Bhutanese traditional architecture still remain alive and intact. A royal decree was passed in the 1998 where all buildings must be constructed with multi-colored wood frontages, small arched windows, and sloping roofs.Bhutanese Architecture system has its influence from the Tibetan Architecture. For example, the oldest monastery in Bhutan i.e Jampa Lhakhang in Bumthang valley and Kyichu Lhakhang in Paro valley are some of the oldest buildings of Bhutan and were built by the Tibetan king Songtsen Gampo. Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, who also came to Bhutan from Tibet build so many Dzongs and monasteries, which had a unique design and architecture.

Unique Bhutanese Architecture can be seen in Monasteries, Temples, Chorterns, Building and houses, Bridges, Dzongs ( fortresses) etc are exquisite examples of the craftsmanship of the People of Bhutan

Dzong

Dzongs are fortresses and is found both in Bhutan and Tibet. In the earlier days, dzongs were built strategically on the mountains top and between the confluences of two rivers to serve as defensive fortresses against the enemy attacks. Many Dzongs in Bhutan were built by the Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel and dzongs are found in every districts of Bhutan. Dzong also served as the centers of administration, religion and culture and residence to monks living in that Dzong.

Simtokha Dzong in Thimphu, is the oldest Dzong in Bhutan built around 1629.Trongsa Dzong is one of the most beautiful dzongs of all the dzongs and has 20 temples within the Dzong that are remarkable examples of Bhutanese examples.