In the centre of Bhutan and four hours by road from Wangduephodrang, Trongsa offers a welcome rest to travelers. The approach to the town involves a frustrating 14 kilometer trip around Trongsa valley. A vantage point from the opposite side of the valley, still 14 kilometres from Trongsa, provides a welcome view of the Dzong and the town in the kingdom, the secular and relious cente, the Dzong, dominates the horizon, dwarfing the surrounding buioldings.

The royal family ancestral home is Trongsa. Both his majesty King Ugyen Wangchuck, the Penlop of Trongsa, who was elected the country first hereditary monarch, and his successor, king Jigme Wangchuck, ruled the country from Trongsa’s ancient Dzong. The crown prince of Bhutan normally holds the position of the Trongsa penlop prior to ascending the Throne, including the present King who was appointed Penlop in 1972, shortly before his succession to the Thorne.

Protected from invades by an impenetrable valley, Trongsa Dzong is an impregnable fortress. The Dzongs itself is a labyrinth of temples, corridors and offices holding court over the local community. It is built on many levels into the side o f the hill and can be seen from every approach to Trongsa heralding its strength as a defensive stronghold. Above the Dzongs, a watchtower, Ta Dzong, used to administer its defence.

Although a temple stood on the spot, the Dzongs was built in earnest by shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal who midway through the 17th Century, recognized how Trongsa’s strategic location could help him in his long and successful quest to unify the country.

Trongsa is one of the quaintest of all Bhutanese towns. The town’s vista is traditional in appearance as the wooden slatted houses lie together on the side of the hill a number of hotels and cafés provide accommodation and refreshment to travelers who are crossing the country

Trongsa can also be a good shopping stop. There local population weaves its own textiles from hand-dyed wool and the Tibetans sell them at more competitive prices that those found in Thimphu.