Wangchulo Dzong in Haa is one of the newest, built in 1915 to replace a smaller structure. Unlike the other dzongs in the country, those were built on hilly terrain mainly to protect the valley from invading foreign enemies.
Wangchulo Dzong is located at the base of the Haa valley and it solely served as an administrative office for Haa dzongkhag Administration. It had a rage square structure with battered (inward-sloping) walls.
Wangchu Lo Dzong, also known as Haa Dzong, is a recently built fortress in Bhutan, erected in 1915 to replace an earlier, smaller structure. Located on the eastern side of Haa in the Damchu Village, it is one of the first landmarks one encounters upon entering the Haa district. Originally constructed in 1895 following the appointment of the first Drungpa, Head of Sub-district, the fortress served as a line of defence against Tibetan invasions due to its proximity to the Tibetan borders.
According to legend, Wangchulo Dzong was constructed to counter the harmful influence of serpent deities on the people and their livestock. Locals believe that there are 108 serpent deities in the surrounding area, and some of the stupas built to pacify them still stand to this day.
Despite its smaller size, Wangchulo Dzong’s design is no less impressive than other, larger fortresses in Bhutan. However, it suffered significant damage due to a fire in 1913. Gongzim Ugyen Dorje commenced construction of a new fortress in the same year.
The fortress served as an administrative office for the Royal Government of Bhutan and the Indian Military Training Team. In 1963, the Indian Military took over the responsibility of Wangchulo Dzong and transformed it into a training and coordination center.
In order to cater to expatriate officials, Wangchulo Dzong also undertook the responsibility of maintaining venues such as the Wangchuk Lo Dzong Military School, a military hospital, and a school for the children of Indian expatriates. As a result of these activities, most of the festivals in Haa are celebrated in Lhakhang Karpo instead.
FAQs on Wangchulo Dzong
Wangchulo Dzong was built in 1915 to replace a smaller structure. It was constructed as an administrative office for Haa dzongkhag Administration and served as a line of defense against Tibetan invasions due to its proximity to the Tibetan borders.
The primary purpose of Wangchulo Dzong is to serve as an administrative office for the Royal Government of Bhutan and the Indian Military Training Team. It has also been transformed into a training and coordination center by the Indian Military.
Wangchulo Dzong has a rage square structure with battered (inward-sloping) walls. Despite its smaller size, its design is no less impressive than other, larger fortresses in Bhutan.
According to legend, Wangchulo Dzong was constructed to counter the harmful influence of serpent deities on the people and their livestock. Locals believe there are 108 serpent deities in the surrounding area, and some of the stupas built to pacify them still stand to this day.
Wangchulo Dzong maintained venues such as the Wangchuk Lo Dzong Military School, a military hospital, and a school for the children of Indian expatriates to cater to expatriate officials.
