Thru Epang Palace

This mansion, which is more of a house than a palace, is still used by the royal family on exceptional occasions, particularly by the fifth monarch. Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, the country's third king, was born in this house in the 1920s. His Majesty was born here on May 2, 1928, to King Jigme Wangchuck and Ashi Puntsho Choden. Thurepang Palace was where he spent the majority of his early childhood years. The Eundu Choling Palace, which was the winter residence of the 1st King Ugyen Wangchuck, is another interesting palace. It is ideally located above the Trongsa Dzong, up the road. The palace's architecture is evocative of typical Bhutanese homes, with a large courtyard and smaller cottages around that housed the royal family's attendants.

Kuenga Rabten Palace is 23 kilometers away. The drive from Trongsa to Kuenga Rabten is roughly an hour long and takes you through open countryside high above a river gorge. Because the land in this region slopes gently and farming is well developed, there is plenty to see in the fields and communities as one speeds through. The Palace is easily visible just below the road on the right as one enters Kuenga Rabten. It was the second king's winter residence, and it is presently managed by the National Commission for Cultural Affairs. This nice day journey from Trongsa provides additional insight into Bhutan's monarchy's early days.

Location: Trongsa, Bhutan