Bhutan/Wangduephodrang

WANGDUEPHODRANG
To the south of Punakha lies Wangduephodrang Dzong at an elevation of 1300m. It is the last town on the highway before entering central Bhutan. This dzong built during 17th century played a critical role in unifying the western, central and southern Bhutanese districts. Further up is Gangtey Gompa, an old monastery dating from the 16th century. It is in fact the only monastery, which follows the Pelling Nyingmapa sect of school. This valley of Phodjikha is also a home of the rare Black Necked Crane, an endangered species that migrate from the Tibetan plateau in winter. There are about 450-500 cranes residing in Bhutan out of which 250-300 lives in this beautiful valley.