Places of interest around Trongsa

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Chendbji Chorten

Approximate four hours drive from Wangdue Phodrang is Chendbji Chorten, patterned on Swayambhunath temple in Kathmandu. It was built in 18th century by Lama Shida, from Tibet, to cover the remains of an evil spirit that was subdued at this spot. It is a place you cannot afford to miss and is culturally pleasing.

Trongsa Dzong

Like almost all towns in the Kingdom, this Dzong architecture dominates the entire Trongsa horizon dwarfing the surrounding buildings. Built in 1648, it was the seat of power over central and eastern Bhutan. Both the first and second King ruled the country from this ancient seat.

Ta Dzong

The Ta Dzong, a cylindrical stone structure rising five storeys, was built in 1652 by Chogyal Minjur Tempa, a task entrusted to him by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. 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 including a sacred image of Sung Joenma Dorji Chang and also a bronze statue of Pema Lingpa, made by him.

Kuenga Rabten

The long drive until Kuenga Rabten takes about an hour and it also passes through the beautiful passes and the countryside high above the river gorge. The land slopes quite gently in this region, and farming is well developed, so there is much of interest to observe in the field and in the villages as one speed along. Kuenga Rabten was the winter palace of the second King and is now looked after by the National Commission for Cultural Affairs.

Semji Village

This ancient village is approx. 7km from Trongsa and ideal for bird watching. Weather permitting, hiking through the dense forest provide ample opportunity to see various species of birds. At Semji, one can visit the village and subsequently continue hiking downhill till the high way, where your transportation can shuttle you back to Trongsa town. The whole hiking trip takes approximately 4-5 hours.