Tashichho Dzong
བཀྲ་ཤིས་ཆོས་རྫོང་
"Fortress of the Glorious Religion" in Thimphu, home to the king's office, the government and the central monastic body's summer seat, a white-walled, gold-roofed building that opens to visitors only after the evening flag-lowering ceremony.
Tashichho Dzong sits on the west bank of the Thimphu River. It was first built in 1216, converted into a dzong by Shabdrung in 1641, and rebuilt in its present form in 1962, after the Third King moved the capital to Thimphu, using traditional methods without nails or blueprints. Today it houses the king's office, the throne room and the ministries of home affairs and finance. It is also the summer residence of the central monastic body from May to October. The dzong is a two-story white-walled building with three-story towers at each corner. The central tower, the utse, houses the main temple. The monastic quarters are on the north side and the government quarters on the south, and the courtyard temple enshrines a statue of Shakyamuni Buddha. The royal palace north of the dzong (Deychen Phodrang) and the king's simple residence are closed to the public but can be seen from across the river. Opening hours are limited by office work: Monday to Friday 17:00–18:00 (from 16:30 in winter, entry only after the flag-lowering ceremony), and Saturday, Sunday and public holidays 09:00–17:00. Admission is 500 ngultrum (about CNY 45). Every year in September–October, the Thimphu Tshechu festival is held over three days in the square in front of the dzong, featuring masked dances. It is one of Bhutan's biggest festivals, and accommodation should be booked several months in advance. The dzong is surrounded by a rose garden and government buildings. The National Assembly building stands on the riverbank to the north, and an evening walk along the river offers panoramic views of the dzong and the valley. It is about 20 minutes' walk or 5 minutes' drive from the city centre. Allow 1 hour. Note: visitors must wear long trousers and long sleeves and remove their hats, and security checks are strict. Photography is only permitted in designated courtyards.
Opening hours
Mon–Fri 17:00–18:00; weekends and holidays 09:00–17:00
Nearby sights
- National Institute for Zorig Chusum
- Folk Heritage Museum
- Centenary Farmers Market
- Changangkha Lhakhang
- Clock Tower Square & Norzin Lam
- National Memorial Chorten
- Motithang Takin Preserve
- Buddha Dordenma