SIMANACHARIYA TOURS AND TRAVELS
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(i) TRONGSA SECTOR:-
TRONGSA is situated midway between Ha in the far west and Tashigang in the Far East and is the ancestral home of Bhutan’s royal family. Lying in the centre of Bhutan, TRONGSA is of great importance in the history of Bhutan. TRONGSA is a town and capital of TRONGSA District in central Bhutan. TRONGSA, situated along a gorge in the heart of the kingdom has a rich history dating back to 16th century. During the year 1541, a saint known as Lam Ngagi Wangchuk built a small retreat house, which was soon followed by many other retreat houses built by his disciples. The surrounding villagers seeing the area turning into a small village, started naming the place as TRONGSA means, “new village”. Since then the place was known as TRONGSA.TRONGSA is one of the quaintest and most charming of all Bhutanese towns. The town of TRONGSA is in the heart of TRONGSA District, and is located in the centre of the Bhutan, four hours drive from Wangdue Phodrang. The town sits in the TRONGSA valley and is one of Bhutan's most historic towns.TRONGSA was once the seat of political power. Prior to the establishment of a Monarchical system of governance, thePenlop (regional governor) of TRONGSA emerged as the most powerful man in the country. His father had similarly held the same position. Since then, all our future Kings have been instituted as the TRONGSA Penlop. TRONGSA consists of five administrative counties.TRONGSA forms the central hub of the nation and is historically the place from where attempts at unifying the country were launched. Both His Majesty King Ugyen Wangchuck, the Penlop of TRONGSA, who was elected the country's first hereditary monarch and his successor, King Jigme Wangchuck, ruled the country from TRONGSA ancient seat. The Crown Prince of Bhutan normally holds the position of the TRONGSA Penlop prior to ascending the throne. All four kings held the post of Tongsa Penlop before being officially crowned. The father of the present king was appointed as Penlop in 1972, before his succession to the throne. TRONGSA is just a 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 place is popular shopping hub when you are on Buddhist tour. The famous hand weaved handicrafts are unique and traditional. Although the shopkeepers do merchandise in machine-weaved carpets and handlooms, but the hand weaved are much more preferred by the tourists. The famous wool which has been dyed is also found in a very reasonable rate than in any other place. Therefore, this place remains promising Buddhist site in Bhutan to make your tour exciting and enjoyable. The landscape around Tongsa is very scenic and breath-taking. The entire landscape around TRONGSA is spectacular.
TRONGSA has plenty to offer for its travellers. The main tourist attractions of TRONGSA are:-
TRONGSA DZONG-
Built in 1648, it was the seat of power over central and eastern Bhutan. Both the first and second kings of Bhutan ruled the country from this ancient seat. All four kings were invested as TRONGSA Penlop (“governor”) prior to ascending the throne. The DZONG is a massive structure with many levels, sloping down the contours of the ridge on which it is built. Because of the DZONG’s highly strategic position, on the only connecting route between east and west, the TRONGSA Penlop was able to control effectively the whole of the central and eastern regions of the country from here.
TA DZONG-
This watchtower, which once guarded TRONGSA DZONG from internal rebellion, stands on a promontory above the town. It was built by Chogyal Minjur Tempa, the 1st Governor of TRONGSA in 1652. It has four observation pints resembling Tiger, Lion, Garuda, and Dragon. Climb up the path to visit Ta DZONG which now houses a shrine dedicated to the epic hero, King Gesar of Ling. A visit to this former watchtower provides visitors with an insight into the significance of TRONGSA in Bhutan’s history. As of date the Ta DZONG of TRONGSA is the most fascinating museum of the nation.
Thruepang Palace-
This two storied simple palace situated just above the highway in the town is the birth place of our Late King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. It was here that on 2nd May 1928, His Majesty was born to King Jigme Wangchuck and Ashi Puntsho Choden. He spent most of his early childhood days here in this Thurepang Palace. The other palace of interest is the Eundu Choling Palace which was the winter residence of the 1st King Ugyen Wangchuck.
Kuenga Rabten Palace-
The 23 km. drive from TRONGSA to Kuenga Rabten takes about an hour and passes through open countryside high above a river gorge. The land slopes quite gently in this region, and farming is well developed, so there is much of interest to observe in the fields and in the villages as one speed along. As one approaches Kuenga Rabten, the Palace is clearly visible just below the road on the right. It was the winter palace of the second king and is now looked after by the National Commission for Cultural Affairs. This pleasant afternoon excursion from TRONGSA offers further insights into the early days of Bhutan’s monarchy.
Chendebji Chorten-
En route to TRONGSA is Chendebji Chorten, patterned on Kathmandu’s Swayambhunath Stupa, with eyes painted at the four cardinal points. It was built in the 18th century by Lama Zhida, to cover the remains of an evil spirit that was subdued at this spot. Legend says that the evil spirit manifested as a gigantic snake.
TRONGSA Festivals
The most anticipated year’s festival in Bhutan is ‘Tsechu’, the celebration of the country’s patron saint. Every year there is a celebration at TRONGSA in the honour of Guru Rinpoche, who has brought Buddhism to Bhutan about 1300 years back. This is celebrated with vibrant music and mask dance by the people of Bhutan and ends with the unfurling of the ancient old Thangkha, i.e. the Buddhist Religious scroll.
One can really enjoy its true beauty at the winter time with snow capped mountains and the greenery and at the backdrop with the beautiful sunset.
