Wangduephodrang is one of the largest Dzongkhag (districts) in the country. As the district covers 4,308 sq. km and ranges from 800-5800 m in altitude it has extremely varied climatic conditions ranging from Sub-Tropical forests in the south to cool and snowy regions in the north. Wangdue Phodrang is an important gateway to the far-flung districts of Eastern Bhutan. The dzong perched on a ridge overlooking the Punatsangchu and Dangchu rivers was built in 1639. As the name speaks the dzong of Wangdue held a powerful position during pre-monarchy days. Apart from the great dzong, its cultural wonders lie in the villages.
Detour the villages of Gaselo and Nahee towards the west of the dzong. Likewise, enjoy the tales of shaman culture in the Shaa regions of Wangdue and listen to the ornamental speeches or Lozeys of Shaa and visit the ancestral home of Pema Tshewang Tashi, the knight whose Lozey remains a favorite amongst the Bhutanese.
Wangdue Phodrang Dzong important
One of the most notable sites in the district is Phobjikha Valley. This valley is the habitat of rare and endangered Black Necked Cranes that roost there during their annual migrations. The residents of the valley have garnered much acclaim for their conservation efforts to preserve the habitat of these beautiful birds. Every year the Black Necked Crane Festival is held in Phobjikha to protect and spread awareness of the cranes.
The Festival includes songs, masked dances, and plays by the local school children. This event is one of the most unique and popular festivals in the country. Wangduephodrang district has a rich tapestry of ancient Buddhist temples and monasteries that is sure to enrapture any visitor.