Migae Adventure Travel

Wangdue

The last town before central Bhutan, it is a village with very few small shops. At the confluence of the river stands the Wangdiphodrang Dzong, for many centuries the seat of one of Bhutan’s most powerful dzongpons. The higher reaches of the valley provide rich cattle pastures and is also known for fine bamboo work and its slate, stone carvings.

The Dzong is open for visitors during Wangdiphodrang Tsechu celebrated in autumn. There is an old monastry towards the east of Wangdiphodrang called Gangtey Gompa dating back to the 17th century. After driving south through the mountains, the road leads to a rare opening onto a golden field of maize and yaks. A few kilometers past the Gompa on the valley floor is the village of Phobjikha. This is one of the two winter homes of the black-necked cranes that migrate from Tibet to pass the winter in lower climes. The rare birds can also be sighted in East Bhutan at Yangtse.