trongsa dzong

since the museum was closed, we had time to tour the trongsa dzong. this fortress is particularly significant because it is at the intersection between eastern and western Bhutan. situated high up on a hill at the confluence of two major rivers (one of which is the Mangda Chhu we just rafted), anyone traving between the two regions had to come through this fortress. 

the fortress itself was very similar in decor to the other doings... and situated in such a stunning location. 

touring the fortress, we again completely lucked out and entered the main temple at the same time as a traditional mask dance was being performed. it was great to see a performance similar to what we saw at the winter palace being performed on context in the temple. "no women" we allowed in the temple sitting room, so we observed from the viewing room on the side. no pictures are allowed in the temples... but luckily we were able to capture some of the amazing artwork on the outside. 

main temple is through the curtains, and up a wooden ladder to The second story. 

the wheel of the afterlife. the death spirit had the power to choose which of the 6. realms to will be sent to in your next life. some are definitely more favorable than others. ;)

the east entrance 

another travel day

up early the next am (6am call to prayers for the mini monks right behind our tents)... we packed up, and we're back on the road by 8am for another long car travel day. 

the first two hours of the morning were backtracking out of the river canyon back up to Trongsa. the day was a bit colder, and clouds were definitely hanging over the valleys. 

our first stop was at the tower above the trongsa dzong which is now a Bhutanese cultural museum. got all the way up the steps only to find out it is closed for holidays. woopse.