 
|
Trongsa
Dzong and Ta-Dzong in Trongsa
|
Ta-Dzong
in Trongsa
|
Trongsa
is situated in the central part of the country and the 'dzong' here is
the most interesting. Sloping down the contour of a ridge stands the many-leveled
Trongsa Dzong, built in 1648. The 'dzong' rides the steep green slopes
of a ridge with multiple elevations built at various times in history.
It takes at least another 40 minutes from the look-out before you arrive
in Trongsa proper. The dzong acts as a defensive fortress, stepping down
into the valley and its bright golden yellow roof occupies most of the
view from Trongsa. Trongsa is the ancestral home of the Royal Family. The
Crown Prince of Bhutan traditionally becomes "Penlop" (Governor) of Trongsa
before being crowned King. |
| Ta
Dzong, or the watch tower which once guarded the Dzong from internal rebellion,
stands impressively above the Dzong and provides visitor with more insight
into the historical significance of Trongsa in Bhutan's history. A chapel
inside the tower is dedicated to the Trongsa penelop. In another chapel,
there is a interesting representation of a palace. |
Trongsa
Dzong
|
The
Trongsa Dzong has been the seat of power for the eastern region and attained
national significance, as in 1907 it was the Trongsa Penlop (governor)
who was throned the first hereditary ruler of the kingdom. Trongsa Dzong
was built in 1648 and has been the traditional home of all four kings of
Bhutan prior to their ascending the throne.
Trongsa's
location in the geographic center of the kingdom has enabled a "Penlop"
(Governor) to effectively control the entire East and West of the country
from there.
|
Paro
Dzong and Ugyen Pelri Palace in Paro
|
Ugyen
Pelri Palace in Paro
|
Paro
Valley is one of the most populated area in the country. Because of its
proximity to the airport, there are hotels and tourist amenities close
by. The Paro Valley contains a wealth of attractions and requires a few
days to be properly explored. Casting a shadow across the town of Paro
and controlling all secular and religious activities in its valley is the
elegant and perfectly symmetrical Rinpung Dzong. It is a fortress situated
on a knoll across the Paro Chu river with acommanding view of the Paro
valley. The Rinpung Dzong built during the 17th century, which is
now used as an administration center and school for monks. Behind Rinpung
Dzong, on the high hillside, is the castle shaped Ta Dzong. |
Once
a watch tower built to defend Rinpung Dzong during inter-valley wars in
the 17th Century, Ta Dzong has housed the nations heritage in Bhutan's
National Museum since 1967. The museum provides an excellent way to pass
an afternoon and its circular shape augments its varied collection. The
Ta Dzong Fort which displays antique thankha paintings, textiles, weapons
and a very interesting collection of postage stamps.
Ugyen
Pelri Palace is in a seculuded wooded compound on the south side of the
Paro Chhu (river). The palace was built by a Paro penlop in the early 1900s.
The palce is now a residence of the Queen's mother. On the roadside beside
Ugyen Pelri Palace are five square chortens. |
Paro
Dzong and Ta-Dzong Fort in Paro
|
 |
 |
All
rights reserved
©
YANA Expeditions, Inc.
©
RAOnline 2000-2008 |
|
