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Wangdi is
important in the history of Bhutan because in the early days it was
the country’s secondary capital. After Trongsa Dzong was established
in 1644, the penlop of Wangdue Phodrang became the third most
powerful ruler, after the penlops of Paro and Trongsa.
Wangdue Phodrang Dzong was founded by the Shabdrung in 1638. Legends
relate that the Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal met a small boy named
Wangdi playing in the sand on the banks of the Punak Chuu and was
moved to name the new dzong Wangdi – later Wangdue – Phodrang (Wangdi's
Palace). |
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Rinchengang Village:- it isa
small clustered village facing the Wangdue Dzong is known for its
skill in traditional method of stone masonry. It is about 20 minutes
hike uphill with great view of the Dzong, valley and the river.
Phobjikha Valley:-
It is at altitude
9600 feet, takes about two hours of drive from Wangdue Phodrang, a
glacial valley located on the western slopes of the Black Mountain
at an altitude of 9840 feet above the sea level. There is no
telephone or electricity and is the winter home to the rare
black-necked crane that migrate from high plateaus of Tibet in late
fall to escape harsh winters. There are also muntjak (barking deer),
wild boar, sambar, Himalayan black bear, leopard and red fox. The
valley is a designated conservation area and borders Black Mountain
National Park.
Gangtey Goenpa:-
It is the largest Nyingma monastery in Bhutan. Gyalse Pema
Thinlay built a small temple in 1613, which was later built into
larger Goenpa by the 2nd reincarnation Tenzin Legpai Dhendup. |