Trongsa
Central Bhutan

Trongsa

The hinge of the kingdom — the vast ancestral dzong every king must govern before the throne.

Altitude 2,200 m Best season March to May, September to November Worth 1 night Getting there Five hours east of Punakha across Pele La

Every King of Bhutan must first serve as Trongsa Penlop — governor of Trongsa — before the Raven Crown. That fact tells you most of what this district means.

The dzong is the largest in the kingdom, stepped down a ridge above a gorge, and the old east west route ran directly through its corridors: to cross Bhutan, you crossed Trongsa, and paid your respects doing it. The watchtower above is now one of the country’s best museums.

Most travellers pause here on the way to Bumthang. Stay the night instead — when the day traffic moves on, the town returns to its own unhurried business.

While You Are Here

Things worth your time

  1. 01 Trongsa Dzong The largest fortress in Bhutan, and the ancestral seat of the monarchy — allow a slow half day for its courtyards.
  2. 02 Ta Dzong The circular watchtower above, now the Tower of Trongsa museum — five floors of royal history ending at a rooftop shrine.
  3. 03 The old trade path Walk a stretch of the mule track that once carried all traffic between east and west, below the dzong walls.
  4. 04 Chendebji Chorten West of town, a Nepali style stupa by the river where every crossing traveller has paused for two centuries.

Trongsa Tshechu each winter fills the dzong's northern courtyard, far from any crowd. Read about Trongsa Tshechu

Where You Stay

Rooms we trust here

Willing Resort

All stays

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