Trongsa, Bhutan

So yesterday's harrowing 12-hr journey was worth it: today, we discovered the Trongsa dzong (see extra for full pic), the largest of its kind, located exactly at the center of Bhutan. Its first incarnation was in 1543, with many additions in the 18th century. Today, it's both the headquarters of the district's government and a major monastic complex, with 200 monks in residence. It's a thing of absolute beauty, overlooking the expansive valley and the Mangde River, with intricate paintings, wood work, and courtyards. 

Close to it is the Royal Heritage Museum, housed in a tower complex, prominently situated on a steep hill above the main dzong. It served initially as a defensive fortress with many narrow firing slits and stones stored in the building. It is now home to two hermits who have vowed to remain in life-long retreat. It contains a superb collection of artifacts through 11 galleries that showcase the historic and religious significance of the dzong.

Then off onto the road for another four hours to our next destination, Bumthang, where we'll spend a couple of days. We stopped at a weaving place to take a look at women working with yack and sheep wool to produce some truly great materials, scarves, etc. The kids featured in the extra had just returned from school and were peering curiously through the door at all of us milling about :)

Now safely ensconced in a beautiful cabin, with a wood stove fired up and hot stones to guarantee a few more hours of heat once the wood burns out :)