"The sky fortress on the auspicious hill, where the Drukpa Kagyu lineage reached the eight eastern regions of Bhutan"
Trashigang Dzong
Chagzam_Pam, Trashigang District, Bhutan
Trashigang Dzong stands on a cliff ledge with sheer drops on three sides, overlooking the confluence of the Drangme Chhu and Gamri Chhu rivers in eastern Bhutan. Built in 1659 to bring the eight eastern regions under unified spiritual and temporal authority, it remains the administrative and monastic center of Bhutan's largest and most remote district. Its annual Tshechu draws communities from across the east, including the semi-nomadic Brokpa people.
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Quick Facts
Location
Chagzam_Pam, Trashigang District, Bhutan
Coordinates
27.3369, 91.5515
Last Updated
Mar 9, 2026
Learn More
Built in 1659 by Chogyal Minjur Tempa on the orders of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal to unify eastern Bhutan under the Drukpa Kagyu lineage.
Origin Story
The Zhabdrung prophesied the need for a fortress in the east and ordered the Trongsa Penlop to construct it. The dzong was built to control the eight independent eastern regions (Sharchog Khorlo Tsib Gyed) and to defend against Tibetan invasion. Its cliff-top position, with sheer drops on three sides above two river confluences, made it virtually impregnable.
Key Figures
Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal
Prophesied and ordered the construction of the dzong
Chogyal Minjur Tempa
Penlop of Trongsa who built the dzong in 1659
Gyalsey Tenzin Rabgye
Expanded the dzong and added the Goenkhang (1680-1694)
Spiritual Lineage
Trashigang belongs to the Drukpa Kagyu lineage, extended to eastern Bhutan through the dzong's construction. The district monastic body (Rabdey) maintains the lineage's presence in the east.
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