town, fortress, and monastery, central Bhutan. It lies in the Himalayas on the Tongsa (or Mangde) River, about 5,500 feet (1,700 m) above sea level. It was the headquarters of the first hereditary maharaja of Bhutan and the historic seat of power over central and eastern Bhutan. The dzong (fortress, or castle) guards the main east-west route through the mountains. It houses a large number of state-supported monks of the Buddhist 'Brug-pa order, as well as government officials. Pop. (1982 est.) 1,270.