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Drugyal Dzong
Sonam Dendup • May 23, 2020
The Fortress of Victory
Drugyal Dzong means the Fortress of Victory and owes its name for being a stronghold against the numerous combined forces of Tibetan and Mongolian armies and to commemorate the victory of the final battle with the Tibetans. Constructed in 1649, the Drugyal Dzong was built as an important base for defense against several Tibetan invasions unlike the other Dzongs in the country that were built solely for administrative and spiritual purposes.
It is about 20 minutes’ drive from the main town and the Dzong is located north of the valley at a strategic site close to the Tibetan border. Unfortunately, the Dzong was almost completely destroyed by fire in 1951, and though not reconstructed however its ruins were preserved until a few years ago when the Government decided to resurrect it to its former beauty and glory.
The Dzong is an important symbol of the sovereignty of Bhutan since centuries ago connecting the great events that shaped the unification and formation of present Bhutan. Therefore, it was only fitting when His Majesty the 5th King commanded for its reconstruction in April 2016. Additionally, the reconstruction of the Drugyal Dzong is to celebrate the birth of His Royal Highness The Gyalsey (Crown Prince) in February 2016, commemorate the arrival of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel in 1616 (The saint who unified Bhutan and commanded the construction of all the Dzongs in the country) and venerate the birth year of Guru Padmasambhava (the patron saint who introduced Buddhism in Bhutan in the 8th Century). The reconstruction is estimated to be complete by December 2022.
The Dzong is also listed as a tentative site in Bhutan’s Tentative List for UNESCO inclusion.
Through this undisturbed tropical, sub-tropical and Alpine regions of virgin forests, waterfalls and lakes, highland nomadic villages, undisturbed nature and views of the Greater Himalayas and Snow Capped Peaks, Bhutan offers some of the best trekking experiences all year round.
The view from there is the panoramic sight of almost all the tallest Himalayan Mountain of Bhutan like majestic Gangkar Puensum, formidable Table Mountain and Tiger Mountain. As it is located at the top, the view of the Himalayan ranges is better than anywhere in the area, even as compared to famous Dochula Pass.
For Bhutanese, Gross National Happiness means a good government that creates an enabling environment for people to pursue happiness in a meaningful way. The result is a country at peace with itself, and people at peace with themselves!
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Clinging on a huge rock towards the north end of the Tang valley lies the Thowa Drak Hermitage just like the famed Tiger’s Nest Monastery in Paro. From the valley or road point it is a stiff 3 hours hike uphill through the serene and peaceful forest. Sweeping views of the Tang valley and the landscape can be enjoyed along the way with a bird’s eye view from the main site.
A quick visit to the Swiss Cheese Factory and Brewery is a refreshing alternative after visiting many temples and religious sites in the Bumthang valley. The Factory was started in the late 1960’s by a Swiss national Mr Fritz Maurer who visited Bhutan and settled in Bumthang.