Trongsa Museum

Trongsa Ta Dzong – Museum of Bhutanese History and Heritage

Overlooking the majestic Trongsa Dzong, the Ta Dzong (Watchtower) houses the Trongsa Museum, an important cultural institution that preserves and presents the historical narrative of Bhutan. Spread across five levels of exhibitions, the museum showcases a rich collection of sacred relics, royal memorabilia, and significant artifacts that reflect Bhutan’s spiritual and political legacy.

Among the museum’s highlights are the 500-year-old jacket of Ngagi Wangchuk, the saddle of the second King of Bhutan, and a replica of the legendary Raven Crown—a powerful symbol of Bhutan’s monarchy. These exhibits provide visitors with insight into the evolution of Bhutanese leadership, tradition, and national identity.

The museum’s most revered religious artifact is the Padma Kathang, a sacred biography of Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava). This text, believed to have been discovered by Pema Lingpa beneath the Jokhang Temple in Lhasa, is considered a treasure of immense spiritual value.

The Ta Dzong also contains two Lhakhangs (temples). The Gesar Lhakhang, located on the top floor, is dedicated to Jigme Namgyal, the 19th-century Penlop of Trongsa and father of the first King of Bhutan. Visitors can explore the museum by car and descend back into town via a stairway that passes through a series of chapels.

Adding to its historic intrigue, the watchtower is rumored to have once held two British soldiers captive during the Duar War, further cementing its place in the rich tapestry of Bhutanese history.