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Bhutan is a beautiful country known for its stunning landscapes, rich culture, and impressive buildings. One of its most important landmarks is the Tashichho Dzong Bhutan, a large fortress in the capital city, Thimphu. This fortress is a great example of renowned architecture and holds great spiritual and political importance for the country. The dzong serves as the seat of Bhutan’s government and the Central Monastic Body. Visitors can enjoy the beauty of the building, learn about its history, and experience Bhutan’s traditions and values here.
History
Photo: Bernard Gagnon / Wikimedia Commons
The history of Tashichho Dzong dates back to the 13th century. Lama Gyalwa Lhanangpa first built a smaller dzong. Later, in the 17th century, Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, who united Bhutan, rebuilt it. Over the years, the dzong has been repaired and renovated. The most important reconstruction took place in the 1960s, under the leadership of King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. Today, it is a beautiful building that mixes traditional Bhutanese design with modern touches, showing the country’s rich history and future.
Location
Photo: Bernard Gagnon / Wikimedia Commons
Tashichho Dzong is a beautiful Buddhist monastery and fortress in the centre of Thimphu, Bhutan’s capital city. It is located on the west side of the Wang Chhu River, offering stunning views of the nearby mountains and green landscapes. This historic fortress is the seat of Bhutan’s government and the Central Monastic Body. It also houses the central monastic body. It is a symbol of Bhutan’s culture, history, and government.
How To Reach
Photo: Göran Höglund / Wikimedia Commons
By Air: The nearest airport to Tashichho Dzong is Paro International Airport (PBH), around 50 km from Thimphu. From Paro Airport, visitors can take a taxi or a pre-arranged tour vehicle to reach Thimphu, which takes around 1.5 hours via the Paro-Thimphu highway.
By Rail: There is no direct railway connectivity to Bhutan, as the country does not have a railway network. However, travellers can take a train to Hasimara Railway Station, located in West Bengal, India, the nearest railhead, approximately 180 km from Thimphu. From Hasimara, one can hire a taxi or a shared cab to reach the Bhutanese border town of Phuentsholing. From Phuentsholing, it takes 5 – 6 hours by road to reach Thimphu.
By Road: Bhutan has well-maintained roads that connect it to neighbouring Indian states like West Bengal, Assam, and Arunachal Pradesh. The most common entry point is Phuentsholing, 165 km from Siliguri, West Bengal. From Phuentsholing, visitors can hire private taxis or take buses to Thimphu, a 5-6 hour journey through scenic mountain roads.
Places To Visit Near Tashichho Dzong
Here are the top 5 places where you can visit after visiting Tashichho Dzong Bhutan:
1. Buddha Dordenma
Photo: אילנאי / Wikimedia Commons
Buddha Dordenma is a well-known landmark in Bhutan on a hill in Thimphu. The huge golden statue of Buddha is 54 meters tall, making it one of the biggest Buddha statues in the world. Inside the statue are over 125,000 small Buddha statues, made of bronze and covered in gold. Visitors, pilgrims and tourists can see beautiful views of Thimphu Valley, making it a great spot for taking photos. The place is very peaceful and gives a spiritual feeling.
Location: Kuenselphodrang Nature Park, Thimphu, Bhutan
Best Time To Visit: March to May & September to November
2. Memorial Chorten
Photo: Bernard Gagnon / Wikimedia Commons
Memorial Chorten is a beautiful white stupa built to remember King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, the third king of Bhutan. People visit this sacred place to pray and walk around the chorten, spinning prayer wheels. The chorten has golden spires, detailed carvings, and Buddhist paintings, making it an important religious spot in Thimphu. It’s a peaceful place where visitors can experience Bhutanese spirituality. You can also see local people meditating and praying here.
Location: Thimphu, Bhutan
Best Time To Visit: March to May & September to November
3. Motithang Takin Preserve
Photo: Stephen Shephard / Wikimedia Commons
If you are an animal lover, visiting the Motithang Takin Preserve is necessary. This unique wildlife reserve is dedicated to protecting the Takin, the national animal of Bhutan. The takin is a rare animal found only in the eastern Himalayas and is famous for its strange appearance, resembling a mix of a goat and an antelope. The preserve offers a chance to see these rare animals up close in their natural habitat. It is also great for a peaceful natural walk, surrounded by fresh mountain air and beautiful greenery.
