Wangdue Bhutan Travel - Sightseeing, Transfer, Hotel, Weather

Wangdue Phodrang Travel Guide - Sightseeing, Hotels, Transportation

Wangdue Phodrang, covering 4,308 sq. km and ranging from 800-5800 m in altitude, is in western Bhutan. It occupies an important position in the history of Bhutan. Besides being the second capital of Bhutan in the early days, Wangdue Phodrang Dzong on the hill top was built by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel, the founder of Bhutan. After Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel came to Bhutan from Tibet, he spent decades unifying the various tribes of Bhutan and defending the foreign enemies. Then he established the national system, built dzongs (combining the function of temples, government agencies and defense fortresses) all over Bhutan, formulated Bhutan customs and traditional culture, and laid the unique cultural foundation of Bhutan today. It is no exaggeration to say that Wangdue Phodrang is of fundamental significance in the unity of Bhutan.

Wangdue Phodrang - Authentic Rural Life and Unparalleled Nature

Compared with the capital Thimphu, Wangdue Phodrang shows more of the authentic country life. You can see the farmhouses dotted in the vast valley and local people do the routine farmwork. It is like you have entered a peaceful world where people are self-sufficient and feel rather content. Most part of Wangdue Phodrang is covered by parks and valleys, among which Phobjikha Valley is the most beautiful. Taking a hike there is much recommended and you can visit the exquisitely built Gangtey Monastery.

Top Places to Visit in Wangdue Phodrang

Wangdue Phodrang is one of the largest dzongkhags in Bhutan with attractive nature and time-honored history. Wangdue Phodrang Dzong lying on the river bank witnesses the ups and downs of Bhutan. And only about 60 km away, Phobjikha Valley will show you how well environmentally protected this place is. Don’t miss Gangtey Monastery where you can have a full view of the valley.

Top Featured Activities in Wangdue Phodrang

Wangdue Phodrang is a place that can meet your needs of a natural and cultural trip. If you come in ordinary days, you can visit Wangdue Phodrang Dzong and Gangtey Monastery to know the history and religious tradition here, and take a hiking in Phobjikha Valley to appreciate the mind-refreshing view. If you come in autumn, you can celebrate Wangdue Tshechu with local people to witness this most important festival and in winter, you are obliged with the privilege to have a look at the divine and rare black-necked cranes.

How to Get to Wangdue Phodrang

Wangdue Phodrang is about 115 km, 3 hours’ drive from Paro, where the only international airport locates, 70 km, 2 hours’ drive from the capital city Thimphu and 20 km, 30 minutes’ drive from Punakha. There is no airport or train station in Wangdue, so the most recommended way to get to Wangdue is fly to Paro first and then drive to Wangdue.

Paro to Wangdue - Paro is about 115km, 3 hours’ drive to the west of Wangdue. On the way you will pass Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan. You can make a stop here to visit the National Memorial Chortenor and Buddha Dordenma Statue or drive directly to Wangdue. Or you can make a little detour to Punakha to see the beautiful Punakha Dzong first and then drive about half an hour to Wangdue.
Best Time to Visit Wangdue Phodrang

Wangdue Phodrang ranges from 800-5800 m in altitude, thus has diverse climatic conditions with subtropical forests in the south and cool and snowy regions in the north. Major sites in Wangdue such as Wangdue Phodrang Dzong and Phobjikha Valley are in the south.

The temperature in Wangdue is usually between 40°F (4.4 ℃) and 84°F (28.9 ℃) and sometimes it will drop to 34°F (1.1 ℃) or reach 88°F (31.1 ℃). Generally speaking, spring (especially late April to May) and autumn (especially late September to late October) is the best time to visit Wangdue with clear days, gentle breeze and blooming flowers. What’s more, you can feel the local festive atmosphere during Wangdue Tshechu (usually in late September or early October). If you are bird lovers, November to January is also a good time to visit Wangdue because you can see the rare black-necked cranes. Summer (June to August) is the rainy season and sometimes the roads may be blocked by heavy rain, so it is not recommended. It may snow in winter and can be chilly, so please remember to dress warm if you go there in winter.

