After breakfast this morning, enjoy a tour of Trongsa Dzong (fortress), which was first built by Ngagi Wangchuck as a small meditation room in 1541, after he discovered self-manifested hoof-prints belonging to the deity Pelden Lhamo on the same spot. Trongsa, which means ‘new village’ in the local dialect, soon sprung up around the site. The Dzong (fortress) was built in its present form in 1644 and then enlarged again at the end of the 17th century. It is home to some 450 district monks who spend their winters in Trongsa and their summers in Bumthang. You will visit a selection of the Dzong’s 23 lhakhangs (temples), before heading to the Trongsa Ta Dzong (watchtower), which now houses the interesting Royal Heritage Museum.
Afterwards, there will be the option to undertake a challenging hike from the West Gate of Trongsa Dzong (fortress) down into the Mangdechhu Valley and over the old cantilever bridge. The Trail then heads up the opposite valley side, with incredible views of Trongsa and its Dzong (fortress) behind you, as far as the viewpoint, where you will rejoin your vehicle.
From Trongsa, head to the village of Toeb Chandana, in the Punakha Valley. Visit the Toeb Chandana Lhakhang (temple), also known as the Chandana Lhakhang, meaning ‘where the arrow landed’. Legend has it that when the Divine Madman, Drukpa Kuenley, fired an arrow from Tibet to determine his course, it landed here in Toeb Chandana. The temple itself was built in the 15th century to ward off the evil energy of a demoness and then served as the religious seat of Ngawang Chogyal. The two hills at each end of the temple resemble knees and are said to be the knees of Ngawang Chogyal herself.
Next door to the Temple is the house of Toep Tshewang, which Drukpa Kuenley’s arrow is said to have struck when it landed. Legend has it that, dressed as a hunting beggar, Kuenley courted Tshewang’s wife and that, in a fit of jealous rage, Tshewang drew a sword which Drukpa Kuenley miraculously knotted. Realizing Kuenley’s divine power, Tshewang offered him his wife as a gift to aid him in fulfilling his prophecies. The building still houses the eleven-stepped wooden ladder that Kuenley’s arrow is said to have struck; and the descendants of Tshewang have preserved the house as a monument for fifteen generations.
Trek Distance: 4.6 kilometres (2.86 miles)
Estimated Trek Duration: 3 hours
Elevation Gain: 350 metres (1,148 feet)
Starting Elevation: 2,078 metres (6,818 feet)
Ending Elevation: 2,125 metres (6,972 feet)
Maximum Elevation: 2,125 metres (6,972 feet)
Included Activities:
- Visit Trongsa Dzong
- Hike on the Trans Bhutan Trail
- Visit Toeb Chandana Lhakhang
- Visit Toep Tshewang
Accommodation: Signature Trans Bhutan Trail Camping
Meals Included:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner