adha and Rukha farming life. The farmers will tell tales of mermaids and kings. Let them show you the secrets of making roasted fish.

• Shaa region

Shaa region lies in eastern part of Wangdue. The region celebrates Bonko (an animist festival) once in every three years. The farmers here practice animism but call themselves Buddhists. That is the thrill to experience for every visitor.