Simtokha Dzong , Thimphu
About Simtokha Dzong
Simtokha Dzong constructed in 1627 is the pioneer of the dzongs built by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyelto strengthen his domain in western Bhutan and to secure his position. What make it a worth seeing spot are the finesse slate carvings which are 300 in number. The Institute for Language and Cultural Studies is also situated here. Located on a hill, this dzong overlooks the Thimphu valley and from 500 meters above this place, the ruins of the Ta dzong is visible.
History has it that this dzong was built to honor Lama Zhang who foretold that a dzong would be built at the junction of three regions, namely Sha (wangduephodrang), Pa (Paro) and Wng (Thimphu). Hence today this dzong shares its boundaries with these three regions. The place where this dzong stands was once used to be under the grip of a demon which was later subdued by Zhabdrung and enclosed it in a rock upon which the dzong is built. Hence the name Simtokha derives from the words 'Sunmo' (demon), 'do' meaning stomach and 'kha' (on). So it goes like this: a dzong on the stomach of the demon. Simtokha Dzong is about 8 kilometers from the city.
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Places to Visit near Simtokha Dzong
Royal Botanical Garden, Thimphu, Western Zone
3.9 km from Simtokha Dzong - See map
Founded as the first of its kind in Bhutan, the Royal Botanical Garden occupies an expansive area of nearly hundred twenty kilometres square and...
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Coronation Park, Thimphu, Western Zone
5.1 km from Simtokha Dzong - See map
Built on the banks of river Wangchu, the Centenary and Coronation Park was created to commemorate a century of monarchical rule in Bhutan as well...
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Motithang Takin Preserve, Western Zone
5.3 km from Simtokha Dzong - See map
Visiting Motithang Takin Preserve is a must while staying in Thimphu as it offers shelter to the endangering species - the national animal of...
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Terton Gallery, Thimphu, Western Zone
5.4 km from Simtokha Dzong - See map
Among one of the premier art spaces in Bhutan, the Treton Gallery was founded by the famous Bhutanese artist, Kelly Dorji in 2011. Situated in the...
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Memorial Chorten, Thimphu, Western Zone
5.6 km from Simtokha Dzong - See map
Memorial Chorten is also known as Thimphu Chorten. It was built in 1974 by the late Queen Mother, Ashi Phuntsho Choden Wangchuck, as a memorial to...
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Centenary Farmers Market, Thimphu, Western Zone
5.7 km from Simtokha Dzong - See map
Located on the banks of the Wangchu River, the Centenary Farmers’ Market or the ‘Vegetable Market,’ is one of the largest domestic markets...
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Folk Heritage Museum, Western Zone
6.1 km from Simtokha Dzong - See map
The National Folk Heritage Museum is a great informative and educational center. The Museum itself is housed in an ancient three storied, rammed...
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Clock Tower Square, Thimphu, Western Zone
6.4 km from Simtokha Dzong - See map
The Clock Tower Square refers to a tower that has four clock faces which are traditionally built. The Clock Tower is an exquisite piece of art...
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Changangkha Lhakhang, Western Zone
7.3 km from Simtokha Dzong - See map
Marking the advent of Buddhism in the country, Changangkha Lhakhang was built in the 12th century by Lama Phajo Drukgom Shigp. It is the oldest...
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Royal Textile Academy of Bhutan, Western Zone
7.3 km from Simtokha Dzong - See map
The Royal Textile Academy of Bhutan or the National Textile Museum showcases the culture of Bhutan and the talent of these people. It was...
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National Institute for Zorig Chusum, Western Zone
7.3 km from Simtokha Dzong - See map
For a long time, arts and crafts have been used as instruments to convey the rich Bhutanese heritage. Traditional crafts or Zorig Chusum represent...
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Kuensel Phodrang (Buddha Point), Western Zone
8.7 km from Simtokha Dzong - See map
Kuensel Phodrang or the commonly known Buddha Point is a massive structure of seating Shakyamuni Buddha that completed its construction in the...
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