Simtokha Dzong
Simtokha Dzongalso known as Sangak Zabdhon Phodrang (Bhutanese language meaning: “Palace of the Profound Meaning of Secret Mantras”) is a small dzong. It was built in 1629 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.The dzong is at strategic security location on a prominent ridge vis-a-vis the Thimpu valley and approach roads to the Dochu La and eastern Bhutan. The Simtokha is located about 5 kilometres (3.1 mi) south of the Bhutanese capital of Thimphu.
