Another picturesque fortress, Semtokha Dzong, stands on the magnificent hill across the road 6 km away from Thimphu. It is the oldest Dzong by the command of Zhabdrung in early 1939. And since 1961, the Dzong has been systematically used by the Institute for Language and Cultural Studies in the olden days.
The entrance on the right side of the Semthoka Dzong, which has been closed to date is now open for visitors. An additional entrance at the left side of the Dzong, which was used in the olden days to fetch the water from the nearby source is also opened for visitors to explore and experience the thrilling adventure in the fortress.
The renovation of the Semthoka Dzong is systematically aligned with the conservation and maintenance of its unique feature to restore the fortress to its former glory.
Being the oldest fortress in the country, it homes to some of the oldest articles that belonged to the Zhabdrung Rinpoche, the first king’s father, and the various other venerable teachers who have spent a portion of their life serving the Semthoka Dzong.
