Bhutan: Trong Heritage Village

Zhemgang is where the Trong Heritage Village is located – it is a well-preserved cluster of 27 traditional stone houses perched on a hilltop and overlooking the Zhemgang Dzong. Dating back to 12th century, the village’s origins are tied to Tibetan Lama Zhang Dorji Drakpa, who built a hermitage where the Zhemgang Dzong now stands. The two- to three-story houses were built without modern foundations, just flat atop rocks, using stone, timber, and clay, with wooden windows and cobblestone pathways weaving through the village. The village is interestingly very earthquake-resistant, reflecting centuries-old construction techniques. People still live in these amazing houses and it’s a breathing and living village! And just down the street is the spectacular Zhemgang Dzong fortress built in the 1600s.