Tashigang Dzong

Tashigang Dzong The dzong stands at the extreme end of the spur, overhanging the Gamri River by more than 400 metres (1,300 feet). Unlike most other dzongs, it has only one courtyard. It serves as the administrative seat for the district. A Drukpa monastic community also occupies part of the dzong. The dzong was built in 1659 by Pekar Choepel on orders from the Tongsa Penlop, Minjur Tenpa, after Eastern Bhutan had finally been conquered by the Drukpas. The dzong was named Tashigang, the 'fortress of the auspicious mountain'. The site had probably been occupied since the 12th century when Serdung, one of the kings of Eastern Bhutan, settled there and built a fort which he named Bengkhar.
The dzong commands a remarkable view over the surrounding countryside. Furthermore, it is practically impregnable, being protected on three sides by the river and ravines, and from behind by the mountain. The dzong was enlarged by the Fourth Desi of Bhutan, Tenzing Rabgye (r. 1680-94), and restored in around 1950 by Dasho Dopola.