Thimphu, the capital city, is a bustling town on the banks of the river Wang Chhu. It is home to the Bhutanese Royal Family, the Royal Government, and several foreign missions and development projects. The shape of the valley is likened to that of the deep skull with a winding crystal river that descends into Thimphu valley from the high mountain above. It is said that eight auspicious signs can be witnessed in the features of the valley.
Thimphu is the Capital city of Bhutan. The nickname is “Palace in the sky”
It’s the only capital in the world without any traffic lights.
Thimphu is the storehouse of traditional Bhutanese art.
The Grand Thimphu Festival is held at Tashichodzong.
Thimphu Offers Bhutan’s best dining and nightlife.
It is an excellent place for sightseeing and hiking.
Traditional mud-rammed homes & modern architecture coexist in Thimphu.
Thimphu offers a variety of souvenirs to take back home.
The stroll through the city is an opportunity to experience full ethnic diversity.
The city extends in a north-south direction on the west bank of the Thimphu river, which is known as the Wang Chuu.
Tashichho Dzong reflects the history of Bhutan. It is located on the northern edge of Thimphu and river Wang Chu flowing along its bank. Tashichho Dzong means ‘the fortress of the glorious religion” and is home to both religious and administrative activities. As located in the vicinity of the mountains and lakes, Tashichho Dzong is the reflection of Bhutanese fine architecture with detailed artistic woodwork.
The stupa was built in 1974 in memory of the Third King, His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuk . It was his dream to erect the monument to honor world peace and prosperity. It is centrally located. Devotees flock to the temple throughout the day to turn the prayer wheels or for circumambulation. It is centrally located. Devotees flock to the temple throughout the day to turn the prayer wheels or for circumambulation.It is a beautiful place where you can capture the sight of pigeons being fed mostly by old citizens in the morning hours. You will see the locals from all the walk of life engaged in Spiritual activities.
The Buddha Dordenma Statue which is 169ft is the world’s tallest Buddha statue and it is located about 6kms from Thimphu city.The statue is surrounded by 943 acres of forest area that comprises the Kuenselphodrang Nature Park. The place also has walking and biking trails. You can also get the grand view of Thimphu Valley from here.
Five miles from Thimphu, on a lofty ridge, stands Simtokha Dzong the oldest fortress in the Kingdom. Simtokha’s strategic position overlooks the entire Thimphu Valley. The central tower has 12 sides, unlike any other Fortress in Bhutan. It also contains the bed chambers of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel and Jigme Namgyel, the father of first king of Bhutan.
Perched on a small mountain lies the Changangkha lhakhang overlooking the Thimphu Valley. It was established in the 12th century on the site chosen by Phajo Drugom Zhigpo. Devotees flock to the temple throughout the day to turn the prayer wheels. The local people visit Changangkha Lhakhang to get the names for their newborn babies and also to seek protection from the Local deity namely Tandrin.
Visit to National Library, which houses an extensive collection of Buddhist literature, with some works dating back several hundred years. It was opened in 1967 to preserve the ancient Dzongkha texts and act as a repository for thousands of old religious books and manuscripts as well as the wooden blog used for printing. An altar located in the entrance lobby has statues of some of the most important historic figures- Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel, Pema Lingpa & Guru Padmasambhava. They are dedicated fully to the preservation and promotion of the rich literary, cultural and religious heritage of our country.
Located on the way to Thimphu from Paro. One need to cross the iron bridge in order to get to this lhakhang. The iron bridge was constructed by Drupthop Thangtong Gyalpo. It is amazing to note that iron bridge chain bridge was constructed on 13th century and it is durable and strong. It is a fun crossing the bridge.
The Royal Textile Academy of Bhutan was instituted in May 2005 under the patronage of Her Majesty Ashi Sangay Choden Wangchuck with the aim to promote the textile arts of Bhutan. You can witness the beauty and diversity of the living textile arts of Bhutan.
The Bhutan Postal Museum enables you to see the replica story of Bhutan’s progress and development through the lens of the evolution of communications and postal system in the country. The story is told through anecdotes, artifacts and the rich assortment of stamps the country has produced over the years. You can also create your own stamps which can be posted within Bhutan.
Dechen Phodrang Literally means the ‘Palace of Bliss. It is situated high up among the clouds, north of the Thimphu city. Built in the 12th century, it is one of the original dzongs of Bhutan and currently serves as a Monastic School where over four hundred monks are enrolled.The main attractions of this site are rare Bhutanese artefacts which includes 12th century paintings, monitored by the UNESCO. The natural surroundings & the architectural beauty makes this place worth visiting. You often spot a procession of monks, in their ubiquitous maroon robes, moving between the dzong and this building.
Dochula Pass is one of the greatest sightseeing places in Thimphu. The journey from Thimphu to Punakha en routes via Dochula Pass which is a high mountain pass situated 3,100 meters above sea level. It is located about 23 kilometers from Thimphu and the beginning of the drive passes via Simtokha Dzong and the road ascends to a good view of Simtokha Dzong before passing the village of Hongtsho and reaching Dochula Pass.
Founded in the early 16th century, this riverside monastery complex houses Bhutan’s most important college for traditional astrology. It is about 10km from town. The complex gets its name from the cantilevered bridge beside the complex, and the two huge cypress trees in front of the temple are said to be the biggest in the country. There are intricately etched and painted stones embedded along the sides of the wall.Pangri Zampa was the residence of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel when he arrived Bhutan in 1616 AD, directed here from Tibet by a divine vision.
The Druk Wangyal Lhakhang (temple) was built in honor of His Majesty the fourth Druk Gyalpo, Jigme Singye Wangchuck. The past and future appears to merge in the details of the lhakhang (temple) and its structure tells the story of a supreme warrior figure, whose vision pierces the distant future in a fine blend of history and mythology.
The National Institute of Zorig Chusum is a place where students learn the 13 traditional Arts and Crafts. This is a great place to checkout the work of Bhutanese Art. These 13 arts are drawn from Buddhist culture and defines the overall spectrum of Bhutanese Art Culture & Heritage. You will come across students actively engaged in painting, embroidery, woodcraft ,masonry, sculptor and carpentry and architecture. They are used to working while the visitors are there and this is also a few place where you can take your camera for photograph. Witness the magic of the traditional arts and crafts come to life at National Institute of Zorig Chusum.
Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday the weekend market is held in the capital. Here villagers from the valley and other nearby places come to sell their agriculture products. Another great place to meet the locals and purchase organic foods like honey, mushrooms etc
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