Trongsa
Trongsa is known as the gateway to the eastern Bhutan, and is one of the oldest historical towns of Bhutan. The first monastery of Bhutan was built in this town in the 15th century. This is a small town, but a sacred town for people in Bhutan, and can be covered by foot. This is a town with fewer landmarks and places to see and things to do. You can go sightseeing on foot, and do not need a transportation to cover this town. There are no water sports, adventure, or any other activities except for taking walking trails in Trongsa. There are many places to see in and around Trongsa. Bhutan has an autonomous culture and an interesting history.
Bhutan is called ‘The land of Thunder Dragon’. It is a place that holds Dzong fortress where all the important decisions are made and the Emperor is crowned. This place is also surrounded by higher mountains and lush green on all the sides. The places to see here are mostly temples, cultural and historic monuments, paintings, costumes, and artifacts of the Bhutan Dynasty. There is no scope for having a night life, enjoying water sports, or any adventure activities in Trongsa. If you are looking to get into the life and history of Bhutan, you can visit this town and its surrounding areas.
Trongsa FAQ's
Travel advice:
Bhutan and every town and city in this country is religious. So, refrain from commenting on the religious and political issues in Bhutan. You must also not say anything negative about the Royal family of Bhutan or their culture.
People in Bhutan are sensitive; you must always be polite when you converse with the locals.
Whenever receiving anything, either use your right hand or both the hands. Never receive anything with the left hand.
Remove your shoes before entering homes of the residents as well as the temples.
Never point finger at anyone in Trongsa or Bhutan.
Most of the lakes and water bodies are considered sacred in Bhutan, so, do not throw any items or take a swim in them.
Whether you want to leave a donation at the temples is up to you and not a compulsion for tourists or visitors.
Always dress moderately. Bhutan is a religious country, so avoid wearing skimpy or revealing clothes when you visit this town or any other place in Bhutan.
Before taking a photograph of any place that have people, ask for permissions.
Also, only take guided tours to temples and monasteries. You might not be allowed to enter a few temples as tourists. Always take permission before entering a temple.
Learn some basic Bhutanese phrases to have a better experience communicating with the locals.
Drinking laws
Alcohol is easily available in most of the hotels and bars in Bhutan. Trongsa is a small town and finding an eatery that provides alcohol is not easy. So, do not get alcohol to this town or ask for a drink at a place that does not serve it.
Our Recommendations: What You Can’t Afford To Miss?
National parks and wildlife sanctuaries
Phibsoo Wildlife Sanctuary borders Assam state in India and is a home to tropical foliage and many mammals. You can find deer, Bengal tigers, golden langurs, and Agar trees. This is one of the isolated places near Trongsa. The Royal Manas National Park holds its significance in biodiversity that you will find at this park. You can go on elephant safaris, fishing, and camping at this park. At this park you will find endangered species like Himalayan Black Bear, tigers, and dolphins. Visit this park only between the month of March and September.
You will not find a lot of facilities here, so you have to bring your own camping and trekking gear. Yet another park to visit is the Jigme Singye Wangchuck National Park closer to Trongsa. You can spend 4 to 5 days exploring this park and stay in the nearby guesthouses or resorts. You can also fish at the Hara-chhu River near this park. You will enjoy the lush greenery, bird watching, and safari rides to spot any of these endangered species strolling in the vicinity.
Towers, temples, and museums
You can get a historical tour in these tourists places in Trongsa. The Tongsa Dzong is an important building and has beautiful landscape surrounding it. This is the building where the Governor of Bhutan and Emperor of Bhutan take their decisions. The Tower of Trongsa Museum, close to the Dzong building overlooking a valley that showcases all the royal memorabilia. This is a five storey building and you can take a few hours to tour the entire building. The Chendebji Chorten is an important landmark in Trongsa. According to a popular folklore, it was built to protect Trongsa from evil and demons. Bhutan is a colorful country filled with folklore and tales from the esoteric religious history.
Monastries and valleys
You can visit the Phobjikha valley that is bowl shaped and close to the Black Mountains in Trongsa. You can also visit the Chokhor valley and take a look at the regal structures and their architecture present in the heart of this valley. You can also visit the Chummey valley for sightseeing and get a landscape view. You can take photographs when you take walking trails at these valleys and nearby areas. The Kurjey Lhakhang monastery is one of the most sacred and the oldest monasteries in Trongsa.
What you will like here?
Safaris and nature walks
This is one of the most tranquil towns in Bhutan. You will enjoy safari rides in the national parks and taking photographs when taking walking trials in the valleys. This is a town that has a pleasant weather and landscape view.
Excursions
There are villages and valleys nearby Trongsa where you can take mini excursions and visit the place. This is one of the quiet ways to spend your holidays.
Recommended Reads For The Destination
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Books
Tower of Trongsa by Christian Schicklgruber
Trongsa Reviews
