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the centre of the Bhutan and four hours by drive from Wangdue
Phodrang, Trongsa offers a welcome rest to travelers. The
approach to the town involves a trip around Trongsa valley.
A vantage point from the opposite side of the valley, still
14 kms from Trongsa, provides an exciting view of the Dzong
and the town.
The secular and religious centre, the Dzong, dominates the
horizon, dwarfing the surrounding buildings.
The royal family's ancestral home is Trongsa. Both his majesty
king Ugyen Wangchuk, the Penlop of Trongsa, who was elected
the country's first hereditary monarch, and his successor
king Jigme Wangchuk, ruled the country from Trongsa's ancient
Dzong. The crown prince of Bhutan normally holds the position
of the Trongsa Penlop prior to the ascending to the throne
- the present king continued this tradition as he appointed
Trongsa Penlop in 1972 shortly before he ascended the Throne
of Bhutan.
Trongsa Dzong is an impregnable fortress. The Dzong itself
is a labyrinth of temples, corridors and offices holding court
over the local community. It is built on many levels into
the side of the hill and can be seen from every approach to
Trongsa, heralding its strength as a defensive stronghold.
Trongsa can also be a good shopping stop. The local population
weaves its own textiles from hand - dyed wool and the Tibetan-origin
Bhutanese shopkeepers sell them at more competitive prices
than those found in Thimpu. They also sell machine woven carpets
in the traditional style. These are also sold at more reasonable
prices than those found in Thimpu.
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