Tashichho Dzong

Tashichho Dzong in Thimphu was first built in 1216 and rebuilt in its present form in 1962, and today houses the king's throne room, government offices and Bhutan's central monastic body.

Its name translates roughly to Fortress of the Glorious Religion, reflecting its dual role housing both religious and administrative functions.

The Thimphu Tsechu is held in its main courtyard each autumn and is the largest festival in the country, filling the space with crowds in national dress over three days. The dzong is the summer seat of the Je Khenpo, the chief abbot, whose monk body moves down to Punakha for the winter. Like other dzongs it was raised without nails and without drawn plans, to a design carried by the master builder. Visitors may enter the outer courtyards after office hours, and the National Memorial Chorten is a short drive south.