Drukgyel Dzong

Drukgyel Dzong which translates to the fortress of victory is a famous archaeological site in Bhutan, situated on a ridge in the upper Paro. Now in ruins, the dzong was built in 1649 to mark Bhutan’s victory over the Tibetan forces. There are mixed theories on who built this dzong though. Few researchers believe that it was built by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal himself to commemorate his victory over the Tibetan army in 1649. While few believe it was Tenzin Drugda, Paro’s Penlop at the time, built it at the order of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. Since its construction, Drukgyel served as a significant base for defence in the region when it got burned out in 1951 by fire. Even after this, the Dzong continued as an imperative monument connecting Bhutanese people with the events that led to the maintenance of country’s sovereignty. It also used to be the summer residence of Ringpung Rabdey. If weather permits, Bhutan’s holy peak, Mt. Jumolhari, can be seen in the backdrop.