Tashichho Dzong

Tashichho Dzong

A renowned Buddhist monastery, the office of the current King of Bhutan, and the seat of the Je Khenpo (the spiritual leader of Bhutan) and the central monastic body. Tashichho Dzong is a famous Buddhist monastery in Bhutan and also serves as the government center of the capital city, Thimphu. Built in the 13th century at an altitude of 2,500 meters, it stands majestically on the west bank of the Wang Chhu River. Tashichho Dzong functions as the office of the current king as well as the location of the Ministry of Home Affairs and Finance. It also serves as the summer residence of the Je Khenpo and the central monastic body. The dzong has a two-story structure with white-washed exterior walls. At each of its four corners stands a golden-roofed tower that rises above the main buildings. In the center of the fortress is the square building that houses the residence of the Je Khenpo. Paths on both sides lead to the courtyard and the throne room. Although it has suffered damage from fires and earthquakes over the years, the dzong underwent more than five years of comprehensive renovation and expansion under the reigns of the Third, Fourth, and Fifth Kings (Jigme Dorji Wangchuck and Jigme Singye Wangchuck). As a government office complex, Tashichho Dzong remained in use until 1952. The throne and offices of the king, as well as spaces for royal family meetings and official receptions, are still preserved within the dzong.