Tashichho Dzong

Originally constructed by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the unifier of Bhutan, Tashichho Dzong ("Fortress of the Glorious Religion") houses the throne room of the King, offices of several ministries, and the secretariat. Extensively rebuilt in 1962-1969 under the Third King in traditional style without nails or architectural plans. Its northern section serves as the summer residence of the Central Monastic Body, hosting approximately 2,000 monks, and it is the site of the spectacular annual Thimphu Tshechu festival.