Tashichoedzong is Thimpu Dzong located 15 minutes drive from Thimphu’s main city. The dzong has been the seat of the government since 1952. Now you can see the throne room inside the Thimphu Dzong, Ministry Home, and Cultural Affairs office adjacent to the Throne room. The Ministry of Finance is close to the Ministry of Home and Cultural Affairs. To the south part of the Dzong Dratsang Lhentshog or Monk body. Chief About of Bhutan also seat here for six months.
The fortress is located next to the banks of the Wang Chhu River. It is an impressively large structure built with nailless. You can see different variety of roses when you walk toward the Dzong.
The main site was founded in 1216 by Drigungpa Nyo Gyelwa Lhanangpa, which lies now in Dechenphodrang. In 1631 the new dzong, named Tashichoedzong, was completed under the direction of Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyel.In 1641, Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal found the fortress too small he built another one, known as the Lower Dzong.
The Fourth Desi of Bhutan Tendzin Rabgye built a new monastic assembly hall. There was a fire during the reign of the Fifth Desi Gendun Chophel, who oversaw the rebuilding process until its completion in 1698. Many fires broke out in 1760 and 1869, and reconstructions took place several times.
The new building was later expanded several times over the years. The fortress was damaged by an earthquake in 1897 and rebuilt in 1902. The third King of Bhutan Jigme Dorji Wangchuck had it completely renovated and enlarged over five years after he moved the capital to Thimphu in 1952. In 1962 third King ordered to renovate the fortress again.
Former Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi visited Bhutan in 1968. As there was no Indian Embassy established in Thimphu and even state guest houses or good hotels in Thimphu. The third King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk wanted her to stay at the Dzong. He informed and consulted with Je Khenpo(The Chief Abbot of Bhutan) regarding the overnight stay of the Prime Minister of India.
As per the traditions of Bhutan, no ladies are allowed to stay inside the dzongs after sunset and enter before sunrise. The Chief Abbot agreed that Prime Minister was the Head of Government and gender didn’t matter on the issue of an overnight stay in Thimphu Dzong. Indra Gandhi was the first woman to stay in the dzong overnight. Another second incident was of Mrs.Sonia Gandhi, President of the Indian National Congress and wife of former Indian Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi. Both visited Bhutan in 1985.
“Fortress of the glorious religion” has been the seat of Bhutan’s government since 1968. The Thimphu Dzong is the throne room with the office of the King, the cabinet secretariat, and two ministries of home affairs and finance. Southern part houses Monk’s body with the Chief About office. West of the dzong is a small tower of Ney Khang Lhakhang which houses a statue of Shakyamuni Buddha, Guru Rimpoche, and Shabdung Ngawang Namgyel and protective deities.
The latest upgrade version the red LED lighting around the upper windows of the Dzong, which will provide a good lighting system to click pictures of the Fortress. This was installed during the Royal Wedding of His Majesty King Jigme Khesar Namgyal Wangchuk in October 2011.
On the right side of the fortress lies the Royal Palace of 5th King Jigme Ghesar Managyel Wangchuk, very near the Thimphu River. Across the river, you can see the Parliament of Bhutan and the National Council hall. The Parliament building with additional offices like the GNH Commission and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Northeast of the fortress, the upper part of the palace is an excellent example of a traditional cantilever bridge connecting to Ludrong Memorial Garden. The garden spreads over 8.35 acres. Located right next to the royal palace, Ludrong Memorial Garden is an ideal place for nature lovers to relax and enjoy the beauty of nature. Founded in the memory of Late Prime Minister Jigme Palden Dorji. The park got a variety of trees, shrubs, and flowers. Visitors can have a dry picnic spot for visitors. The garden also has ornamental fish.
The large open-air courtyard located north of Thimphu is for Thimphu Festival. The place hosts the dances of the annual festival of Thimphu annually. It is held every September month. The fortress thangka of Sangay Thondrol is unfurled during the last day of the Thimphu Festival.