Trongsa Dzong is more evocative of a Western European castle like Heidelberg than most Bhutanese dzongs.
Model of Heidelberg Schloss
Perched on a bluff high above the Mangde Chhu, it commanded a defensible position along the major east-west trade route.
Trongsa Dzong and Ta Dzong from the west
Looking Westward with Trongsa Dzong in foreground
A stream flows alongside the eastern perimeter of the dzong
The Chhoekhor Raptentse Dzong (the official name for this dzong) was the original seat of power in modern Bhutan, starting when the Trongsa penlop Jigme Namgyal (the first king’s father) established control of most of Bhutan. The first and second kings ruled from here, and by tradition, the crown prince gets on-the-job training in governance by filling the post of Trongsa penlop (district administrator).
Chhoekhor Raptentse Dzong, Trongsa
Today's entrance to the dzong; historically one had to walk two hours up the mountain to the eastern gate
Inside the walls there’s a feeling of spaciousness with numerous buildings and large courtyards.
Inside Trongsa Dzong
- It’s easy to imagine this place bustling with activity with government administrators, military leaders, and the chief abbot with his supporting staff of monks all housed within the walls.
There are many staircases for moving between the vertically displaced buildings inside the dzong walls
The first building at the site was the Chorten Lhakhang, built on the edge of the cliff in 1543. The dzong was built about a century later with the walls spreading upward from the lhakhang. Late in the 17thcentury the dzong was enlarged to its present size. The dzong was recently renovated with help from the Austrians.
Towers atop towers inside Trongsa's Dzong
Lots of office space and 23 lhakhangs inside this dzong
The timber and stucco are reminiscent of half-timbering
The watchtower for the dzong was built above it on the hillside.
Ta Dzong is situated above Trongsa Dzong
Ta Dzong from the west on a sunny day
Ta Dzong from Trongsa Dzong in the rain and fog
With support from the Austrian government, the tower is been converted into a splendid museum that is a steep climb up from the road.
The last flight of stairs up to Ta Dzong
Ta Dzong tower
Tomorrow I’ll be heading into the Black Mountains to begin the six-day trek along the Nabji Trail. No more dzongs for a while!