Trongsa Dzong

The largest dzong in Bhutan, commanding a strategic ridge overlooking the Mangde Chhu gorge at central Bhutan's narrowest point, historically controlling all east-west travel through the kingdom. The ancestral seat of the Wangchuck dynasty — both the first and second kings ruled from Trongsa before ascending the throne, and by tradition every crown prince must first serve as Trongsa Penlop (governor). Its complex of over 30 temples and administrative offices cascades down the mountainside, and the adjacent Ta Dzong was converted into the Tower of Trongsa Royal Heritage Museum in 2008.