Trongsa

Today's drive reversed the route into Bumthang and  brought us back to Trongsa,and a misty moisty drive it was,the clouds almost obliterating the magnificent views but mercifully concealing the fear factor too.

Trongsa until 1975 was the Kingdoms capital,it is almost in the centre of the country and has the second largest Dzong after Thimphu.It is still a very small town and appears to cling perilously to the valley wall.When the monastery and the impressive watchtower some hundreds of feet above it were built in the 16th century it was a formidable defensive position,in the following years,utilising its central location various wise men have united the warring tribes of the valleys into the Himalayan kingdom we now know as Bhutan.

The monastery today is a multi use building,as well as housing monks and it's temple functions it houses various state beaurocrats  and offices,therefore cleverly uniting the Royal,the religious and secular arms of state.

My rather classy hotel is just across the valley and despite the dreary weather conditions has picture window views to die for.

Last nights hotel window view,Jakar Monastery.

From the pass.

Autumn colour.

My Hotel,the top right building.

The Watchtower .

Trongsa Dzong.

Below.

Wall Art.

Ceremonial Dance practice.

I thought he was going to ring it.

Watchtower from the Dzong.

Garden detail.