Best Places To Visit In Wangdue Phodrang: Tourism In Bhutan

The very popular tourism hub in Central Bhutan, Wangdue Phodrang offers some of the best places to visit. You can experience an array of natural and cultural attractions, with so many things to do in Wangdue Phodrang! 

Put your hands on the best Bhutan trip packages for the greatest experience in the Land of Thunder Dragon. Just like the other districts, this one is also surrounded by maximum dzong (monastery + official quarters). 

The place’s name has a story that says that once Zhabdrung Rinpoche encountered a beautiful little boy playing by the riverside and was so touched by his innocence that he decided to name the Dzong Wangdi’s palace. Eventually, the whole district was named Wangdue Phodrang or Wangdi or Wangdue. Though there are so many places to visit in Bhutan, this is one gem that you should not miss. 

So, why not witness one of the most beautiful places in Bhutan and experience the greatest views like never before? Also, the place is really huge 4308 sq. kilometers, and has cool snow-bound northern regions as well as some of the sub-tropical forests in the south. 

How To Reach Wangdue Phodrang? 

Most of the tourists prefer to stay either in Punakha or Wangude before they go anywhere else. You must immerse yourself in the very beautiful Wangdue Phodrang sightseeing and other memorable things. 

So, if you are thinking about how to reach this beautiful location, then you can take a cab from Thimphu to Wangdue, which costs you around 1190 NU, and the distance is around 106 Km. 

If you are coming here from the southern border town of Geluphu, then the distance to Wangdue is around 214 km and the fare comes to 3332 NU. Also, if you come here from the western Bhutan border town, then the distance becomes 216 km and the fare increases to 3893 NU. 

While searching for places to visit in Wangdue Phodrang, you must also explore this hidden gem near Wangdue, which is known as Phobijika, 29 km away from the place. From here, the cab will charge you around 1088 NU. 

So, why not explore some of the best places to visit in Wangdue Phodrang, Bhutan? People crave such beautiful locations while on their vacay! So, get ready to experience the best things to do, Bhutanese food, culture, and much more in Wangdue Phodrang. 

Best Places To Visit In Wangdue Phodrang: Know More

Let us know about some of the greatest places to visit in Wangdue Phodrang and see what things can we witness here in the mesmerizing location. 

Wangtue Town/ Bajo 

When we talk about this beautiful town, it has some of the best things to do in Wangtue Phodrang. So, let us make a virtual tour for you! 

It looks like it is wrapped and frozen in the 16th century and you will get that nostalgic feeling of having travelled back in time. There are some places to shop and people mainly survive here by occupations like farming and animal husbandry. 

While you are in this small little town, you should definitely know about its bamboo weaving and slate carving culture which is extremely famous in Bhutan. For a long period now, families of craftsmen have been selling their woven bamboo products or stone carvings in the local markets. There are many local markets to shop in Bhutan where you can get all these things and pick up some interesting souvenirs or home decor items. Also, stay at some of the best hotels in Bhutan, where you can have the easiest and comforting time in this region. 

Also, when you are coming here, make sure it is Saturday or Sunday, as you get to experience many things. The Wangtue Phodrang sightseeing is one of the best things you can experience while visiting the town. So, why miss some extremely beautiful moments while in Bhutan? Make the maximum out of your trip! 

Suggested read: Honeymoon in Bhutan

Wangdue Phodrang Dzong 

There are many monasteries and temples in Bhutan, but this Dzong in 1638 built on top of a high-rise cliff overlooking Wangdue town. 

It also caught fire in 2012 and the gigantic work plan of rebuilding it will go on till the year 2021. It is now definitely one of the best places to visit in Wangdue Phodrang. Also, there are so many beautiful stories attached to the Dzong! 

When Buddhist monks were looking for an appropriate site for the Dzong, there were four ravens who flew in 4 separate directions and this was deemed to be a sacred symbol denoting the spread of Buddhism in all of the four directions. 

Also, the governor of this popular Dzong, called Penlop, had control over the routes to Dgana, Trongsa, Punakha, and Thimphu. Also, it stands at the confluence of two rivers, Pho Chu and Mo Chu. 

So, don’t forget to mark the monasteries in Bhutan from your itinerary! 

Rinchegang Village 

If you are interested in historical masterpieces and want to stop over at the Rinchegang village, then you must witness some of the things that are worth visiting. This village is only a few km away from the Wangdue Dzong. 

This village is also home to some of the stone carvers and also see some of the traditional Bhutanese methods of Stone Masonry. Don’t miss the beautiful landscapes and views which can really mesmerize you. 

Many photographers come here as this is the ideal spot for some beautiful captures. This village can also be seen on your way to Wangdue Phodrang from Punakha because it is known as the last village of western Bhutan.   

Suggested read: Nightlife in Bhutan 

Sha Radap Temple

While you are in Bhutan, you cannot miss such beautiful places to visit in Wangdue Phodrang. This temple of Sha Radap is also known as Rada Lhakhang and it is situated near the Dzong. 

This is famous for celebrating the guardian goddess of the Wangdue region and is named Sha Radap. Also, you would get to know about this custom of bringing the newborn children and getting them named and blessed by presiding monks. 

Also, there is one interesting thing to know about this temple, here a dice is rolled which is kept in the temple compound, and utter your wishes silently while the deity there blesses you with the fulfillment of your wish. The Sha region lies to the east of Wangdue and is populated by a cult of nature-worshipping Buddhists. 

Gasleo And Nahee Village 

These are the popular twin villages in the Wangdue region. They lie to the western side of Wangdue and takes 2 hours to reach here. 

They are the ideal spots for having a great picnic or even a day trip while you explore these beautiful villages. Also, you get to see the rural Bhutanese life in its purest form at these villages. 

If you plan to visit and do some Wangdue Phodrang sightseeing, remember that the autumn season is the best time to have a village excursion, as it is the harvest time as well. 

So, if you are here in this beautiful location, don’t miss out on these hidden gems which can really give you a good experience. 

Suggested read: Hot springs in Bhutan

Adha And Rukha Villages

Let us introduce you to the two beautiful rural gems which are located towards the south of Wangdue town. 

Here, you get to experience the adventurous activities in Bhutan like tenting and enjoying a night under the stars. Also, you can go for the village economy by choosing to stay at one of the many farmhouses that are in these villages. 

They are at a very low altitude and also have tropical vegetation which particularly means that summers here are not very pleasant because of the incidence of sand flies, buzzing mosquitoes, and leeches. 

But, during the autumn season, you will definitely have a good time here! While you visit these beautiful villages, you will see how friendly the villagers are here. They also demonstrate their Bhutanese recipes for making fish roast while the older folks will regale you with some of the famous stories of monarchs, princesses, mermaids, and much more. 

Suggested read: Bhutan travel tips

Black Mountain National Park 

This is a rocky mountain dotted with black, also one of the largest protected natural reserves in Bhutan. 

You can find the exotic varieties of fauna here they include musk deer, which are famous for their glandular secretions that are more expensive than gold, goat antelope, red pandas, fierce wild boars, and golden-skinned langurs and tigers. 

However, the park has its glory from the clouded leopards as they are the most dangerous, yet beautiful members of the cat family. Their hunting prowess and skills are really iconic. 

Also, there is a guesthouse in the part but you have to get prior written permission from the government to stay inside it. Also, a good way to explore the western part of the park is by participating in the Adha Rukha community tourism programs. 

Go on the 6-day 5-night trekking in Bhutan to have a beautiful experience while witnessing some f the endangered species like Oleps. So, get ready to have a novel experience like never before while in these tranquil villages. 

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