A visit to Bhutan will be incomplete if you miss out the magnificent Dzongs of this beautiful Buddhist country. Sheer splendor and serenity of these white coloured Dzongs standing right in the middle of mountains and overlooking gushing rivers will make you fall in love immediately.
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Tashichho Dzong Thimphu (Also known as Trashi Chhoe Dzong), seat of Bhutan‘s government and National Assembly is one of the most splendid and impressive of all Bhutan Dzongs.
The day we visited the Dzong, Bhutan Head of Religion was scheduled to visit the Dzong and temple inside. Thus, whole Dzong and path leading to it was beautifully decorated with colourful flags.
In Bhutan, all Dzongs also house the monks and thus you will find both administrative officers and monks walking around the compound. Every Dzong also houses the temples and monasteries dedicated to Lord Buddha, Guru Rinpoche and other Buddhist Gods which are managed by monks only.
After taking a good walk outside, we entered inside the huge white walls of Tashichho Dzong (thoroughly checked by Royal Bhutan Army Soldiers). As soon as you step in, you will be stuck by the tranquility and stillness of the atmosphere occasionally broken either by the sound of prayer wheels or the chirruping of birds.
Immediately after entering the Dzong compound, you will find Buddhist Monastery on your right which houses a beautiful large statue of Buddha. This is open for the tourists and you can walk inside up the stairs and sit there spending some time in meditation.
Beautiful architecture of the Dzong is one thing you can not miss – White base walls beautifully laced with colourful wood carving and curtains furling with the wind. Even more amazing is the feeling of finding a sense of calmness well preserved within huge white walls of Tashichho Dzong.
Meaning of Dzong: Fort – Monastery shared between government offices and monks’ quarters (As in Lonely Planet)
Tashichho Dzong, Thimphu Location
Please click here. Tashichho Dzong is situated at the city end on the bank of river ‘Wang Chhu. There is also a beautiful wooden bridge on the river if you take an immediate exit from the Dzong.
Tashichho Dzong, Thimphu Timings
- Monday to Friday: 5 PM to 6 PM only (As administrative activities are on during the day time)
- Saturday and Sunday : 8 AM to 6 PM (Summers: April to October), 8 AM to 5 PM (Winters: November to March)
Tashichho Dzong, Thimphu Entry Fee
Bhutanese Government has recently introduced an entry fee of 300 Ngultrum (Bhutan Currency) per person for entry to Thimphu Dzong applicable for Indian/Bangladesh/Maldives citizens (who enter Bhutan through Entry Permit process).
Tip: Bhutan Dzongs are beautifully lit in the evening with an array of lights. Do make a visit in the evening to Thimphu and Punakha Dzongs. Even if you will not be able to enter inside, views of Dzong bathing in colourful lights would be worth extra efforts.