Trongsa

Chendebji Chorten

Chendebji Chorten was erected in the 18th century by a Tibetan lama to cover the remains of an evil spirit that was subdued at this spot. It is built in the Nepalese style, with painted eyes at the four cardinal points.

Trongsa Dzong

Trongsa Dzong is a masterpiece of architecture with a maze of courtyards, passageways and 23 temples.In 1543, the Shabdrung’s great-grandfather founded the first temple in Trongsa. In 1647, which was when the Shabdrung had begun his great work of expansion and unification, he constructed the first Dzong at the place where his ancestors had erected the temple realizing all the advantages that could be gained from Tongsa’s position. The Dzong was called Choekor Rabtentse. In 1652, Minjur Tenpa, the Penlop (governor) of Trongsa, had the Dzong enlarged.

The Dzong is built in such a way that in the old days, no matter what direction a traveler came from, he was obliged to pass through the courtyard of the Dzong. This helped to make the Penlop of this Dzong as powerful as it had a complete control over the east-to-west traffic. The watch tower above the Dzong further strengthened its defense. The father of the first king known as the black regent and the first king served as the Governor of Trongsa before the emergence of the Bhutanese Monarchy. Since then, it has become a tradition for the young crown prince to serve as the Governor of this place before he is crowned.

Trongsa Ta Dzong

Originally built on the hillside above the town as a watchtower to guard Trongsa, Trongsa Ta Dzong is now converted into a museum in 2008 dedicated to the monarch of the country. The museum has a total of eleven galleries styled along the National Museum in Paro. One gallery is fully dedicated to the history of the Kings of the Wangchuck dynasty. There is also a gallery that showcases the history and the religious significance of Trongsa Chhoetse Dzong. This 300-year-old monument also showcases some of the rare and priceless artifacts of the Kingdom. These include the statues built in the 17th century to Bhutan’s rare royal possessions.

Kuenga Rabten

Kuenga Rabten palace is 23km from Trongsa Dzong. The road passes through open countryside high above a river gorge. Enjoy the drive as the terrain slopes quite gently opening opportunities for good bird watching and cultural sightseeing. This palace functioned as the winter palace of the second king and is now looked after by the National Commission for Cultural Affairs. Nevertheless this is a place to witness the aura of Bhutan’s medieval royalty.

↑ Back to Top