Bhutan Tourism

Wanduephodrang

Wangduephodrang is the last town on the central highway before central Bhutan. The town is no more than an enlarged village with a few well-provided shops.

One hotel with basic facilities is situated behind Wangduephodrang’s square. Sitting on top of the hill looking out over the junction of the two rivers, Wangduephodrang Dzong is the town’s most visible feature. In the 17th Century Wangduephodrang played a critical role in unifying the western,central and southern Bhutanese districts.

Situated south of the road and east of Wangduephodrang, Gantey Gompa is an old monastery dating back to the 17th Century. The Gompa itself is similar in style to the temples found in many Bhutanese Dzong. Its situation, however, is remarkable.

After a difficult drive south through the mountains, the road from the highway leads to a rare opening into a golden field of maize and yake. A few kilometers past the Gompa on the valley floor is the village of Phobjika. This is the winter home of black-necked cranes that migrate from the arid plains in the north to pass the winter in milder and lower climes.

The monastery is vacant during winter months as the monk body retreats further into the valley.


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