Fortress
Simtokha Dzong
🇧🇹 Bhutan · 17th century
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 1628 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.
Text adapted from “Simtokha Dzong” on Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Simtokha Dzong ranks #2,511 of 8,133 worldwide in the atlas's castle fame ranking, and #5 of the 14 mapped in Bhutan. Founded 1628, it is older than 30% of the atlas's dated landmarks — one of 626 atlas entries founded in the 17th century. 6 more atlas landmarks stand within 25 km. The nearest day-trip guide is Thimphu, 5 km away. See how Bhutan compares in the castle statistics.
View on the interactive castle map →Frequently asked questions
Where is Simtokha Dzong?
Simtokha Dzong stands in Bhutan, at 27.43806°, 89.66944°.
When was Simtokha Dzong built?
The atlas dates its founding to 1628. Earlier structures may have stood on the site; this is the earliest documented founding year.
How famous is Simtokha Dzong?
In this atlas's fame ranking: #2,511 of 8,133 worldwide, and #5 in Bhutan. Fame here combines how many Wikipedia language editions cover a landmark with how many people read them.
What is the nearest castle to Simtokha Dzong?
Dobji Dzong, about 3 km away.
More castles in Bhutan
- Rinpung Dzong Bhutan · 17th century
- Gasa Dzong Bhutan · 17th century
- Jakar Dzong Bhutan · 16th century
- Drukgyal Dzong Bhutan · 17th century
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