Drukgyel Dzong

Once a fortress and a Buddhist Monastery, Drukgyel Dzong is now in ruins. Located in the upper part of the Paro District, Bhutan, the dzong was built by Tenzin Drukdra in the year 1649 at the behest of Ngawan Namgyal, Zhabdrung Rinpoche, to commemorate victory over an invasion from Tibet. The Dzong was almost completely destroyed by fire in the early 1950’s and is listed as a tentative site in Bhutan’s Tentative List for UNESCO inclusion.

History
Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, who came to Bhutan in 1616 escaping the conflict over recognition of the principal abbot of the Drukpa-Kagyud School in Ralung, Tibet, built the Drukgyel Dzong. The motive behind building these several fortresses was to gain control over different region of the country, dominated by clergies and leaders of different Buddhist schools. Built on the summit of a rocky hill, the place is accessible only from one side which is defended by the 3 prominent towers.

Architecture of Drukgyel Dzong
The existing ruins of the Dzong are well preserved, and one can easily distinguish the features of the complex. The major portion of the Dzong such as roof truss, door, and window frames, and floors and ceilings are almost totally absent. But, portion of stone and rammed earth wall structures are still standing. The remains of the Dzong reflect the ideas and practices used for defense in the old times.

The Dzong consists of Utse, the central tower building, which housed a shrine of guardian deities, and Shabkhor, rectangular buildings surrounding the courtyards. The geographical condition of the hill was kept in mind while constructing the Dzong. Secret tunnels providing protected passages to fetch water from the river below the hill as well as to send troops during the time of war are said to have existed. Presently, the cylindrical tower buildings called chu-dzong (water fort) can be seen connected with each other with paths enclosed by defensive walls.

Best time to visit
October to March is the best time to visit Drukgyel Dzong since during this time of the year visitors can witness the panoramic vista of snow capped peaks of Mt Chomolhari from the ruins of Drukgyel Dzong.