Overview
Chogyal Minjur Tempa built the Ta Dzong, a cylindrical stone structure rising five storeys, in 1652, a task entrusted to him by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. After more than 350 years, it has been resurrected into a classy museum that represents a tasteful blend of tradition and modernity. There are 224 items on display from statues and scrolls to paintings, artifacts and religious objects.
The Ta Dzong is a living museum and the main lhakhang in the Utse is dedicated to the Maitreya Buddha. The tower has always been a place of retreat and there are hermits in practice, including two yogis, who are in life long meditation. The Ta Dzong is the only structure that has been restored specifically to tribute the Wangchuck dynasty as Bhutan recently celebrated the centenary of the Monarchy.
