Trongsa meaning new village is located on a steep ridge in the central Bhutan and gives spectacular views of the deep valley and the gorge of Mangde River. The first temple was built in 1543 by the Drukpa lama Ngagi Wangchuck who was great-grand father of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the unifier of Bhutan. Trongsa was considered crucial in controlling the kingdom in earlier years due to tis strategic position.
The Trongsa Dzong, which was built in 1644, used to be the seat of power of the Wangchuck dynasty before they became rulers of Bhutan in 1907. Traditionally, the King of Bhutan first becomes the Trongsa Penlop (governor) before being named the Crown Prince and eventually the King.
A five-day festival known as the Trongsa tsechu is held in the northern courtyard during December or January. Every monastery in Bhutan observes this festival, which celebrates the arrival of Guru Rimpoche to Bhutan in the 8th century, a mark of triumph of Buddhism over evil. It is held in spring and autumn seasons according to the Bhutanese calendar and masked dances are a popular feature along with the exposition of a very large thanka (religious painting) on cloth of Guru Rimpoche.