Tentative World Heritage Site: Dzongs of Bhutan

A serial nomination on UNESCO's Tentative World Heritage List since 2012, comprising eight historic dzongs that embody Bhutan's unique fortress-monastery architectural tradition established by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in the 17th century. The nominated dzongs include Punakha, Wangdue Phodrang, Paro (Rinpung), Trongsa, Dagana, Lhuentse, Trashigang, and Gasa, each combining monastic quarters with administrative offices in massive rammed-earth and timber structures built without nails or written architectural plans. The dzong typology is unique to Bhutan and represents an outstanding cultural achievement.