Trongsa Dzong :

Trongsa Dzong was the ancestral home of the Royal Family. It was built in 1648 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel. It is not only located in the central region of the country; it also played the most central role in being the seat of power for the rulers that wielded control over the east & western region.

In the past, Trongsa dzong served as a strategic position in administrative as well as military functions.

 The Royal family has its antecedents here-the father of the first king, Jigme Namgyel, as the penlop of Trongsa exerted his authority across the country. Before becoming the monarch, Ugyen Wangchuck became penlop of Trongsa thereby establishing tradition that continues-the present fifth king was appointed Trongsa penlop in 2004. All kings held the post of Trongsa Penlop prior to being crowned as the King.

Besides wandering around the incredibly well maintained stone-flagged courtyard, you will find a visit to main Lhakhang(Kuenrey) particularly interesting. The complex has tem as well as one dedicated to the great tantric deities Yamantaka and Kalchakra as well as one dedicated to Maitreya with a large statue within. There are superbly executed paintings. Trongsa Dzong even has its own xylographic method used to print texts.