The capital's most striking visual landmark is this magnificent Tashichho dzong, which is the seat of the Royal Government and the Central Monastic Body.  Its name, given by the Shabdrung, means "fortress of the auspicious religion" and it was first built at its present location in 1772, after the previous dzong of the same name situated on a spur to the northeast was severely damaged by fire. When the third hereditary monarch, His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuk, decided to shift the capital permanently to Thimphu in 1962, he rebuilt and enlarged the dzong using traditional methods to give it the form you see today.  The central tower, however, dates from 1772.

Return to virtual site