Ta Dzong Museum

Appreciate Bhutanese architecture, art, and rare artefacts at the Ta Dzong Museum.

Ta Dzong, which means “watchtower” was built in 1652 by the first governor of Trongsa — Choeje Minjur Tenpa. Before, it functioned as a tower guard to protect the town’s main stronghold from any external threats but has since lost this military function since peace reigned in the country. Today, Ta Dzong has two temples: one dedicated to the legendary Gesar of Ling and another dedicated to Maitreya (Jampa) — considered as the next age’s Buddha. Tourists can explore the two temples’ chambers dedicated to their respective tutelary gods and a great tri-dimensional mandala dedicated to Gesar, which was built in 1975 at the advice of great master Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche.

Aside from the two temples, guests can also visit the museum and its 11 galleries, each dedicated to different aspects of Bhutanese history, culture, and art. Ta Dzong also holds important social and cultural functions, such as playing a role in organising a Nyungne (snyung gnas) or meditation practice held during the first month of every year and dedicated for the well-being of all sentient beings.

Location

Ta Dzong is located above the Trongsa Dzong, in Paro-Samdrupjongkhar Road, Trongsa.

Opening Days and Hours

Ta Dzong is open every Monday to Saturday, from 09:00 to 17:00 during the months of April to May, and from 10:00 to 16:00 during the months of November to March.

Entry Fee and Bookings

Entrance fee is BTN 200 (USD 3) per person.

How to Get There

You can fly into Bhutan via the country’s sole international airport in Paro.
From Paro, you can either rent a car or ride a bus to Trongsa. You can then travel to Ta Dzong via a rented car or motorbike.

Suggested For

Backpackers/solo travelers
Couples
Group of friends
Families

Time to Spend

You can explore the attraction in 2 to 3 hours.

Popularity and Best Time to Go

You can visit the temples and the museum at any time of the day.

Activities

You can visit Ta Dzong’s two temples:

Temple dedicated to Gesar of Ling
Temple dedicated to Maitreya (Jampa)

Visit the museum’s various galleries:

History of the Wangchuck Dynasty Kings
History and religious significance of Trongsa Dzong
The First King’s Robes, Raven Crown, swords of the Trongsa Penlop Jigme Namgyel and the Third King