Location: Thimphu, Bhutan
Best Time To Visit: March to May & September to November
4. Dochula Pass
Photo: Göran Höglund (Kartläsarn) / Wikimedia Commons
Dochula Pass is a beautiful mountain pass located 3,100 meters above sea level, offering amazing views of the Himalayas. The most important part of this place is the Druk Wangyal Chortens, a group of 108 stupas built to honour Bhutanese soldiers. On clear days, visitors can enjoy a stunning view of the Himalayan peaks, making it a perfect spot for photos. The pass also has the Druk Wangyal Lhakhang, a lovely temple with paintings that show Bhutan’s history and culture.
Location: On the way from Thimphu to Punakha, Bhutan
Best Time To Visit: March to May & September to December
5. Simtokha Dzong
Photo: Bernard Gagnon / Wikimedia Commons
Simtokha Dzong is the oldest fortress in Bhutan, built in 1629 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, who founded Bhutan. This dzong is a very important place for both religion and culture. It works as a monastic school and an administrative center. The walls of the dzong are decorated with beautiful traditional Bhutanese paintings. Inside, you can find old Buddhist scriptures and statues. The dzong is also known for its detailed wood carvings and colourful murals of gods and saints. You can enjoy a beautiful view of Thimphu Valley from here, making it a great place for history lovers.
Location: Thimphu, Bhutan
Best Time To Visit: March to May & September to November
Where To Stay
Photo: GregoryButler / Pixabay / Image For Representation Only
There are many places to stay near Tashichho Dzong Bhutan, offering choices for all budgets. Visitors can pick from luxury hotels, small guesthouses, boutique hotels, or homestays. Some places are very fancy, while others are more affordable but still comfortable. Many of the hotels have a traditional Bhutanese style, with wooden interiors and amazing views of the Thimphu Valley. It’s best to book your stay ahead of time, especially during busy tourist seasons, to ensure you get a place that suits your needs.
Where To Eat
Photo: joshuemd / Pixabay / Image For Representation Only
There are many great places to eat near Tashichho Dzong Bhutan, offering a variety of food from Bhutan, India, and other countries. You can try traditional dishes like Ema Datshi, a spicy cheese and chili dish, momos, red rice, and butter tea. Many restaurants nearby have a cosy and welcoming feel, with wooden interiors, soft lighting, and lovely views of Thimphu. Some restaurants are fancy and offer luxury dining, while others are small and affordable, serving authentic local food. Whether you want a fine dining experience or a simple meal, you will find plenty of options to enjoy.
Best Time To Visit
Photo: Vinayaraj / Wikimedia Commons
The best time to visit is during spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). During these months, the weather is pleasant with clear skies and comfortable temperatures, perfect for sightseeing. Spring brings beautiful flowers, and autumn has fresh air and colourful landscapes. Another great time is during the Thimphu Tshechu festival in September when this fortress hosts exciting mask dances and celebrations. Winter (December to February) can be cold but quieter with fewer tourists. Summer (June to August) has occasional rain but is still green and beautiful.
Tips For Travellers
- Respect Bhutanese traditions by dressing modestly, especially when entering religious areas.
- Visit during the morning or evening to avoid crowds and enjoy a peaceful experience.
- Always ask for permission before photographing monks or locals, and avoid using flash in sacred areas.
- Take time to walk around the dzong and explore its serene surroundings, including the view of the Wangchu River.
- Thimphu is at an altitude, so ensure you drink enough water to stay refreshed during your visit.
Tashichho Dzong Bhutan is a beautiful symbol of Bhutan’s culture and history in Thimphu. It blends stunning architecture with peaceful surroundings, offering a unique experience for visitors. The best time to visit is in spring or autumn when the weather is perfect for sightseeing. Don’t miss out on this memorable destination. Book your trip today with TripXL and explore the wonders.
Cover Photo: Bernard Gagnon / Wikimedia Commons
