Trongsa, besides being the central hub of the country, has great historical significance. It is from here that attempts at unifying the country was launched. Both King Ugyen Wangchuck, the Penlop of Trongsa, the country's first hereditary monarch, and his successor, King Jigme Wangchuck, ruled the country from the ancient seat at Trongsa. The place is of spectacular beauty. The main attractions include Chendbji Chorten, Trongsa Dzong and Ta Dzong. The Chendbji Chorten is about four hours drive from Wangduephodrang which replicates the Swayambhunath temple in Kathmandu and was built in the 18th century by Lama Shida from Tibet, to conceal the remains of an evil spirit that was subdued at this spot.
The Trongsa Dzong, built in 1648, dominates the skyline of the entire town, dwarfing the other buildings. The Dzong is a secure and impenetrable fortress and a maze of temples, corridors, and offices. It is built on many levels into the side of the hill and can be seen from every step to Trongsa, proclaiming its strength as a defensive cartel. The Dzong was from where both the first and second King ruled the country from the ancient seat. The Ta Dzong is a cylindrical stone structure of five storeys, built in 1652 by Chogyal Minjur Tempa. The upmarket museum is a fine blend of tradition and modernity. The 224 items on display include a sacred image of Sung Joenma Dorji Chang (self spoken Vajradharna), a bronze statue of Pema Lingpa, made by himself, and a number of centuries-old treasures like dance and ritual costumes and objects, ancient prayer books, paintings and scrolls, and textiles.
