Thimphu
The capital city of Bhutan, Thimphu is the most developed dzongkgag (district). Thimphu has an area of about 1,819 sqkm with elevation ranging between 1,300 to over 7,300 meters above sea level.
Thimphu is 45 minutes drive from Paro International airport. The Thimphu-Paro was widened recently and now it allows flow of two vehicles at a time: two-lane road without divider. The drive to Thimphu promises you with scattered traditional houses built with earthen walls, paddy fields hanging on the cliffs, and numerous temples chortens and prayer flags.
As you enter the valley the road will tumble you to a modern expressway. Passing through the paddy field which is uncultivated for years to convert it into a modern town, you will reach the capital of the most enchanting countries in the world.
Thimphu was established the capital of Bhutan in 1961. It is the world’s only capital without traffic lights. The people living in Thimphu have an enthusiasm that constantly challenges the country’s conservatism and proud tradition. The lifestyle of the Bhutanese is changing influenced by the western cultures. However, it is not difficult to sight, red-robed monks, men and women clad in gho and kira, professionals and office-goers with traditional shoes and scarf, and camera-exerting tourists all walk the beautiful streets of the capital.
Never the less you will not find anyone to be in hurry here. The city will offer you an opportunity to do your own things at your own time. People are friendly, everyone relaxed it will be better if you can adapt to it quickly.
Thimphu Map
Attractions in Thimphu
Centenary Farmers Market
One of the biggest structures in Bhutan, centenary farmers market was built in 2008 to mark the coronation of fifth king of Bhutan and 100 years of monarchy. The two storied building has 458 stalls for sale of vegetables, fruits, meat and other farm produces. It also houses cafeteria and separate stalls for non wood [...]
Tags: Architecture, Thimphu
Changangkha Lhakhang (Monastery)
Built in 12th century, Changangkha Lhakhang is oldest temple in Thimphu. It is hovering over a ridge above Thimphu, near Motithang. Lama Phajo Drukgom Zhigpo who came to Bhutan from Ralung in Tibet chose this site to build this lhakhang. The Lhakhang houses Chenrizig: an 11-headed, thousand-armed manifestation of Avolokitesawara as the central statue.
The prayer [...]
Tags: Architecture, Monasteries, Thimphu
Changlimithang Stadium & Archery Ground
This stadium was built to celebrate the coronation of the fourth Druk Gyalpo His Majesty the King Jigme Singye Wangchuck in 1974. The stadium is built at the place of 1885 battle that helped establish the political supremacy of Ugyen Wangchuck, Bhutan’s first king. This stadium was renovated in 2007 for the coronation of [...]
Tags: Entertainment, Thimphu
Dechen Phodrang Monastery
Above the Tashichhoedzong is the Dechen Phodrang Monastery. It was the original site for the Tashichhoedzong. Dechen Phodrang today houses the monastic school. There are about 450 students. These students on rotational basics conduct the funerals rites at the crematorium located near the Dzong.
Tags: Architecture, Monasteries, Thimphu
Drubthob Goemba (Zilukha Nunnery)
As you drive towards north from main town from the Thimphu High court and take a turn from a hilltop above Tashichhoedzong, you will reach Drubthob Goemba. This monastery today houses the Zilukha nunnery. You will get a great view of Tashichhoedzong from this monastery.
Tags: Buddhism, Monasteries, Thimphu
Folk Heritage Museum
A three storied traditional building houses the Folk Heritage Museum. The earthen and timber building was renovated and restored few years ago to appear as it was century ago.
This museum provides glimpse into the traditional Bhutanese life. The artifacts which are kept inside the house remind the visitors about how the rural Bhutanese live today.
Tags: Architecture, Museum, Thimphu
Motithang Takin Preserve
Above Motithang towards the BBS tower is a route leading to a mini zoo which houses the National Animal of Bhutan. This reserve was disbanded sometime ago as it was against Bhutan’s environment and religious conviction. This is only place in Thimphu where the National Animal of Bhutan, Takin (budorcas taxicolor) is found.
National Institute for Zorig Chusum
Also called as painting school among the Bhutanese, this school is thirteen arts and crafts provide training in the Bhutanese arts and crafts. Students from all over the country, who have an aptitude for arts, come here for four to five years training. After the training these students are employed to restore traditional Bhutanese arts [...]
National Institute of Traditional Medicine
Also called traditional hospital, this institute dispenses traditional herbal medicines. A number of medicines are produced here in its large laboratories. The components of the medicines produced here are minerals, animal parts, precious metals and gems and plants. Most of the time the doctor advises the patient restrain from taking meat and alcohol during [...]
National Library of Bhutan
The National library of Bhutan located above the High Court, near the Royal Monetary Authority of Bhutan houses books on Bhutan. The library has collection of Dzongkha and Tibetan texts. The national library of Bhutan was established in 1967.
Website of the National Library of Bhutan – www.library.gov.bt
Tags: Architecture, Thimphu
National Memorial Chorten (Stupa)
The National Memorial Chorten is located near the Jigme Dorji National referral Hospital. It was built in 1974 in memory of the third king of Bhutan, His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, ‘the father of Modern Bhutan’. The chorten (stupa) saw a major renovation in 2008. The chorten (stupa) features mandalas, statues and alter dedicated to [...]
Tags: Buddhism, Chortens (stupas), Thimphu
National Textile Museum
To know the living art of Bhutanese weaving it is worth visiting the National Textile Museum located at the heart of the city on Norzin Lam. The museum showcases major weaving techniques, the local dresses and textile made by men and women. Live exhibition of weaving technique of Bhutanese textile is showcased in this museum.
Royal Academy of Performing Arts (RAPA)
This institute provides training to the artists on Bhutanese mask dances and traditional dances. The institute works to preserve the Bhutan’s folk-dancing heritage. These dancers perform in Thimphu tsechu. They also take the Bhutanese culture to other countries by performing at various international venues. Unless there is practice going on there is noting to see [...]
The National Assembly Building
The National Assembly Building was built by the third king Jigme Dorji Wangchuck to hold the national assembly, Tshogdue. Today it houses the office of Prime Minister, Lower House, the foreign ministry and the National Assembly Secretariat.
Tags: Architecture, Thimphu
Trashi Chhoe Dzong
This Dzong (Fortress) houses the office of His Majesty’s Secretariat, the Ministry of Home and cultural Affairs, Ministry of finance, Cabinet Secretariat, GNH Commission and houses the central monastic body.
Tags: Architecture, Thimphu
News and Blogs from Thimphu
- His Holiness Dungse Thinley Norbu Rinpoche in Bhutan (Oct 9, 2009)
- Bhutanese Author long listed for the Man Asian Literary Prize 2009 (Jul 30, 2009)
- Study on GNH (Jul 22, 2009)
- First of its kind opened (Jul 20, 2009)
- Police and youth (Jul 18, 2009)
- Popularity of Lawn tennis in Bhutan (Jul 16, 2009)
- Education and Farming (Jun 11, 2009)
- Foundation for the construction of Royal Textile academy (Jun 6, 2009)
- Back to summer residence (May 27, 2009)
- Cricket in Bhutan (May 12, 2009)
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Featured Attraction
Changangkha Lhakhang (Monastery)
Changangkha Lhakhang in Thimphu
Built in 12th century, Changangkha Lhakhang is oldest temple in Thimphu. It is hovering over a ridge above Thimphu, near Motithang. Lama ...
