Wangduephodrang Tourism Guide
Wangdi Tourism Guide
Wangduephodrang district is rich in monasteries and Buddhist shrines. Dolung Goemba, in Khotokha, was built by the 2nd Je Khenpo Sonam Yozer towards the end of the 17th century after he found a peculiar rock with a hole through it. The chief abbot took the rock to be an auspicious relic and built the monastery to commemorate the sacred object. Other relics in the monastery include the mask of the Raksha. You can also check Wangdi Festival
Wangduephodrang Tourism Guide helps the traveller to understand the place, Things to do and the best time to visit. Wangdi is very popular for winter treks like Samtengang Trek and Gangtye Trek. One can also explore the century-old monastery and luxury hotels like Amankora, Pema Ko and Uma by COMO.
Places not to miss in Wangdi
The famed Gangtey monastery, also known as Gangtey Sanga Choeling Goemba, is located on a hill at approximately 2,800 meters above sea level. The location offers a stunning view of the Phobjikha valley, home to endangered black-necked cranes. The monastery was founded by Je Kuenga Gyeltshen in 1613. The current emanation of Terton Pema Lingpa, the Gangtey Trulku, is the Chief Abbot of the sanctuary. You can also hike from the monastery till your hotel
Located on a ridge high above the Dangchu river, the Nyizergang Lhakhang was built by Terton Wugpa Lingpa in the 13th century. It was initially called Gedunchholing, and the main relic of the monastery is an object representing the Za (planetary deity) and a necklace with a bead of Za (rare knots of wood).
The Rinchenling Shedra is a monastic school in Khotokha. It was built on a site originally occupied by a temple built by Longchen Rabjam in the 14th century as one of the monasteries of the Lingchen Gyed (the eight vast plains)
An important site of pilgrimage in the region is Boe Langdra, associated with the subjugation of a local deity by Guru Padmasambhava in the 8th century AD. The Nye, or sacred site, remained unknown until Terton Dorji Lingpa discovered it. The 14th Je Khenpo Tenzin Namgyel (1775-81) restored the ruins to its religious significance.
Kubum Lhakhang, in Phobjikha valley, is a Bon temple built by Zhabdrung Tshenden Dulwa in the 13th century. The name is derived from the 100,000 images of the Bon founder Tonpa Shenrab painted in gold on the walls of the Lhakhang. Radra Nekhang is the abode of a well-known local deity, the Radra. The deity is reputed to supernaturally aid people who solicit his help, be it in battle, business, or the more mundane aspects of acquiring wealth and fame. Chungney Goemba, in Phangyul, founded in 1655 by Thinley Pelbar, a disciple of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel, is another sacred monastery in the district.
Dargay Goemba in Chungsegang was built on the spot where Drukpa Kuenley (the Divine Madman) met Ashi Genzo, a famed beauty of the region. It began as a Drubdey or meditation center used by Ngawang Drakpa, the son of Lam Ngawang Chogyal.
Wangduephodrang presents a rich ethnic and linguistic mosaic.
Most speak Ngalongpakha, the “language of the earliest risen”, but in a localized patois form. Other languages of the region include Monkha, Lakha, and Mangdekha.
A wide range of festivals is performed across the district. The most popular are the tshechu besides Nyilog (winter solstice), Lhabon, Bangko, and the recently introduced crane festival.
Wangdue is also known for archery games where local teams solicit the help of astrologers and local deities for victory. In Kashi and Nyisho, the unique tradition of playing archery wearing Patang (sword) continues to this day. The district is also acclaimed for its Lozey, an ornamental form of speech, which has been idealised in the “Ballad of Pemi Tshewang Tashi” and “Gaylong Sumdar Tashi”
The region is rich in natural resources with a diverse range of flora and fauna. About 65% of its area is covered by forest, a large part of which falls under the 1,300 km square Black Mountain National Park.
The economically significant Basochu Phase I and II hydropower projects generate 64 MW of power, while Punatsangchu Projects, I and II, under construction will boost the regional economy further. The region is one of the biggest producers of slate.
Wangdi is 79Km from Thimphu and 140Km from Paro International airport. You can reach Wangdi by taxi or by hiring a car once you reach the airport. If you are coming via Phuntsholing through India then it takes about 6 hours and it is approximately 220Km.
Beside Wangdi you can also explore Paro the most popular place and where the Tiger Nest is located.
You should also know the different hotel choices in Bhutan before planning a tour in bhutan. Check our choices of Bhutan Hotels.
Bhutan offers a plethora of captivating destinations to explore:
Paro Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest): A sacred monastery perched on a cliffside, offering stunning views and spiritual significance.
Thimphu: The capital city featuring traditional markets, ancient monasteries, and the iconic Tashichho Dzong.
Punakha Dzong: A majestic fortress at the confluence of two rivers, known for its architectural grandeur and historical importance.
Phobjikha Valley: Home to the endangered black-necked cranes and serene landscapes ideal for nature walks and birdwatching.
Dochula Pass: A mountain pass adorned with 108 stupas and offering panoramic views of the Himalayas.
Bumthang Valley: Known as the cultural heartland of Bhutan, with sacred sites, monasteries, and traditional villages.
Wangdue Phodrang: Explore its picturesque valley, traditional crafts, and the impressive Wangdue Phodrang Dzong.
Haa Valley: A tranquil valley renowned for its pristine beauty, traditional architecture, and cultural heritage.
Trongsa Dzong: A strategically located fortress with a rich history and commanding views of the surrounding valleys. Read More about the best places to Visit in Bhutan
