This commanding dzong, high above the raging Mangde Chhu, is perhaps Bhutan’s most impressive dzong, with a sheer drop to the south that sometimes simply disappears into the cloud and mist. The rambling assemblage of buildings that includes the dzong trails down the ridge and is linked by a series of alley-like corridors, broad stone staircases and beautiful paved courtyards. Chorten Lhakhang, the southernmost part of the dzong, is the location of the first hermitage, founded in 1543. Trongsa Dzong is intimately tied to the royal family. From this dzong ruled the first two hereditary kings, and tradition still dictates that the Crown Prince will serve as Trongsa penlop before he acceding to the throne