Kuenga Rabten Palace is a charming and historically significant royal residence located about 23 kilometers from Trongsa, nestled gracefully above the Mangde Chhu river gorge. Built in 1929 by the second King of Bhutan, Jigme Wangchuck, it served as his primary winter palace. This relatively simple, yet elegantly designed three-story traditional Bhutanese palace provided an alternative to the cooler summer capital in Jakar (Bumthang), allowing the King to reside in a milder climate during the colder months.

The palace offers insights into the early days of Bhutan’s monarchy, showcasing a more intimate glimpse into royal life compared to the grander dzongs. It features private apartments, an audience hall, guestrooms, and a private chapel (Sangye Lhakhang). After the third King moved the year-round capital to Thimphu, the palace was later donated to the National Library of Bhutan to serve as its eastern branch headquarters. Today, it also houses a community of monks from the central monastic body, adding to its spiritual ambiance.