TASHICHHO DZONG:Thimphu's Iconic Fortress and Spiritual Hub

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Overview of TASHICHHO DZONG

Tashichho Dzong is a gorgeous Buddhist monastery and fortress on the bank of the Wang Chu river in the northern edge of Thimphu city in Bhutan. In Bhutanese language the Dzong refers to a“Fortress” and every district in the country is blessed with this unique architecture.
Tashichho Dzong is decorated with an illustrious history, glorifying architecture, and peaceful atmosphere. Tashichho Dzong is one of the prime places to visit in the capital city of Bhutan. The  Tashichho Dzong is one of the most beautiful dzongs to have graced Bhutan. 
Also famous by the moniker “Thimphu Dzong”, this elaborate structure takes you back in time. Located beside the Wangchu River, it looks like an attractive painting out of a textbook. The impressive structure is in its full glory all throughout the spring season, when all the blossoms decorate the entire place.

This serene palace also houses a monastery and temple. Currently, it also acts as the chief administrative building, housing the Bhutanese government. Offices of other departments are set across the building. The Dzong also serves as the summer residence of His Holiness who also is the Chief Abbot of the Religious Body.
With so much to uncover within its perimeter we are sure that a visit to this place will be a rewarding experience, that you will treasure forever.

Built on the right side of the Wangchu River, the Tashichho Dzong Thimphu is the seat of the Bhutanese Government since 1952. The fortress is also known as Thimphu Dzong, and the site has been witness to crucial moments in the history of Bhutan. The fortress was first constructed in 1216 A.D. by Lama Gyalwa Lhanangpa and rebuilt by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1641 and renamed from Dho Ngon Dzong to its current name of Tashichho Dzong. The fortress consisted of two Dzongs, the original and the lower Dzong built by Zhabdrung. After the original Dzong was destroyed by fire in 1771, everything was moved into the lower Dzong which is now known as the Tashichho Dzong fortress and has been expanded several times over the centuries.  The fortress was again damaged during the 1897 earthquake and rebuilt in 1902 and was renovated completely under King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck and enlarged in a period of 5 years from 1962.

Tashichho Dzong Bhutan became the seat of the government of Bhutan and is the location of the Throne room and the offices of King of Bhutan and the secretariat. The northern part of the fortress is the central Monastic Body and the summertime residence of the Je Khenpo and the summer capital of the country. The Tashichho Dzong houses 30 temples, chapels and shrines and is the site for the Thimphu Tsechu festival. The Dzong has also hosted the National Assembly until 1993.

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