Lingzhi Yugyal Dzong; The Fortress located at Highest Altitude in Bhutan

The pilgrim/ visitors will either have to trek from Paro or Thimphu or effortlessly avail of helicopter service from Bhutan Heli service to reach to Lingzhi Dzong. However ardent hikers and trekker reckon people to trek because of the stunning views of Himalayan ranges along the trekking trails.

Location

Lingzhi Yugal Dzong falls under the capital city Thimphu. However many people enter from Paro to visit the fortress. The remote location of the fortress which is presently under renovation is gaining popularity amongst the trekkers. The visitor can either trek from Paro Shana or Dodena Thimphu. Lingzhi Dzong stands majestically on top of a hill that rises steeply between Zombuthang and Mitsayuel village at an altitude of 4150 meters. The snowcapped peaks of Mount Jichudrakey and Tsheringang overlook the dzong from the North adding glory to the magnificent structure. 

 Who Built the Dzong

The fortress was built in 1668 by Chogyal Minjur Tempa (1667-1680) to commemorate victory during a Tibetan invasion. It controlled the border between Tibet and Bhutan and was one of the main defensive fortresses in the north. According to the locals the Dzong is believed to have built at the same time when Drugyal Dzong and  Barshong Dzong was built.

Lingzhi Dzong controlled the border between Tibet and Bhutan and was one of the main defensive fortresses in the north of Bhutan. It also houses the dratshang and dzongkhag office. After the dzong was badly damaged in the last earthquake, the whole structure has to be reconstructed. Under the initiative of the district and sub-district, today the dzong is under renovation. Most of the builders of the dzong are prisoners.

Once the construction is completed, the dzong will house the drungkhag office as well as the monk body that has been moved to Barshong in Naro gewog after the dzong was damaged. The name of the Dzong is known as Bar Dzong Sangchen Norling Monastery. The monk body consists of about 30 monks and a lam. Opposite the Barshong ruined Dzong is the most sacred pilgrimage site of Guru Rinpoche. 

Best time to visit the fortress

According to the local people, besides the local highlanders, the visitors of the fortress are mostly trekkers who are on the trail of Jomolhari – Lingzhi Trek, Lingzhi Dodena Trek, or Snowman Trek.

Known for its significance of the age-old fortress, visitors make sure they pay homage to the dzong. 

However, the best time to visit the Lingzhi Dzong is during the tourist season. As the trekking season in Bhutan begins especially in spring and autumn, trekkers find it the most appropriate time to visit the dzong and to also delve into the local nomad community of Lingzhi and Chebesa Village.

How to get there

The pilgrim/ Visitors will either have to trek from Paro or Thimphu or effortlessly avail of helicopter service from Bhutan Heli service. However ardent hikers and trekkers reckon people to trek because of the stunning views of Himalayan ranges along the trekking trails.