Simtokha dzong is an oldest fortress in Bhutan which was built in 1627AD by our great nation unifier zhabdrung nawang namgyal. It was built mainly to unify our country as a one nation under one ruler. It's a beautiful fortress with some many rich history of our country and beautiful architecture design and one interesting thing for me in this fortress is that there is still a room well preserved which was used by our great warrior Desi JIGME namgyal who was a father of our first king. Apart from that there is a big statue of Buddha inside the main hall of temple and recently our government brought a beautiful bronze statue of zhabdrung nawang namgyal from India and it's being displayed for public. Plz do visit this fortress.

Night view of Semtokha Dzong.Semtokha Dzong was built in 1629 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal and it is a first Dzong in Bhutan.Now Dzong serves as the institute of language and culture studies.it also used for historical places.

The word Simtokha comes from word “Simmo”, a demoness and “Do”, a rock, a combined term that originates from a legend that says that the location of the Dzong was built to guard the world from the demoness who transformed into a nearby rock.

It is one of the oldest Dzong in Bhutan. Many historic relic are here. If you have time please do visit this Dzong.

The oldest Dzong in Bhutan. It's perched on a hill top. Beautiful to behold from the outside. Inside it's majestic and like most of the other dzongs, has beautiful shrines . Entrance fee is the usual 300 rupees. Photography not allowed inside the Dzong but you can take pics outside.

Simtokha Dzong is an impressive fortress located in the Thimphu Valley of Bhutan. Built in 1629, it is one of the oldest dzongs in Bhutan and serves as an important cultural and historical site in the country. The dzong is situated atop a hill, overlooking the valley below, and its striking white walls and red-tiled roof make it a recognizable landmark in the area. Visitors to the dzong can explore the beautiful courtyards, gardens, and temple halls, which are filled with intricate carvings, murals, and other artistic treasures. Simtokha Dzong is also home to the Institute for Language and Cultural Studies, where students from all over Bhutan come to learn about their country's language, culture, and traditions. Visitors to the dzong can often observe classes in progress and learn more about the educational system in Bhutan. One of the most interesting features of Simtokha Dzong is the protective deities and symbols that are carved into the walls and ceilings of the temple halls. These carvings are meant to ward off evil spirits and protect the dzong and its inhabitants. Overall, Simtokha Dzong is a fascinating and beautiful destination that offers visitors a glimpse into the rich history and culture of Bhutan. Its stunning architecture, intricate artwork, and peaceful atmosphere make it a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Thimphu.

The name Simtokha literally means “Atop a Demon” and the legend associated with the dzong’s construction tells us that it was built in order to subdue an evil spirit that was harassing travelers in the region. Simtokha Dzong is one of the oldest Dzongs in Bhutan and worth visiting.

Semtokha Dzong is a historic fortress located in the Thimphu Valley in Bhutan. It was built in 1629 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the unifier of Bhutan, and is considered to be the oldest dzong in the country. Semtokha Dzong was built as a strategic fortress to protect the Thimphu Valley and served as the seat of Bhutan's government until 1952 when the capital was moved to Thimphu. Today, the dzong houses the Institute for Language and Cultural Studies, where students study Bhutanese language and culture. The architecture of Semtokha Dzong is distinctive and typical of Bhutanese dzongs, with thick whitewashed walls, ornate windows, and a central courtyard. The dzong also features a large prayer wheel and a temple dedicated to the protector deity of Bhutan, Tamdrin. Semtokha Dzong is open to visitors, and it is a popular tourist attraction in Thimphu. Visitors can explore the dzong and its courtyard, view the intricate paintings and carvings that adorn the walls, and attend the prayer ceremonies that take place in the temple. Semtokha Dzong is an important cultural and historical landmark in Bhutan and is a testament to the country's rich heritage and traditions.

Semtokha Dzong is one of the oldest Dzong/fortress in the country. It has some antique wall hanging and beautiful wall paintings. There are many important shrine rooms inside this fortress with a very powerful sacred deities chapple and a antique preserved rooms. You can feel the peace as you enter the central tower. If you get to sit and chant along with the monks, it would have been a special moment.

Entry: Free It's the first Dzong built by Zhabdrung. Here u can find statues of Lord Buddha and Zhabdrung I liked the Dzong with our guide explaining the history of the Dzong and meaning of various mural paintings.

One of the best and oldest monasteries located at Thimphu. The dzong houses countless statues and paintings of various Buddhas, deities and religious figures including The Eight Manifestations of Guru Rimpoche, Jampelyang the Bodhisattava of Wisdom, Shakya Gyalpo the Buddha of Compassion and many more all carved and painted in exquisite detail. A must visit place..

A very place to explore if you reached in thimphu. It's the oldest dezong or temple in bhutan. A very place surrounded by the natures beauty. Everyone will be amazed that it is made of wood and stones in 16th century. To visit this place , time is 9 am to 5 pm. Everyday of the week. You can go inside the main temple but there is no photography allowed. So be careful about that. It is said that it is the first place in bhutan , from where demons are afraid and escaped it and the the initial place for startion of Buddhism in bhutan

Oldest Dzong of Bhutan, beautiful and u can see this from a road side while going or coming to thimphu from Punakha , enjoyed the seenry on 16oct 2018

The oldest Dzong in Bhutan. It's perched on a hill top. Beautiful to behold from the outside. Inside it's majestic and like most of the other dzongs, has beautiful shrines . Entrance fee is the usual 300 rupees. Photography not allowed inside the Dzong but you can take pics outside.

It's an old Dzong with very positive vibes and serenity. The teachers and students ensures that you get a feel of the spiritual teachings delivered here. The idol of Guru Shebro Rinpoche is gifted by Indian Govt. Hence, must include in itinerary.

Nice 400 year old fortress - the oldest in Bhutan. Well maintained

Amazing place to worship. Peaceful place to meditate.

Visited in June 2023. Simtokha Dzong, aka Sangak Zabdhon Phodrang which means "Palace of the Profound Meaning of Secret Mantras", is a small dzong. It was built in 1629 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, who unified Bhutan. It is an important historical monument and former Buddhist monastery. Currently, it is one of the premier Dzongkha language learning institutes.

Simtokha Dzong ('dzong' means "castle-monastery") also known as Sangak Zabdhon Phodrang (Bhutanese language meaning: "Palace of the Profound Meaning of Secret Mantras") is a small dzong. It was built in 1629 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, who unified Bhutan. It is the first of its kind built in Bhutan. An important historical monument and former Buddhist monastery, today it houses one of the premier Dzongkha language learning institutes. It recently underwent renovation.

No pictures inside, but inside is a must see.