Trongsa Dzong, also known as Chokhor Rabten Choling Dzong or Choetse Dzong, is one of the 16 dzongs built by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in Bhutan. It is the largest dzong fortress in Bhutan, built in 1644 to oversee the eastern region on a spur overlooking the Mangde River gorge in Trongsa Dzongkhag, at an elevation of 2,300 meters.
Although the dzong is commonly referred to as Trongsa Dzong, its original name is Druk Minjur Chhoekhor Rabtentse Dzong, meaning ‘the fortress on the tip of a Dungkhar (conch) of the unchanging land of Druk and the eternal Dharma.’
Today, the massive structure functions as the administrative center and monastic seat of Trongsa District. It is also listed on Bhutan’s Tentative List for UNESCO World Heritage Sites, making it a must-visit to explore the heart of Bhutanese history and spiritual heritage.
How to Reach Trongsa Dzong
The journey from Thimphu takes about 7 hours. In Trongsa, the road passes above the Dzong, runs through a vegetable market, and then by the Thruepang Palace.
The main entrance is the eastern gate, through which visitors typically enter. However, adventurous trekkers hike on the Mangdue Foot Trail from the Trongsa Dzong Viewpoint and enter through the western entrance, stepping back in time.
History of Trongsa Druk Minjur Chhoekhor Rabtentse Dzong
Trongsa Dzong was built in its current form by Chhogyal Mingyur Tenpa in 1644.
The history of Trongsa Dzong dates back to the 16th century. In 1541, Ngagi Wangchuk, the great-grandfather of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, arrived in Trongsa and soon discovered self-manifested hoofprints believed to belong to the horse of the protector deity Pelden Lhamo. Inspired by these omens, he built a small meditation temple (tshamkhang) in 1543.
Another version has it that while meditating in Yuling Village, Ngagi Wangchuk saw a mysterious light on a distant ridge. When he reached the spot, he discovered a small spring believed to have been used by Pelden Lhamo. Since the sacred ridge resembled a conch shell spiraling clockwise, he built a small meditation temple and named it Choe-Khor RabTen-Tse, meaning “the temple firmly set on the tip of the conch shell.”
A century later, in 1644, Zhabdrung commanded Chhogyel Mingyur Tenpa to expand this sacred site into a full dzong to establish control over eastern Bhutan.
Expansion and Renovation of Trongsa Dzong
Trongsa Dzong has undergone extensive expansion and renovations over the years:
- In 1715, Penlop Druk Dendrup built the Chenrezig (Avalokiteshvara) Lhakhang.
- A complex, including the Maitreya (Jampa) temple, was added in 1771 to house the monks.
- In 1853, the 10th Penlop of Trongsa, Jigme Namgyal, the father of Bhutan’s first king, erected the Demchog (Cakrasamvara) Lhakhang in the central part of the dzong.
- Trongsa Dzong was repaired and restored by both the first king, Ugyen Wangchuck, and the second king, Jigme Wangchuck, in 1927, with special attention given to the renovation of Chenrezig Lhakhang after the 1897 Assam earthquake.
- In 1999, extensive restoration work was funded by Austria and was reconsecrated in October 2004, coinciding with the Crown Prince’s enthronement.
Significance of Trongsa Dzong
Why is the Trongsa Dzong significant? Trongsa Dzong holds immense political and cultural significance. The first two kings of Bhutan ruled from here. It is the fortress where the Crown Prince serves as Trongsa Penlop before ascending to the throne, a tradition that has been followed for centuries. Trongsa Dzong symbolizes unity, authority, and the continuity of the Wangchuck dynasty.
Description of Trongsa Dzong
Trongsa Dzong is a large complex that spans multiple levels, featuring courtyards, passageways, and corridors. It houses 25 temples, each with its own history. The main Lhakhangs are:
- A two-story Maitreya temple (Jampa Lhakhang), featuring a clay statue of the Future Buddha donated by King Ugyen Wangchuck.
- Chorten Lhakhang (or Mithrub temple), the original hermitage site, where the funerary stupa of Ngagi Wangchuk is enshrined. The temple also features paintings of the 16 Arhats and Buddha Akshobhya.
Trongsa also hosts a Rabdey (district monk body) that accommodates over 200 monks beside the administrative offices, which are restricted to visitors. Just outside the dzong is the archery ground, and a pavilion where the current king, then Crown Prince Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, was crowned as Penlop in 2004.
Ta Dzong, the watchtower of the fortress
Taa Dzong, the watchtower of Trongsa, is a six-story structure built in 1652 by Chogyal Minjur Tempa, above the gorge on the east side of the fortress.
According to the history of the Trongsa Museum, Ta Dzong of Trongsa was converted to a National Museum with support from Austria in 2008.
Festivals of Trongsa Dzong
Trongsa Tshechu is a five-day religious festival held annually in the northern courtyard of Trongsa Dzong. It is celebrated from the 7th to the 12th day of the 11th lunar month with traditional mask dances, religious rituals, and other cultural performances.
Trongsa Dzong also organizes the annual Tshepamey Wang, known as the blessing for long life, on the 15th day of the 8th Bhutanese month, starting early in the morning and extending into the late evening.
The three-day annual Goenpoi Dromchhe is held following the eleven days of Drubchen inside the Dzong.
Best Time to Visit Trongsa Dzong
The best time to visit Trongsa Dzong is in spring and fall, from March to May and September to November. To experience the vibrant festive atmosphere of Trongsa, plan your visit during the annual Trongsa Tshechu festival. You can visit the major pilgrimage sites of Trongsa with the Bhutan Pilgrimage Package.
Places to explore in Trongsa
Nabji Lhakhang: It is a one-storied traditional temple built by Khandro Tashi Khyidren at the site of Guru Rinpoche in Nabji village, Korphu gewog under Trongsa Dzongkhag at an elevation of 2156 masl.
Tsheringma Drupchhu: It is a holy spring water of the goddess Tsheringma for melodious voices and long life in Trongsa Dzongkhag.
Ta Dzong (The Tower of Trongsa Museum): Built in 1652 by Chogyal Minjur Tempa, it is a historic watchtower overlooking Trongsa Dzong. It features four observation points shaped like a Tiger, a Lion, a Garuda, and a Dragon. Converted into the Royal Heritage Museum in 2008, it showcases Bhutan’s monarchy, royal artifacts, and Buddhist relics across eleven galleries.
Chendebji Chorten: It is a stupa built in the 18th century modeled after Nepal’s Swayambhunath. The whitewashed Chorten symbolizes peace and protection.
Kuenga Rabten Palace: Built in 1929 near Trongsa, it served as the winter residence of Bhutan’s second King, Jigme Wangchuck. This two-story Bhutanese-style palace features traditional architecture, a temple, and royal apartments. It now functions as a monastery and cultural site, preserving royal history and hosting monks.
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