Tashichho Dzong

When you visit Tashichho Dzong during your sightseeing tour to Bhutan, you will find that it is as impressive as the other dzongs. This impressive structure has served as the seat of the government since 1952. Today, it consists of the throne room, offices of the king, secretariat and the ministries of home affairs and finance. There are other government departments too, but most of them are located in buildings located nearby. Overlooked by mountains, it is noticeable from quite a distance. This has as much to do with its size as its white and red colour.

The Tashichho Dzong has an interesting history behind it. It was constructed in 1216 AD by Lama Gyalwa Lhanangpa on the same site where Dechen Phodrang now stands. Another structure known as the Lower Dzong was built in the year 1641 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. A major fire destroyed much of the original dzong in 1771, leading to all valuable objects being shifted to the Lower Dzong. The new dzong which was built was expanded many times in the coming years. An earthquake destroyed most of it in 1897, before it was rebuilt in 1902. The dzong, as we see it today, was built in 1952 in Thimphu in the traditional style of architecture, involving the use of neither nails nor of written plans.

Another fact about Tashichho Dzong is that it lies in close proximity to Thimphu, right next to the banks of River Wang Chhu. Well manicured lawns surround it on all sides along with beautiful gardens. It has served as the seat of the government of Bhutan since 1968 and houses the throne room, offices of the king, cabinet secretariat and ministries of home and finance affairs. Inside the dzong there are thirty temples, shrines and chapels.