Tantalizing Trongsa:
If you ever do visit Bhutan, make it a point to travel to Trongsa, simply because the region is the vanguard of the warriors. The museums and monuments to visit in Trongsa are Trongsa dzong, Chendebji Chorten and Ta dzong, the royal heritage museum. It is 5 hours journey from Thimphu valley.
The town of Trongsa in central Bhutan is also the capital of the district that goes by the same name. The name Trongsa in Dzongkha translates to ‘new village’ and that’s a little odd because the town and the region are significantly old. The first temple there was built in 1543 by Ngagi Wangchuk who was the great grandfather of Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. It has the most spectacularly sited dzong in Bhutan, and the first two Kings of the Wangchuck dynasty ruled the Kingdom from there.
Tradition still dictates, even today, that the Crown Prince serve as Trongsa penlop (governor) before acceding to the throne.
Trongsa dzong.
Tourist attractions in Trongsa.
1. Chendbji chorten:
After about a three-hour drive from Wangdue Phodrang is Chendebji chorten, inspired by the Swayambhu Nath temple in Kathmandu. Lama Shida from Tibet built it in the 18th century. Legend goes that it was built to cover the remains of an evil spirit that was subdued at that spot.
2. Trongsa dzong:
Like almost all towns in the Kingdom, this dzong architecture dominates the entire Trongsa horizon. It was built in the year 1648 and 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. This fortress can be seen from every approach to Trongsa heralding its strength as a defensive stronghold.
3. Ta dzong:
Chogyal Minjur Tempa built the Ta dzong in 1652, a task entrusted to him by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. This is a cylindrical stone structure rising five storeys. 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 from statues and scrolls to paintings, artifacts and religious objects.
The Ta dzong is a living museum and the main temple in the Utse is dedicated to the Maitreya Buddha. The tower has always been a place of retreat. (It is one of the highlights of 10 days Bhutan tour).