SIMTOKHA DZONG

It's the oldest dzong in the country. Built in 1629 by Ngawang Namgyal, it occupies a strategic position in relation to the capital. Along the walls of the central building are prayer wheels behind which a series of 284 magnificent carved slates represent mythological characters. Under the porch, the walls are decorated with frescoes representing the Wheel of Life, the guardians of the four directions, and other symbols of Buddhism. The main hall is dedicated to Sakyamuni, four of the eight principal bodhisattvas.