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About Wangdue Phodrang

Visit monasteries, explore villages, observe the local lifestyle & attend Black Necked Crane Festival

Wangdue Phodrang is one of the largest districts in Bhutan, and most of it is environmentally protected. What makes it fascinating for tourists is places like Phobjikha Valley, which is where the rare Black Necked Cranes roost during their migrations. The importance of the bird is so great that every year, the Black Necked Crane Festival is held to honour it. Apart from the monasteries, you can visit the villages and observe the daily lifestyle of the villagers. It also hosts the Wangdue Tshechu festival which is held over a course of three days in autumn.

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Wangdue Phodrang Tourism

An insight into Wangdue Phodrang in Bhutan that will help you get a wonderful holiday experience.

Wangdue Phodrang is a charming little laid back town located in the second largest Dzongkhag (district) of Bhutan, sharing its name with the city. Encircled by Wangchuck Centennial Park on the north, Jigme Dorji National Park on the north-west and Jigme Singye Wangchuck National Park on the south-east, it is the centerpoint of the country’s ecological and conservation works. A rustic countryside dotted with verdant meadows, mist-covered peaks and luxuriant pasturelands, it is a paradise for nature lovers and soul seekers alike.

When it comes to sightseeing, Wangdue proves to be a delight. The impressive ‘Wangdue Phodrang Dzong’, overlooking the convergence of the Dang Chhu and Punatsang Chhu rivers, sits as the town’s most important heritage site and a popular tourist attraction. The premises of the dzong is home to another must visit place in the city, the famous ‘Sha Radap Temple’, also called ‘Rada Lhakhang’. Dedicated to the guardian deity of the region, it is a shrine of great religious significance and invites both locals and tourists alike.

Those looking for some cultural exploration in Bhutan, Wangdue Phodrang is sure to leave them with an experience unmatched. ‘Rinchegang Village’, located just a few kilometers from the Wangdue Dzong, serves as the home to the country’s finest stone carvers. Stop by here for some time and witness the amazing fiesta of traditional Bhutanese masonry. And if you are someone seeking a glimpse into the Bhutanese way of life, the ‘Adha and Rakha Villages’ to the south of Wangdue town sit as rural gems of the region. Many homestays sprout through these villages and provide for a warm hospitality of the local people. Spend a night with these ever charming people, relishing on their local cuisine and listening to the folklore that permeates every aspect of the culture here.

Wangdue Phodrang is also a place that acts as a gateway to the famous ‘Phobjikha Valley’, a winter resting ground for the endangered and sacred black necked cranes. Besides the cranes, the valley is best known for its beautiful and revered shrine, ‘Gangtey Goemba’. Perched on a forested hillock, the 450 years old monastery complex today houses a central prayer hall, monk’s quarters and several meditation rooms. The monastery also serves as a ground for the popular festival every year in November. Traditional masked dances by the monks and lamas is the major highlight of the festival and leaves travellers with a spellbinding cultural extravaganza.

Best time to Visit Wangdue Phodrang

Home to Black-Necked Crane and a plethora of trekking trails, Wangdue Phodrang is best visited in summer and winter seasons.

The spring season, from March through May, is one of the most ideal times to visit Wangdue. Clear skies and a salubrious weather lend it a perfect ambience to venture on outdoor activities like trekking and hiking. Those with a quest for birdwatching must plan a trip here around winters when the valley is bustling with black-necked cranes, providing for a marvellous spectacle.

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How to Reach Wangdue Phodrang?

With excellent road connectivity and proximity with the airport at Paro, reaching Wangdue Phodrang is easy.

Wangdue Phodrang is best travelled by air to the country’s solo international airport in Paro. After reaching Paro, get transferred to Wangdue by bus or cab. Travelling time would be close to three hours. In case you are arriving by road from India, take an entry via the Jaigaon-Phuentsholing border and proceed to the destination by bus or taxi which plies at regular intervals from the checkpoint.

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