Trongsa (alt. 2300m/7545ft.)
Trongsa forms
the central hub of the nation and is 
historically
the place from where attempts at unifying the country were launched.
Both His Majesty King Ugyen Wangchuck, the Penlop of Trongsa, who was
elected the country's first hereditary monarch and his successor, King
Jigme Wangchuck, ruled the country from Trongsa ancient seat. The Crown
Prince of Bhutan normally holds the position of the Trongsa Penlop prior
to ascending the throne. including the present King. The entire
landscape around Trongsa is spectacular.
Places of interest in and around Trongsa
Chendbji Chorten
Approximate four hours drive from Wangduephodrang is Chendbji Chorten,
patterned on Swayambhunath temple in Kathmandu. It was built in 18th
century by Lama Shida, from Tibet, to cover the remains of an evil
spirit that was subdued at this spot.
Trongsa Dzong
Like almost all towns in the Kingdom, this Dzong architecture dominates
the entire Trongsa horizon dwarfing the surrounding buildings. Built in
1648, it was the seat of power over central and eastern Bhutan. Both the
first and second King ruled the country from this ancient seat.
Protected from invaders by an impenetrable valley, Trongsa Dzong is an
impregnable fortress. The Dzong itself is a labyrinth of temples,
corridors and offices holding court over the local community. It is
built on many levels into the side of the hill and can be seen from
every approach to Trongsa heralding its strength as a defensive
stronghold.
Ta Dzong
The Ta Dzong, a cylindrical stone structure rising five storeys, was
built in 1652 by Chogyal Minjur Tempa, a task entrusted to him by
Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. After more than 350 years, it has been
resurrected into a classy museum, that represents a tasteful blend of
tradition and modernity. There are 224 items on display including a
sacred image of Sung Joenma Dorji Chang (self spoken Vajradharna), a
bronze statue of Pema Lingpa, made by himself, and a number of
centuries-old treasures like dance and ritual costumes and objects,
ancient prayer books, paintings and scrolls, and textiles.
The Ta Dzong is a living museum and the main lhakhang in the Utse is
dedicated to the Maitreya Buddha (Gyaltsab Jampa), also known as the
Future Buddha). A Khesar Lhakhang is dedicated to Khesar of Ling. The
tower has always been a place of retreat and there are hermits in
practice, including two yogis, who are in life long meditation. The Ta
Dzong is the only structure that has been restored specifically to
tribute the Wangchuck dynasty as Bhutan celebrates the centenary of the
Monarchy.
Excursion around Trongsa
Kuenga Rabten
The 23 km drive from Trongsa to Kuenga Rabten takes about an hour and passes through open countryside high above a river gorge. The land slopes quite gently in this region, and farming is well developed, so there is much of interest to observe in the filed and in the villages as one speeds along. As one approaches Kuenga Rabten, the Palace is clearly visible just below the main road on the right. It was the winter palace of the second King and is now looked after by the National Commission for Cultural Affairs. This pleasant afternoon excursion from trongsa offers further insights into the early days of Bhutan’s monarch.
