Located at an elevation of 2,850 meters (9,350 ft), Tashi Thongmen Dzong served as the defending barrack in the 17th century. It was named after the region’s protecting deity Tashi Thongmon. The fortress is unique with a circular shape and three watch towers that are placed at strategic points. The beauty of the dzong is heightened during clear days with a view of Mt. Gangboom. Time your trip there during the annual autumn festival.A popular occupation back in the day was blacksmithing, and locals say that a talented iron worker, who went by the name Terkhungpa, resided in this town. The area is named “Garsa”, or Land of the Black Smiths.
The Utse or the central tower is built above the point where Terkhungpa the blacksmith meditated. A temple is situated next to the cave, and has several artifacts, including images of Buddha from the three era’s; the past, present, and future.
There is the Chag Dzoed Lhakhang which was used as a residence for Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel. It has an altar, and the skeleton of the sheep that traveled with Zhabdrung from Tibet in 1616. Below the cave is the Zimchung Sarp, which is used for the District Court, and to the right of the cave is the Dzongkhag administration.
The Utse is three storeys: the first floor is the Lama Lhakhang. The three Ta Dzongs (watch towers) were destroyed by fire and renovated twice. It was said that the garrison would keep watch from those towers.