Simtokha Dzong (Sinmo Dokha/Semtokha) lies six kilometers south of Thimphu.  The Dzong whose complete name is San Ngag Sabdon Phodrang, ‘the palace of profound Tantric teachings’ was the first Dzong to be built by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyel. Its construction started in 1629 and was consecrated in 1631.