The Vanguard of the Warriors - Trongsa Dzongkhag is located near the centre of Bhutan and was considered crucial in controlling the kingdom in earlier years due to its strategic position. Trongsa is smack in the middle of the country, and separated from both east and west by high mountain ranges. It covers an area of about 1807 km², with elevation ranging from 800 meters to 4,800 meters above sea level with a total population of 15562 as of July 2012. It shares boundaries with Bumthang Dzongkhag to the northeast, Wangdiphodrang Dzongkhag to the west and Zhemgang Dzongkhag to the south. According to the prophecy given by Guardian deity Pelden Lhamo, Yongzin Ngagi Wangchuk came to Trongsa in 1541 and built a small meditation quarter in the sacred spot and meditated there. He soon attracted a host of disciples who built their own meditation unit around the main Tshamkhang. The cluster of newly built meditation quarters appeared to the people of Yueling like a new village and hence they called it “Trongsa” meaning “new village”.
Trongsa Fort
The Dzong was built in its present form in 1644 by Chogyal Mingyur Tenpa, the official who was sent by the Zhabdrung to unify eastern Bhutan. The dzong’s strategic location gave it great power over this part of the country. The only trial between eastern and western Bhutan still leads straight through Trongsa and used to run directly through the dzong itself.
Watch Tower or Ta Dzong
This watchtower, which once guarded Trongsa Dzong from internal rebellion, stands on a promontory above the town. It was built by Chogyal Minjur Tempa, the 1st Governor of Trongsa in 1652. It was located on the hill above the dzong and has been converted into excellent Tower of Trongsa Museum in 2008.
Chendebji Chorten
En route to Trongsa is Chendebji Chorten, patterned on Kathmandu’s Swayambhunath Stupa, with eyes painted at the four cardinal points. It was built in the 18th century by Lama Zhida, to cover the remains of an evil spirit that was subdued at this spot. Legend says that the evil spirit manifested as a gigantic snake.
Kuenga Rabten Palace
Winter palace of the second, Jigme Wangchuk, is 23km south of Trongsa. The land slopes quite gently in this region, and farming is well developed, so there is much of interest to observe in the fields and in the villages as one speed along. As one approaches Kuenga Rabten, the Palace is clearly visible just below the road on the right. It was the winter palace of the second king and is now looked after by the National Commission for Cultural Affairs. This pleasant afternoon excursion from Trongsa offers further insights into the early days of Bhutan’s monarchy.
Thruepang Palace
This two storied simple palace situated just above the highway in town is the birth place of our Late King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. It was here that on 2nd May 1928, His Majesty was born to King Jigme Wangchuck and Ashi Puntsho Choden. He spent most of his early childhood days here in this Thurepang Palace. The other palace of interest is the Eundu Choling Palace which was the winter residence of the 1st King Ugyen Wangchuck.