Credits:- Photo by Pema Gyamtsho on Unsplash
Location- Chhanchhan Lam, Thimphu, Bhutan
Opening Hours-
- Monday to Friday: 9 AM–5 PM
- Saturday: 9 AM–5 PM
- Sunday: 9 AM–1 PM, 2–4:30 PM
Entry Fee- Rs 300 /person. or BTN 300
- Students: BTN 150
- Tariff payers, Children (below 5 years): No Entry Fee
Average Temperature- Around 19°C to 22°C in the capital
Distance from Nearest Airport- 51.6 km or 1 h 23 min drive from Paro airport.
Prayer Timings of Tashichho Dzong: The Tashichho Dzong Prayer timings are from 11 AM to 4 PM. The building closes for the day after 5 PM and on weekends, the fort is open from 11 AM to 4 PM.
History of Tashichho Dzong
Credits:- Photo by Pema Gyamtsho on Unsplash
The overall history of the place juts back to the 12th century. The Fortress was primarily constructed in 1216 A.D. by Lama Gyalwa Lhanangpa. In 1641, after Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal took over it but after finding it too basic and minuscule he constructed the lower Dzong.
Since then, the structure has endured major restorations, due to terrible fires and earthquakes taking place in succession over the years. The building was first constructed by the very first Dharma Raja Lho-Drukpa who belonged to the sect of Buddhism.
Architecture of Tashichho Dzong
Credits:- Photo by Pema Gyamtsho on Unsplash
The basic construction of the building is a whitewashed structure that has two-stories along with three-storeyed towers at all four angles. These towers are then capped by three-tiered wonderful golden rooftops that add a touch of bling to the beauty of the place.
The Dzong construction style is very unique and specific only to Bhutan, Tibet and some areas of China. The architecture is gigantic in style with high exterior walls which then blend with multifaceted courtyards, temples, organizational offices, and monks' lodgings.
This huge structure is an optical joy both throughout the day and the night. Condensed by attractively designed gardens and greens, the beauty of the adjacent hills add to the magnetism of the Tashichho Dzong. The gorgeously placed lights do make it sparkle like a jewel on the map of Thimphu at night- time.
Tashichho Dzong at Night
Credits:- Photo by Pema Gyamtsho on Unsplash
It is a busted fact that the Tashichho Dzong is visited by a large number of visitors during the sunset as the palace is a treat to the eyes after the daylights go off. The whole area comes abuzz when the Dzong is decorated with lights.
The whole palace along with the beautiful windows of the King's residence as well as the temple is decked with lights exquisitely. A picture-perfect sight for everyone out there, the place gives a lot of options to the shutterbugs to go on clicking.