Bhutan: Wangdue Phodrang Dzong

Wangdue Phodrang Dzong was founded in 1638 and is the second oldest dzong (fortress) in the country. It was strategically built at the confluence of the Punatshangchhu and Dangchhu rivers to control and defend trade routes. The historic fortress had bad luck with fire over its history – it burned down 4 times, including the last time in 2012, which almost completely annihilated the entire structure. It’s been restored since but is still not fully operational. There are stunning views of it from many directions – with mountains in the background, rivers in front, and the whitewashed imposing castle in the middle!