Trongsa, previously Tongsa, is a Thromde or town, and the capital of Trongsa District in central Bhutan. The name means "new village" in Dzongkha. The first temple was built in 1543 by the Drukpa lama Ngagi Wangchuck, who was the great-grandfather of Ngawang Namgyal, Zhabdrung Rinpoche, the unifier of Bhutan. Wikipedia
Known for: Towering Trongsa Dzong, royal history, panoramic mountain views, and a strategic central location in Bhutan
Location: Central Bhutan, at ~2,200 meters (7,200 ft) elevation — halfway between west and east Bhutan
March to May (Spring):
✅ Ideal weather with blooming flowers and clear skies
September to November (Autumn):
✅ Great for trekking, festivals, and mountain views
December to February (Winter):
❄️ Cold but clear, with fewer tourists
June to August (Monsoon):
🌧️ Rainy season, roads may be slippery
🚗 By Road:
~6–7 hours from Thimphu
~3–4 hours from Bumthang (beautiful Yotong La Pass en route)
Winding mountain roads with breathtaking views
✈️ By Air (indirectly):
Nearest airport is in Bumthang (Bathpalathang), followed by a drive to Trongsa
Largest and most impressive dzong in Bhutan
Strategically built on a ridge with views of the Mangde Chhu river
Historically the seat of power for Bhutan’s royal family — all kings serve as Penlop (Governor) of Trongsa before ascending the throne
Former watchtower turned museum
Exhibits royal memorabilia, religious artifacts, and the history of the monarchy
Fantastic hilltop views of the valley
Small and scenic town with traditional shops and cafés
Cliffside viewpoints give dramatic shots of the dzong and valley below
A historic winter residence of Bhutan’s second king
Located about 23 km from Trongsa
Tour Trongsa Dzong and Ta Dzong with a local guide
Hike short trails around the town and dzong
Visit local markets and interact with artisans
Enjoy scenic photography from cliffside viewpoints
Attend the Trongsa Tshechu Festival (usually in December)
Yangkhil Resort – Best-known stay in Trongsa with great views and comfort
Tashi Ninjay Guest House – Good local hospitality
Trongsa Raven Resort – Newer, comfortable, well-located
Norling Guest House
Phuntsho Chholing Lodge – Basic, clean, great for short stays
Ema Datshi (chili and cheese)
Red rice and pork curry
Buckwheat pancakes
Local butter tea (suja)
Yangkhil Resort Restaurant – Reliable Bhutanese and international fare
Tashi Ninjay Restaurant – Homestyle cooking
Small town cafés and tea stalls – Great for local snacks
Deep royal and religious roots — a symbol of Bhutanese unity
Known for its strategic and spiritual role in Bhutanese history
Annual Trongsa Tshechu is a significant cultural and religious festival
Locals are proud of their dzong and deeply connected to Buddhist traditions
📸 Best photo spot is from the road east of the dzong (panoramic views)
🥾 Bring walking shoes — the dzong is large and involves stairs
🎒 Carry essentials — Trongsa is remote with limited stores
💳 Cash is preferable — limited ATM access
📵 Check local rules for photography inside temples/museums