Trongsa Dzong

Trongsa Dzong is famed as the largest dzong in Bhutan. Located within the heart of the Land of Thunder Dragons; in Trongsa, this wonderful fortress sits on the higher end of a spur that overlooks the Mangde River and its captivating gorges. Initially built as a small temple by a Drukpa lama named Ngagi Wangchuk in 1543, it was later rebuilt in its present form by his great grandson named Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. On its completion, it was called as ‘Chökhor Rabtentse Dzong’.

While the dzong was enlarged multiple times, it also went through natural catastrophe in 1897 when it was hit by a severe earthquake from Assam (India). Following this, it was later renovated in 1927 and lastly in 1999.

A prominent seat of the Wanchuk dynasty, Trongsa Dzong has always played a strategic role in Bhutan’s history. At present, it houses around 200 monks and also has a monastic complex along with a printing house that usually prints Bhutanese religious texts. To note here, the Trongsa Dzong might soon get listed as one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites.