Built in 1857, the palace served as the principal residence of the first and second kings of Bhutan. Using traditional displays and modern interactive features, the former palace offers insights into the lives of the first and second king of Bhutan and the court that served them.
The fortress was constructed in 1667, but rebuilt after being severely damaged in an earthquake in 1897. It is one of the largest and most impressive dzongs in Bhutan and houses the administrative and monastic offices for the Bumthang district.
Burning Lake
The place where the 15th century Bhutanese spiritual-treasure discoverer Pema Lingpa famously dived into a river gully with a burning lamp, and later returned with a number of hidden scriptural treasures (Tib:terma) and with the lamp still burning – hence the name of the site, Membartsho - Burning Lake.