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 In
the centre of Bhutan and four hours by road from Wangduephodrang,
Tongsa offers a welcome rest to travelers. The approach
to the town involves a frustrating 14 kilometers trip
around Tongsa Valley. A vantage point from the opposite
side of the valley, still 14 kilometres from Tongsa,
provides a welcome view of the Dzong and the town. Like
almost all towns in the kingdom, the secular and religious
center, the Dzong, dominates the horizon, dwarfing the
surrounding buildings.
The
Royal Family's ancestral home is Tongsa. Both his Majesty
King Ugyen Wangchuck, the Penlop of Tongsa, who was
elected the country's first hereditary monarch, and
his successor, King Jigme Wangchuck, ruled the country
from Tongsa's ancient Dzong. The Crown Prince of Bhutan
normally holds the position of the Tongsa Penlop prior
to ascending the throne, including the present King
who was appointed Penlop in 1972, shortly before his
succession to the throne.
Protected
from invaders by and impenetrable valley, Tongsa
Dzong is an impenetrable valley, Tongsa Dzong
is and impregnable fortress. The Dzong itself is a labyrinth
of temples, corridors an offices holding court over
the local community. It is built on many levels into
the side of the hill and can be seen from every approach
to Tongsa heralding its strength as a watchtower, Ta
Dzong, used to administer its defense.
Although a temple originally stood on the spot, the
Dzong was built in earnest by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal
who midway through the 17th century, recognized how
Tongsa's strategic location could help him in his long
and successful quest to unify the country.
Tongsa
is one of the quaintest of all Bhutanese towns. The
town's vista is traditional in appearance as the wooden
slatted houses line up together on the side of the hill.
A number of hotels and cafes provide accommodation and
refreshments to travelers who are crossing the country.
Tongsa
can also be a good shopping stop. The local population
weaves its own textiles from hand-dyed wool and the
Tibetans sell them at more competitive prices than those
found in Thimphu.
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