Wangduephodrang dzong was founded by the Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1638 atop a high ridge between the Punatsang Chhu and the Dang Chhu rivers with commanding views of the valleys below. Legend relates that as people searched for a site for the dzong, four ravens were seen flying away in four directions. This was considered an auspicious sign, representing the spreading of religion to the four points of the compass. After Trongsa Dzong was established in 1644, the Dzongpoen (governor) of Wangduephodrang became the third most powerful ruler, after those of Paro and Trongsa. The dzong’s strategic position gave the Penlop control of the routes to Trongsa, Punakha, Dagana, and Thimphu.

Unfortunately, Wangduephodrang Dzong was burnt to the ground on the 24th of June 2012. The mammoth task of rebuilding is expected to continue until 2021.