TRONGSA is situated midway between Ha in the far west and Tashigang in the Far East and is the ancestral home of Bhutan’s royal family. Lying in the centre of Bhutan, TRONGSA is of great importance in the history of Bhutan. TRONGSA is a town and capital of TRONGSA District in central Bhutan. TRONGSA, situated along a gorge in the heart of the kingdom has a rich history dating back to 16th century. During the year 1541, a saint known as Lam Ngagi Wangchuk built a small retreat house, which was soon followed by many other retreat houses built by his disciples. The surrounding villagers seeing the area turning into a small village, started naming the place as TRONGSA means, “new village”. Since then the place was known as TRONGSA.TRONGSA is one of the quaintest and most charming of all Bhutanese towns. The town of TRONGSA is in the heart of TRONGSA District, and is located in the centre of the Bhutan, four hours drive from Wangdue Phodrang. The town sits in the TRONGSA valley and is one of Bhutan's most historic towns.TRONGSA was once the seat of political power. Prior to the establishment of a Monarchical system of governance, thePenlop (regional governor) of TRONGSA emerged as the most powerful man in the country. His father had similarly held the same position. Since then, all our future Kings have been instituted as the TRONGSA Penlop. TRONGSA consists of five administrative counties.TRONGSA forms the central hub of the nation and is historically the place from where attempts at unifying the country were launched. Both His Majesty King Ugyen Wangchuck, the Penlop of TRONGSA, who was elected the country's first hereditary monarch and his successor, King Jigme Wangchuck, ruled the country from TRONGSA ancient seat. The Crown Prince of Bhutan normally holds the position of the TRONGSA Penlop prior to ascending the throne. All four kings held the post of Tongsa Penlop before being officially crowned. The father of the present king was appointed as Penlop in 1972, before his succession to the throne. TRONGSA is just a 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 place is popular shopping hub when you are on Buddhist tour. The famous hand weaved handicrafts are unique and traditional. Although the shopkeepers do merchandise in machine-weaved carpets and handlooms, but the hand weaved are much more preferred by the tourists. The famous wool which has been dyed is also found in a very reasonable rate than in any other place. Therefore, this place remains promising Buddhist site in Bhutan to make your tour exciting and enjoyable. The landscape around Tongsa is very scenic and breath-taking. The entire landscape around TRONGSA is spectacular.
TRONGSA has plenty to offer for its travellers. The main tourist attractions of TRONGSA are:-
TRONGSA DZONG-
Built in 1648, it was the seat of power over central and eastern Bhutan. Both the first and second kings of Bhutan ruled the country from this ancient seat. All four kings were invested as TRONGSA Penlop (“governor”) prior to ascending the throne. The DZONG is a massive structure with many levels, sloping down the contours of the ridge on which it is built. Because of the DZONG’s highly strategic position, on the only connecting route between east and west, the TRONGSA Penlop was able to control effectively the whole of the central and eastern regions of the country from here.
TA DZONG-
This watchtower, which once guarded TRONGSA DZONG from internal rebellion, stands on a promontory above the town. It was built by Chogyal Minjur Tempa, the 1st Governor of TRONGSA in 1652. It has four observation pints resembling Tiger, Lion, Garuda, and Dragon. Climb up the path to visit Ta DZONG which now houses a shrine dedicated to the epic hero, King Gesar of Ling. A visit to this former watchtower provides visitors with an insight into the significance of TRONGSA in Bhutan’s history. As of date the Ta DZONG of TRONGSA is the most fascinating museum of the nation.
Thruepang Palace-
This two storied simple palace situated just above the highway in the town is the birth place of our Late King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. It was here that on 2nd May 1928, His Majesty was born to King Jigme Wangchuck and Ashi Puntsho Choden. He spent most of his early childhood days here in this Thurepang Palace. The other palace of interest is the Eundu Choling Palace which was the winter residence of the 1st King Ugyen Wangchuck.
Kuenga Rabten Palace-
The 23 km. drive from TRONGSA to Kuenga Rabten takes about an hour and passes through open countryside high above a river gorge. The land slopes quite gently in this region, and farming is well developed, so there is much of interest to observe in the fields and in the villages as one speed along. As one approaches Kuenga Rabten, the Palace is clearly visible just below the road on the right. It was the winter palace of the second king and is now looked after by the National Commission for Cultural Affairs. This pleasant afternoon excursion from TRONGSA offers further insights into the early days of Bhutan’s monarchy.
Chendebji Chorten-
En route to TRONGSA is Chendebji Chorten, patterned on Kathmandu’s Swayambhunath Stupa, with eyes painted at the four cardinal points. It was built in the 18th century by Lama Zhida, to cover the remains of an evil spirit that was subdued at this spot. Legend says that the evil spirit manifested as a gigantic snake.
TRONGSA Festivals
The most anticipated year’s festival in Bhutan is ‘Tsechu’, the celebration of the country’s patron saint. Every year there is a celebration at TRONGSA in the honour of Guru Rinpoche, who has brought Buddhism to Bhutan about 1300 years back. This is celebrated with vibrant music and mask dance by the people of Bhutan and ends with the unfurling of the ancient old Thangkha, i.e. the Buddhist Religious scroll.
One can really enjoy its true beauty at the winter time with snow capped mountains and the greenery and at the backdrop with the beautiful sunset.