Trongsa Dzong
Trongsa Dzong, officially known as Choekhor Rabtentse Dzong, is the largest fortress in Bhutan, dramatically perched on a razor-sharp mountain spur overlooking the deep gorge of the Mangde Chhu river in central Bhutan. Founded in 1543 by Drukpa Lama Nagi Wangchuk and significantly expanded in 1647 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, Trongsa Dzong historically served as the seat of power for the Penlops (Governors) of Trongsa, from whom the Wangchuck Dynasty emerged. All Kings of Bhutan must serve as Trongsa Penlop before ascending the Golden Throne. The sprawling maze of 25 temples, hidden stairways, and ancient watchtowers is legendary for spectral sightings of ancestral Penlops, phantom warrior chants, and unseen guardian spirits patrolling the dark timber galleries.