Trongsa Dzong
ཀྲོང་གསར་རྫོང
One of Bhutan's largest dzongs, built in tiers along a ridge above the Mangde River gorge. It is the birthplace of the Wangchuck dynasty.
Trongsa Dzong was begun in 1543 and expanded in 1647 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. Its tiered halls and courtyards follow the ridge, guarding the main east-west route across Bhutan. Every king of Bhutan had to serve as Trongsa Penlop (governor) before taking the throne, which is why the dzong is considered the cradle of the royal family. It has more than 20 halls. Visitors can tour the courtyards and some of the halls, and long sleeves and trousers are required. On the hill opposite stands the watchtower Ta Dzong, now a royal heritage museum offering views of the entire dzong. The drive from Jakar takes 2–2.5 hours over Yotong La pass. It is a must-stop on the route from Punakha or Thimphu to Bumthang, usually scheduled with lunch.
Opening hours
Approx. 9:00 AM–5:00 PM (may be restricted during religious events)
Nearby sights
- Tharpaling Monastery
- Chumey Valley & Prakhar Lhakhang
- Thangbi Lhakhang
- Jambay Lhakhang
- Kurjey Lhakhang
- Jakar Dzong
- Tamshing Lhakhang
- Konchogsum Lhakhang