10-Day Central Bhutan Tour: Punakha, Phobjikha and Bumthang
Beyond the western valleys to Phobjikha's glacial valley and the temples of Bumthang, Bhutan's spiritual heartland, with Tiger's Nest to finish.
USD 2,700
Trongsa
A town above the Mangde Chhu gorge in central Bhutan, dominated by Trongsa Dzong, the ancestral seat of Bhutan's royal family.
Overview
Trongsa sits in the middle of the country, where the east-west road crosses the Mangde Chhu gorge. For centuries whoever held Trongsa controlled travel between east and west.
Bhutan’s royal family rose to power from here, and by tradition the crown prince holds the title of Trongsa Penlop before becoming king. Most visitors stop in Trongsa on the way between Phobjikha and Bumthang.
Places to visit in Trongsa
- Trongsa Dzong
- A vast fortress built along the ridge above the gorge, the ancestral seat of the Wangchuck dynasty.
- Ta Dzong
- The watchtower above the dzong, now a museum dedicated to the monarchy.
- Chendebji Chorten
- A large white chorten on the road from Pele La, built in the style of Swayambhunath in Kathmandu.
- Kinga Rabten Palace
- The former winter palace of the Second King, south of Trongsa.
Things to do in Trongsa
- Visit Trongsa Dzong
- See the royal museum in the Ta Dzong watchtower
- Stop at Chendebji Chorten on the road from Pele La
Journeys that visit Trongsa
13-Day Bhutan West to East Tour: Paro to Samdrup Jongkhar
The whole country in one journey: from Paro and Tiger's Nest through Punakha, Phobjikha and Bumthang to the dzongs, temples and weaving villages of eastern Bhutan, leaving by road into India.
USD 3,600
Best time to visit
Spring and autumn are the best seasons for travelling across the central passes. The Trongsa Tshechu is held in winter.
How to get there
Trongsa lies on the east-west highway, reached from Phobjikha over the Pele La pass. Bumthang is a few hours further east over the Yotong La.
Travel tips
- The drive across the passes is long: break it with stops at Chendebji and the Trongsa viewpoint
Festivals in Trongsa
- Lhamoi Dromchhen
- Goenpai Drupchen
- Trongsa Tshechu
- Nabji Lhakhang Drup
Experiences
Buddhist Heritage
Monasteries, temples and fortress-monasteries shaped by more than twelve centuries of Buddhism, and still at the heart of daily life.
More in Central Bhutan
Plan a journey that includes Trongsa
Tell us your dates and interests. We will suggest a route and how many days to spend in each valley.