Wangdue Phodrang Travel Info in Bhutan

This obscures tourist spot lies in the south of Punakha at an elevation of 1300 meter is situated in the junction of the Mo Chu and Tang Chu rivers and so is the heritage and beautiful Wangdue Phodrang Dzong. It was for many centuries the seat of the one of Bhutan's most powerful Dzongpons. Nearby Gangtey Gompa built during the 16th century follows the Pelling Nyingmapa sect of school. Among the activity that can be arranged is a visit to Rinchengang village and Metshina village, a unique cluster of villages. One can take a   walk through the rice fields to Chimi Lakhang. The people of this village are of Indian origins perhaps migrated during the construction of the Dzong (fortress). The valley of Phobjikha is home to the rare Black necked cranes and is joined by more migrated crane from the Tibetan plateau in winter. There are cattle pastures and a yak diary research station at Gogona. It is also known for its fine bamboo work and for its slate and stone carvings. Wangdue Phodrang is one of the tourist spot in the well known tourist circuit of Thimpu – Punakha – Trongsa (Gangtey) – Bumthang – Wangdiphodrang – Paro. Wangdue Phodrang is only 13 Kms from the scenic Punakha town.

To See

To Reach

By Air - Wangdue Phodrang to Paro is nearly 150 kilometers and 4 ½ hours drive. Paro is the only airport in Bhutan. Drukair is the national carrier, connecting Paro to Bangkok (Thailand), Dhaka (Bangladesh), Kolkatta, and Delhi (India) and Kathmandu (Nepal). During the monsoon season, flights are often delayed by cloud cover. The other Airport is Bagdogra. Wangdue Phodrang to Phuentsholing is nearly 250 kilometers and nearly 8 - 9 hours drive. Phuentsholing to Bagdogra Airport (IXB) is 180 kilometers and 4 hours drive. Bagdogra is connected to Kolkata, Delhi, etc and other Indian cities by flight.

By Rail – Wangdue Phodrang to Phuentsholing is nearly 250 kilometers and nearly 8 - 9 hours drive. Phuentsholing to New Jalpaiguri Railway Station (NJP) is 180 kilometers and 4 hours drive. Bhutan has no railway system but it’s on the anvil. A proposed railway track will be laid with Indian Railways soon. The nearest major railway station is in New Jalpaiguri. Phuentsholing to Hashimara is nearly 18 kilometers and ½ hours drive. Banarhat and Hashimara are the closest railway stations but the frequency rate of train is less.

By Road – It is about 75 kilometers away from Thimpu and it takes nearly 3 hours drive. Thimpu to Phuentsholing is 176 kilometers, 6 hours drive. Phuentsholing to New Jalpaiguri Railway Station (NJP) is 180 kilometers / 4 hours. Punakha to Wangdue Phodrang is 13 kilometers and 45 minutes drive. Lateral Road starts in Phuentsholing on the Indian border and terminates in Trashigang in the Far East, with branches to other main centers such as Paro, Thimpu and Punakha. On the Indian side National Highway number 31 is close to Jaigaon / Phuentsholing. Buses for Bhutan either start or have a stoppage from Tenzing Norgay Bus Terminus in Siliguri. Bhutan Calcutta bus service is also quite popular.