Simtokha Dzong
Simtokha Dzong | |
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![]() Simtokha Dzong | |
![]() ![]() Simtokha Dzong Location within Bhutan | |
Coordinates: | 27°26′17″N 89°40′10″E / 27.43806°N 89.66944°E |
Monastery information | |
Location | Thimphu, Bhutan |
Founded by | Ngawang Namgyal |
Founded | 1629 |
Type | Tibetan Buddhist |
Architecture | Dzong architecture |
Simtokha Dzong is a small dzong located about 3 miles (4.8 km) south of the Bhutanese capital of Thimphu. Built in 1629 by Ngawang Namgyal, who unified Bhutan, the dzong 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.