Wangdue Phodrang

Wangdue Phodrang Dzong crowns a narrow ridge between the Punatsang Chhu and Dang Chhu in western Bhutan. From this commanding site its walls overlook the valleys below. The fortress served as a seat of both religious and civil authority, with courtyards arranged along the ridge and a governor administering the surrounding Shar country.

Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal founded the dzong in 1638 during the consolidation of Bhutan. One tradition tells that an old man described a ridge like a sleeping elephant and urged him to build there in order to unite the country. People of Wang and Shar Dar Gyad took part in the work, including skilled masons from Rinchengang. In 1683 Tenzin Rabgye enlarged the fortress, adding courtyards along the spine of the ridge.