Where to Stay - Hotels in Wangdue Phodrang

Hotels in Bhutan that receive foreign tourists all need to get an approval from the government. Wangdue Phodrang has both 5-star hotels and 3-star homestays. Generally speaking, tourists do not need to worry too much about the accommodation. The hotels may provide different facilities but a warm welcome and hospitality will be ensured. The friendly Bhutanese will try to make sure that you have a pleasant stay there.

Amankora Resort, Gangtey Lodge and Six Senses are the 5-star hotels in Wangdue. They all locate near Phobjikha Valley and provide a perfect view. Apart from the basic facilities such as wifi, hot water, room service, they will exceed your expectation by the spas, swimming pools, fitness rooms, restaurants and superb living environment.

3-star hotels and homestays are usually decorated in a traditional Bhutanese style and will give you a more “local” experience. Though not as fancy as the 5-star hotels, your basic needs will be met. Some recommended 3-star hotels are Dragon Nest Resort, Pema Karpo, Wangdue Eco Lodge, Punatsangchu Cottages, etc.

Useful Bhutan Travel Notes

1. How to Apply Bhutan Visa
Bhutan Visa is a must to travel to Bhutan, which can only be applied by authorized travel agency (like Tibet Discovery) on behalf of independent travelers. You just need to send us clear scanned photocopy of your valid passport. As we receive your passport information, we will apply it from Tourism Council of Bhutan. When we get your visa (a visa clearance letter), we will send the photocopy to you by Email, with which you are able to border a flight to Bhutan. Upon arrival on Paro International Airport, the visa will be given to you. Read More>>

2. How to Plan a Bhutan Tour
A classic Bhutan tour always takes about 5-6 days involving Paro, Thimphu and Punakha. Apart from the arrival and departure days, you get four full days to explore the landmarks in Bhutan - three days in the towns of Paro, Thimphu and Punakha, and another day in Traktsang Monastery. If you want an in-depth tour to central Bhutan, you are suggested to spend extra 4 days to Bumthang via Wangdu Phodrang and Trongsa. In fact, many travelers prefer an overland tour in Nepal, Tibet and Bhutan. If you time permits, you can take a one-hour flight from Bhutan to Nepal, where you can admire the medieval architectural wonders and marvelous landscape of Himalayan Peaks. After that, take an overland driving journey to the holy city Lhasa via Mount Everest. Read More>>

3. How to Get to Bhutan
There are two choices to get to Bhutan - by international flights from some Asian countries (Nepal, India, Thailand, Singapore and Bangladesh) and by overland driving from India. Since Paro is the only international airport, all the flights to Bhutan lands on Paro. There are three accessible ports connected Bhutan and India, including Phuentsholing, Samdrup Jongkhar and Gelephu. Phuentsholing is the primary one which connects Chhukha of Bhutan and West Bengal of India. From Phuentsholing, it takes about 6 hours to drive to Paro or Thimphu. The other two ports are located in central and eastern Bhutan. Read More>>

4. Other Destinations in Bhutan
Apart from Wangdue, there are many other destinations worthy of your visit, including Thimphu, Punakha, Paro, Trongsa, Bumthang etc. With the only international airport, Paro is probably the first destination of your Bhutan trip. And it is also where the Taktsang Monastery - Landmark of Bhutan locates. As the capital city with natural and cultural glamour, Thimphu is a must-be-visited city in Bhutan. Its National Memorial Chorten is an important holy site. Besides, there are many interesting and significant museums and institutes to catch a view of Bhutan’s rich history and culture. Punakha has the most beautiful Dzong in Bhutan - Punakha Dzong. It looks surreal especially with the purple Jacaranda in blossom between April and June.