Wangdue Phodrang Drong

Founded by Zhabdrung in 1638, Wangdue holds historical importance for Bhutan since it was the country's second capital in the early days. It is located on the top of a high ridge between the Punak Tsang Chu and Dang Chu since it offers fantastic views of the valley below. According to the legends, while people were searching for a site to build this dzong, the four ravens were seen flying away in four different directions. This was considered a promising sign for the dzong. The ravens were interpreted as the spread of religion in all the four different direction of the compass. The strategic position of the dzong, established in 1644 gave the governor (Penlop) of Wangdue Phodrang a chance to control the routes to Trongsa, Punakha, Dagana and Thimphu, making him the third most powerful ruler, after governors of Paro and Trongsa. The Dzong got damaged in 2012 owning to fire but is getting restored for the public.