Wangdicholing Palace

Wangdicholing was built in 1857 by Jigme Namgyal, the Trongsa Penlop and father of the first king, on the site of an earlier camp, and it is significant as the first palace in Bhutan not designed as a fortress: an open residence rather than a dzong, which marks a shift in how the country was governed. The first king was born here and used it as his principal residence, and the second king spent his early years in it. Left empty for decades and deteriorating badly, it has undergone a substantial conservation project and reopened as a museum, with rooms restored and displays on the Wangchuck dynasty and the period. The building is timber and rammed earth in the standard idiom but at unusual scale, and it stands in the middle of Jakar town.

What you actually see

• The open palace plan - a residence rather than a defensive dzong.
• Restored rooms - conservation work on the timber and earth structure.
• Dynastic displays - exhibits on the Wangchuck family and the period.
• The Jakar setting - the palace in the middle of the town.

When to go

March to May and September to November. The museum keeps regular hours and closes on some public holidays. Bumthang is cold from late autumn, and the building is unheated.

Honest expectations

Restoration was extensive and much of what stands is renewed fabric. Displays are relatively new and the interpretation is developing. Photography rules vary. Bumthang generally is cold and accommodation is basic by international standards.

Nearby

Jakar Dzong is above the town; Jambay Lhakhang lies north.