Second Battle of Simtokha Dzong

Second Tibetan Invasion of Bhutan
Part of the Unification of Bhutan and the Tsangpa-Ngawang Namgyal conflict
The reconstructed Simtokha Dzong.
Date 1634 Location Simtokha Dzong, modern-day Bhutan Result Tsangpa retreat, strategic victory of Ngawang Namgyal[4][5] Complete destruction of Simtokha Dzong[6] Barawa sect is driven from Bhutan[7] Territorial changes Ngawang Namgyal's supporters capture the Gasa valley[7]
Belligerents
Tsangpa dynasty[1] forces of the "Five Lamas"[2][a]	forces of Zhabdrung Rinpoche Ngawang Namgyal
Commanders and leaders
Unknown Tibetan commander Chokdrub Könchog Gyeltshen[8] (Barawa sect lama) Several other lamas	Tenzin Drukgyal[1] (military chief commander) Unknown Simtokha garrison commander[4]
Strength
Five Tibetan divisions[b] Unknown number of lamaist troops[1]	Unknown, but probably small[10]
Casualties and losses
Tsangpa: likely heavy[4] "Five Lamas": Unknown	Unknown

The Second Tibetan Invasion of Bhutan^[4] or the Second Battle of Simtokha Dzong^[11] was a military confrontation in 1634 between the supporters of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal and the forces of the Tibetan Tsangpa dynasty and several Bhutanese lamas allied against him. The latter initially conquered Zhabdrung's seat, Simtokha Dzong, threatening to eliminate his young dominion. The castle's ammunition stores were accidentally ignited during the battle, however, resulting in an explosion that destroyed Simtokha Dzong and much of the Tibetan army. Seizing this chance, Zhabdrung's followers rallied and ousted the Tibetans from their territory, turning the battle into a decisive strategic victory of Ngawang Namgyal, paving the way for the Unification of Bhutan under his rule.

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