Dogar Dobji Dzong

Known to be the first model of Dzong in the Land of Thunder Dragons, Dogar Dobji Dzong was built in 1531 by Ngawang Chogyal; brother of Drukpa Kuenley or the Divine Madman. Located in a hamlet called Dogar in the Paro Valley, this dzong has a legend that says that Ngawang Chogyal followed a spring originating from below the throne of Jatsun Milarepa in Druk Ralung. After the source was found in the form of a rock, the site was selected to establish a Buddhism learning centre.

Considered as a highly pious site, Dobji Dzong was once hit by an earthquake. However, the central tower of the dzong remained unaffected; it is believed that this part survived the earthquake due to Terma statue or the ‘Treasure Statue of Guru Langdarchen. According to another legend, this statue even spoke with the then notorious Tibetan king Langdarm. Currently, the dzong has a large display of religious relics that include statues of Jestum Milarepa, Guru Langdarchen, Dungsay dewa Zangpo, and Ngawang Chogyal.