Iron chain bridge strung with prayer flags over a rocky river, with a small temple on the hillside

Western Bhutan · about 1,350 m

Wangdue Phodrang

River-valley town on the road east, close to Punakha.

Wangdue Phodrang sits above the Punatsang Chhu river just south of Punakha and is the junction for roads to Phobjikha and central Bhutan. Its dzong was rebuilt after a fire in 2012. Many travellers combine a stay here with day trips to Punakha.

Highlights

Wangdue Phodrang Dzong
Riverside villages
Gateway to Phobjikha