Overview:

: Trashi Chhoe Dzong is the main administrative and religious center for the Kingdom of Bhutan. It is located on the western bank of Wang Chuu (Thimphu River) in Thimphu, Bhutan’s capital city. The dzong (fortress) was built in 1641 by Ngawang Namgyal, the Zhabdrung Rinpoche, an important lama, and was the site of a number of important religious events. Later, a palace and several temples were added to the complex, making it a significant religious, cultural, and administrative center for the country. The dzong is an excellent example of traditional Bhutanese architecture and is a major tourist attraction in Bhutan. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Bhutan
Prominent Features:

1. Trashi Chhoe Dzong is a fortified Buddhist monastery complex located in the western part of Bhutan, in the Thimphu district. 2. The impressive stone walls of the dzong are built on the banks of the gentle river, the Wong Chhu. 3. Respectfully referred to by the locals as ‘fortress of auspicious fortune’, the Trashi Chhoe Dzong served as both fortress and administrative centre in an earlier era. 4. It is also the lifelong home of the Je Khenpo, the abbot of Bhutan and the religious head of the Central Monastic Body. 5. The dzong also houses the offices of the spiritual leader, the throne room of the royal family, the regional court, and other public offices. 6. The three-storey inner structure of the building was destroyed by a fire in 2012. Promptly renovated, the dzong was reconstructed within a couple of years. 7. The complex also contains many chapels and temples, as well as a tower topped with a gilded image of the Sakyamuni Buddha. 8. Every year, the masked dances and rituals of the Cham festival are held here. This national monument of Bhutan portrays the history and culture of the country.

History:

Trashi Chhoe Dzong, which translates to “Fortress of glorious religion,” is Bhutan’s oldest fortress. Located atop a hill overlooking the Punakha Valley in Bhutan, the fortress is a symbol of power and strength for the country’s people. The Trashi Chhoe Dzong was originally called Druk Pungthang Dechen Phortang and built in 1244. It was then renamed to Trashi Chhoe Dzong in 1641. Since then, the dzong has been occupied by various rulers and regimes and used as the administrative and royal palace. In the 18th century, Trashi Chhoe Dzong was destroyed by a fire caused by an invasion force. It was rebuilt in the early 1800s and eventually became the royal palace for the Bhutanese monarchy. In the 1950s, the dzong underwent a series of renovations and was transformed into a government office building. Today, it remains one of the most important sites in Bhutan and is open to visitors. The dzong also serves as a venue for religious and civic ceremonies and festivals and continues to have a place in traditional Bhutanese society. You must visit one of these historical places in Bhutan on your Bhutan tour

Interesting facts:

1. The majestic Trashi Chhoe Dzong is one of the most iconic landmarks of Bhutan, located in the city of Thimphu. 2. Trashi Chhoe Dzong is also known as the “fortress of the glorious religion” due to its critical role in preserving and promoting the Buddhist religion. 3. The Dzong was originally built in the 17th century by Zhabdrung Nawang Namgyal, an important figure in the history of Bhutanese unification. 4. The dzong houses some of the most important Bhutanese government offices including the ministry of finance, home affairs, foreign affairs and the religion and culture ministry. 5. The dzong underwent a major renovation in 2003, when it was officially opened to the public after having been closed for renovations for two years. 6. Every June/July, Trashi Chhoe Dzong is the main venue for the annual Thimphu Tshechu festival, where locals come to witness masked dancers and celebrate the teachings of Buddhas. 7. The dzong is considered to be a sacred place and contains many important religious artifacts. 8. It is said to be home to numerous protective gods and goddesses, and the walls are festooned with paintings of various deities. 9. In the courtyard of the dzong stands a 9.8 meter tall golden statue of the Buddha, which is one of the most important statues in the country. Visit one of the famous monuments of Bhutan with your friends and family.