Central Bhutan · Trongsa
The fortress at the heart of the kingdom
About Trongsa
Trongsa sits at the very centre of Bhutan, on a ridge above the deep gorge of the Mangde Chhu. For centuries, anyone travelling between east and west had to pass beneath its great dzong.
That made Trongsa powerful. Bhutan’s royal family rose to rule the country from here, and to this day the Crown Prince serves as Trongsa Penlop, governor of Trongsa, before becoming king.
Most journeys pause in Trongsa on the way between the western valleys and Bumthang. It is worth staying a night, to see the dzong in the evening light and walk the small town at its feet.
Featured highlights
The largest dzong in Bhutan
Built in stages from the 16th century onwards, Trongsa Dzong spills down its ridge in a maze of courtyards, temples and stairways. From the viewpoint across the gorge, it seems to float above the clouds. Inside, monks study and pray in temples that have watched over the kingdom’s history.
Royal Heritage Museum
Above the dzong, an old watchtower once guarded the road. Today it is a museum of Bhutan’s royal family, with treasures, sacred objects and the story of how the monarchy began, and the climb rewards you with views straight down onto the dzong’s golden roofs.
On the way west
Between Trongsa and the western valleys, beside a river in a quiet valley, stands Chendebji Chorten, a large white stupa built in the Nepalese style with painted eyes. Legend says it was built to subdue a troublesome spirit, and it makes a lovely place to stretch your legs and have a picnic.
Tell us what you’d love to see, and we’ll shape the journey around you.
Travel with purpose
Your visit supports the people and history of central Bhutan.
Included in every price, it helps pay for Bhutan’s free healthcare and education, and for protecting its forests.
We stay in family homestays and farmhouses, and buy from the weavers and farmers you meet along the way.
Every trip is planned by our family in Thimphu, so what you spend stays in Bhutan and with the people you meet.
Trips that visit Trongsa
Book a trip as it is, or use it as a starting point and change the days, places and hotels to suit you.
Festivals
Dates follow the lunar calendar and are tentative until officially confirmed. See all festivals
