Constructed in 1629 by Zhabdring Ngawang Namgyel, Simtokha Dzong is the oldest dzong in the country. The name Simtokha literally means “Atop a Demoness.” The local legend narrates that the dzong was built in order to subdue an evil spirit that was harassing the travelers in the region.

Simtokha Dzong houses a large statue of Yeshay Gonpo or Mahakala, the chief protective deity of Bhutan in addition to countless exquisite religious statues and paintings. Another interesting aspect of the dzong is that it contains the bedchambers of both Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel and Jigme Namgyel – Zhabdrung was the revered Tibetan lama who first unified Bhutan as a nation and Jigme Namgyel was the father of the first King of Bhutan Druk Gyalpo Ugyen Wangchuck.