Trongsa lies in Central Bhutan and it was considered as one of the crucial dzongkhags for controlling the other regions in the past due to its strategic position. Trongsa is situated on a steep ridge with deep valleys surrounding it and it used to control the east-west trade within the country for centuries. The Trongsa Dzong built in 1644 also used to be the seat of power of the Wangchuck dynasty before they became rulers of the country in 1907. According to the tradition, all crown princes of Bhutan have to become Trongsa Penlop (Governor) first before being crowned as the king. The watch tower of Trongsa is today converted into a museum and it is an ideal place to learn more about Bhutan’s history.
Some of the attractions of Trongsa are:
The Trongsa Dzong was built in 1648 and was the seat of power over central and eastern Bhutan. It is the largest dzong in Bhutan and is built on a striking location that overlooks the gorge of Mangde River. It was the seat of the Wangchuck dynasty and today it serves as a major monastic complex with over 200 monks inhabiting it.
The Trongsa Ta Dzong (Watch Tower Fortress), which once served to guard the Trongsa Dzong, was built in the 17th century and has four observation points that resemble a Tiger, a Lion, a Garuda and a Dragon. It currently serves as a shrine dedicated to the legendary hero, King Gesar of Ling, and also as a museum that shows the histories of the kings of Bhutan and the religious significances of Trongsa Dzong,
The Thruepang palace is located above the Trongsa Town. It is a two-storied structure with a beautiful courtyard. It was in this palace, that the Third King of Bhutan, Druk Gyalpo Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, known as the Father of Modern Bhutan, was born. The palace was built by his father, the Second King, Druk Gyalpo Jigme , and it served as the residence to the royal family in the 1920s. Today, this palace serves as a symbol of monarchy and as a residence to the royal family when they travel to or via Trongsa.
Chendebji Chorten (Stupa) is an important stupa of Bhutan with a famous folklore. It is believed that the stupa was built by Lama Ngesup Tshering Wangchuk, the ancestor of the Tibetan King Trisong Detsen, to subdue Ngala Deum, the dreaded demoness of Chendebji. The model for the stupa was brought from Nepal, and inside the stupa are many relics, including the skull of the second Gantey Trulku, Tenzin Lekpai Dhundrup.