Being a capital city means Thimphu has to have offices for the king, his ministers, and federal government employees. Employees of the ministries of home affairs and finance work in the Trashi Chhoe or Tashichho Dzong, along with the king and his close advisors.
Trashi Chhoe Dzong
Trashi Chhoe Dzong at Thimphu from hillside
Like in all Bhutanese dzongs, both monks and administrators have their separate spaces within the walls. The combination of religious and secular functions within the same walls dates from early in the 17th century when the first zhabdrung, Ngawang Namgyal, established himself as both the religious and political ruler of a unified Bhutan. Up until then, there was no central power, just numerous local chiefs. Being a Tibetan himself, the Zhabdrung began building a series of fortresses strong enough to withstand an invasion from Tibet and large enough to accommodate goverment administrators and a monastic community.
Corner Tower of Tshichho Dzong
When the federal government moved to Thimphu in 1962, it took five years to renovate and enlarge the old dzong which had suffered several fires and an earthquake over the centuries. The renovations were completed using traditional methods, i.e., without nails or written plans.
Inside the walls, the central tower or utse separates the two sectors of the complex, each of which has a large central courtyard.
Summer Residence of Dratshang (monastic body)
Courtyard View of Corner Tower
Endless Knots symbolize harmony
Lhakhang Sarpa (New Temple)
Painted Panels of a Bay Window
Cornice Detail
A Raven
Want to see what the dzong looked like on coronation day for the new king? Check out the Boston Globe‘s Big Picture article “Bhutan crowns a new king“.