At an altitude of 2300m/7545ft, Trongsa is the central hub of Bhutan. The Crown Prince of Bhutan usually holds the position of Trongsa Penlop before ascending the throne. Both the first and the second kings of Bhutan ruled from Trongsa, and Trongsa is the ancestral abode of the royal family.
Trongsa Dzong
Trongsa Dzong is one of the most striking and notable features of the Trongsa, and it is the most impressive and spectacular dzongs of Bhutan. This fortress exemplifies the masterpiece of Bhutanese architecture. Today, the fortress houses the district administration offices and the central monastic body of the district.
The crown prince of Bhutan traditionally becomes the Penlop (governor) of Trongsa prior to crown as king. Trongsa Dzong built in 1648 is the master piece of Bhutanese architecture, which has been traditional home of all four kings of Bhutan before they crowned as King. Standing above this fortress is Ta Dzong, which once guarded this place from internal rebellion and provides visitor more insight into the historical significance of Trongsa in Bhutan’s history.
Ta Dzong/ Watch Tower:
Trongsa Ta Dzong, a cylindrical stone structure rising five storeys, is located on a hill overlooking Trongsa Dzong. It was built as a watchtower, to defend Trongsa Dzong in 1652 by Chogyal Minjur Tempa on the instruction of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel. The watchtower, today, serves as a classy museum housing a number of age-old treasures like ancient religious texts, paintings, scrolls, ritual objects and costumes, and textiles.
Chendbji Chorten
This stupa is located four hours drive from Wangdue Phodrang. Based on the architecture of Swayambunath stupa in Kathmandu (Nepal), this stupa was built by Lama Shida from Tibet in the 18th century to subdue an evil spirit.