|  Tongsa
(2,300m/7,545ft)
Perched on steep slope above a river gorge,
this small town is midway between Ha in the far west and Tashigang
in the far east. Tongsa played central role in the attempts
to unify the country in the past. The landscape around Tongsa
is spectacular and its impressive Dzong first comes into view
about an hour before the winding, mountain road leads you into
the town itself.
What to see in Tongsa
Chendebji Chorten : Chendebji Chorten is patterned on
Kathmandu's Swayambhunath Stupa, with eyes painted at the four
cardinal points. The chorten was built in the 18th century by
Lama Shida from Tibet.
 Tongsa
Dzong : This Dzong was built in 1648. The first two kings
of Bhutan ruled the country from here. Even today the present
crown Prince now holds the post of Tongsa Penlop. The dzong
with several levels is a massive structure. Because of dzong's
highly strategic position the Tongsa Penlop was able to control
effectively the whole of central and eastern Bhutan
from here.
Ta Dzong : This is a watchtower, that
guarded the Tongsa Dzong from internal rebellion. Ta Dzong stands
on a steep slope above Tongsa. Presently it houses a shrine
dedicated to the epic hero, King Gesar of Ling. |
