Mongar Dzong is a fortress built by Jigme Wangchuck, the Second King of Bhutan, in 1930 in Mongar Dzongkhag, eastern Bhutan. It was built to replace the Zhongar Dzong, which had been destroyed by fire and was in disrepair. The fortress is located just above Mongar town at an altitude of 1,639 meters.
Unlike the other dzongs in Bhutan, the Mongar Dzong has a unique architectural design with two entrances, but a shared courtyard for both the monastic and administrative centers.
Today, it serves as the district’s administrative and religious center. Every year, Mongar Tshechu is held there.
How to Reach Mongar Dzong
Mongar Dzong is located just above Mongar town. It is open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. No entry fee is required, but wearing formal attire is mandatory to enter the fortress.
History of Mongar Dzong
According to the history of Mongar Dzong, His Majesty Jigme Wangchuck, the Second King of Bhutan, built Mongar Dzong in 1930. The new dzong was constructed to strengthen governance in eastern Bhutan and to accommodate the growing administrative and religious needs of local people, replacing an older, smaller structure.
The Royal Government of Bhutan funded the construction of Monggar Dzong with financial aid from the Government of India.
Description of Monggar Dzong
Mongar Dzong’s design resembles Lamai Goenpa in Bumthang, the Palace of the first King, Gongsar Ugyen Wangchuck. It features traditional Bhutanese architecture, built without nails from wood, stone, and clay.
The dzong has two entrances and a shared courtyard for both the monastic and administrative centers, with a central tower (Utse) in the middle. The central tower is believed to be from the Zhongar Dzong, the region’s original fortress. It also contains relics from the former Zhongar Dzong.
There are four Lhakhangs in the Utse, including a Goenkhang (a shrine dedicated to protective deities) and the Sangay Lhakhang, which houses revered statues of the Buddha of Long Life (Tsheppamey), Guru Rinpoche, and Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal.
Festival of Mongar Dzong
Mongar Tshechu is an annual festival held at Monggar Dzong from the 8th to the 10th day of the 10th month of the Bhutanese calendar. The festival features vibrant mask dances, traditional music, and sacred ritual ceremonies.
Best Time to Visit Monggar Dzong
The best time to visit Monggar Dzong is in spring and autumn. However, to fully experience the lively celebrations of the eastern region, planning a visit during the Mongar Tshechu festival is recommended. You can visit the major pilgrimage sites of Mongar with the Bhutan Pilgrimage Package.
Places to explore in Mongar
Aja Ney: A sacred, hidden place of Guru Rinpoche where he imprinted 100 repetitions of the holy syllable “Aa” on the cave after meditation.
Aja Menchu: Aja Menchu is the medicinal spring water in Mongar Aja Ney created by Guru Rinpoche, believed to cure 18 different diseases (nayrig-chobgay).
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