Full name of site: Dzongs of Bhutan

Country: Bhutan!

Short description of site (also include multiple locations if applicable): The Dzongs of Bhutan are the religious, military, administrative, and social centers of their districts. Locations included: Punaka Dzong, Tongsa Dzong.

Criteria (cultural, natural, mixed): Cultural criteria iv (distinct cultural style that can only be found in the Himalayas) and vi (site of annual festivals)

Outstanding universal value / comparative analysis: There may be many fortresses already at the World Heritage List, the Dzong architecture of the Himalayas is a unique style of its own. Also their daily functions, that to this day still exist, cannot be found at other inscribed fortresses (which are either ruins or monuments).

I support the Dzongs.

I certainly support "The Dzongs" - We managed to visit 4 ( and saw 1 Tsechu or "Festival") on our only visit to Bhutan and can vouch that they are very different from the "Tibetan" buddhist monasteries we have visited in Tibet and Ladakh.

Another vote of support from me, it will hopefully increase the gross national happiness of Bhutan which has become place of interest since seeing Michael Palin visit them