Trongsa Dzong
12 images 1 contributors Shoot with care
Sue Wolfe
Shoot with care
Photography is not allowed in temples and certain areas of the dzong.
About this spot
Trongsa Dzong “the fortress on the tip of Dungkhar,” overlooks the Mangde Chhu River in central Bhutan. Due to its size, you can see the complex long before you enter Trongsa. In fact, it is the largest dzong in Bhutan.
At one time it was the seat of the Wangchuck dynasty who controlled the lucrative east-west trade route. The family later became Bhutan’s monarchs with the first two kings ruling from this location. According to tradition, the crown prince must serve as penlop (governor) of Trongsa before taking the throne. Today the fortress serves two purposes—the headquarters of the Trongsa District government and a monastery with over 200 monks. The fortified monastery, built in 1647, showcases traditional Bhutanese architecture. Stone stairs, alleys and corridors connect the many different levels that cascade down the ridge. Included within its walls you will find the watchtower, 25 temples, and a museum. There is also a print shop that still uses the traditional woodblock printing technique for religious texts.
Note: In summer you may see less monks as they often migrate to Kurje Monastery in the Choekhor Valley.
UNESCO has put eight sites from Bhutan on the “tentative list” ensuring their protection and preservation. Trongsa Dzong is one of the eight due to its historical and cultural value.
The five-day festival known as the Trongsa tsechu, is held in the northern courtyard of the dzong during December/January. Check for actual dates—it varies. The festival honors Guru Rimpoche, the patron saint of Bhutan.
At one time it was the seat of the Wangchuck dynasty who controlled the lucrative east-west trade route. The family later became Bhutan’s monarchs with the first two kings ruling from this location. According to tradition, the crown prince must serve as penlop (governor) of Trongsa before taking the throne. Today the fortress serves two purposes—the headquarters of the Trongsa District government and a monastery with over 200 monks. The fortified monastery, built in 1647, showcases traditional Bhutanese architecture. Stone stairs, alleys and corridors connect the many different levels that cascade down the ridge. Included within its walls you will find the watchtower, 25 temples, and a museum. There is also a print shop that still uses the traditional woodblock printing technique for religious texts.
Note: In summer you may see less monks as they often migrate to Kurje Monastery in the Choekhor Valley.
UNESCO has put eight sites from Bhutan on the “tentative list” ensuring their protection and preservation. Trongsa Dzong is one of the eight due to its historical and cultural value.
The five-day festival known as the Trongsa tsechu, is held in the northern courtyard of the dzong during December/January. Check for actual dates—it varies. The festival honors Guru Rimpoche, the patron saint of Bhutan.
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