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Drukgyel

Drukgyel, also known as Drukgyel Dzong, is a ruined fortress (dzong) in Paro District, Bhutan. It stands on a hillside overlooking the Paro Valley near the village of Drukgyel, about 14 to 18 kilometers from Paro town. The site is a prominent historic landmark and a popular vantage point for views of the surrounding landscape.

History and purpose

Drukgyel Dzong was constructed in 1646 under the direction of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal as part of Bhutan’s

Name and symbolism

The name Drukgyel translates roughly as “Fortress of Victory of the Dragon.” The dragon is a central

Destruction and preservation

A major fire in 1951 destroyed most of the wooden structures within the dzong, leaving behind the

Current status

Drukgyel Dzong remains a significant cultural and historical site in Bhutan. It attracts visitors for its historical

system
of
defensive
dzongs.
It
was
built
to
guard
the
western
approaches
to
Bhutan
and
to
symbolize
the
consolidation
of
the
Bhutanese
state
after
years
of
struggle.
The
fortress’
strategic
position
and
imposing
walls
made
it
a
key
part
of
the
region’s
military
and
administrative
network
during
its
early
years.
symbol
in
Bhutanese
iconography,
appearing
on
the
national
flag
and
in
various
emblems,
and
the
dzong’s
name
reflects
this
national
association
with
sovereignty
and
triumph.
thick
stone
walls
and
surrounding
fortifications.
Today,
only
portions
of
the
outer
walls
and
a
few
remnants
inside
remain,
with
the
site
maintained
as
a
protected
historical
ruin.
A
small
temple
and
other
ancillary
ruins
lie
within
the
enclosure.
importance
and
for
panoramic
views
of
the
Paro
Valley,
often
serving
as
a
stop
en
route
to
other
attractions
in
the
region.
Conservation
efforts
focus
on
stabilizing
the
ruin
while
preserving
its
documentary
and
scenic
value.