Trongsa

Trongsa Dzong stands on a spur above the deep valley of the Mangde Chhu, a commanding position in central Bhutan. Its fortress and temples grew from a small shrine established by the Drukpa lama Ngagi Wangchuk in 1543. A watchtower above the stronghold guarded the approaches to this important seat.

As Ngawang Namgyal brought Bhutan under a central authority, the site acquired political as well as religious importance. In 1647 the Trongsa governor Minjur Tenpa built a dzong at the shrine, though another account places its establishment under Ngawang Namgyal and its enlargement under Minjur Tenpa. Later rulers expanded the complex, and a temple of Avalokiteshvara was added in 1715. From Trongsa, its governors exercised influence over the eastern regions of Bhutan and their local rulers.