| Thimphu
(2,400m / 7,875ft)
 Thimphu,
the capital of Bhutan, and the center
of government, religious and commerce is completely different
from other capitals of the world in terms of size and modernity.
Lying in a wooded valley, sprawling up a hillside on the West
Bank of the Thimphu Chhu [Chhu means River]. Thimphu is considered
as the only world capital without traffic lights.
Thimphu's development is strictly monitored
and buildings cannot exceed a certain height, nor can they be
designed in anything but the traditional Bhutanese style. The
people of Bhutan are trying to develop their country to a considerable
height by their hard work while keeping their ancient culture
and traditions alive.
Hotels in Thimphu - Druk
- River View
- Wang Chuk
Places to visit around Thimphu :
National Assembly : Tashicchodzong, the most remarkable
building of the country, is the home of the National Assembly.
It is also the summer residence of the capital's venerated monastic
community. Foreign visitors are only allowed to enter the building
during the annual festival. The Third King, Jigme Dorje Wangchuck,
sanctioned the design of this spectacle building when Bhutan's
permanent capital was moved to Thimphu.
 National
Memorial Chorten of Thimphu: This is not only a building
but also the dream of the father of modern Bhutan, the third
king Jigme Dorji Wangchuk. It was his will to establish a monument
to world peace and prosperity. But due to his untimely death
the Royal Family and the Cabinet completed the work in 1974.
Well designed paintings and statues here speaks a lot about
the deepness of the Buddhist Philosophy.
Tashichhodzong: This is the place of
the Central Monk Body, His Majesty's Secretariat and some ministries.
King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk rebuilt it in the 60's after the initial
erection in 1641. Visitors to Thimphu are allowed inside only
during the winter when the Monk Body goes to its winter quarters
in Punakha and during the Thimphu
Tshechu (a festival honouring Guru Padmasambhava).
Simtokha Dzong: Shabdrung Ngwang Namdayal
built it in 1627 on a low ridge down the valley from Thimphu.
The Institute of Language and Culture Studies is located here
and can be visited easily. The institute has an extensive collection
of over 300 finely worked slate carvings behind the prayer wheels
in the courtyard.
 National
Library: This is the places where the culture of the entire
country can be seen under one roof. It was established in the
year 1960 with an intention to conserve the literary culture
and heritage of Bhutan. It comprises
of Buddhist literature written in Choekey and Tibetan literature
in Dzongkha in block format some of which are several years
old, along with some Bhutan related foreign literary collections
including subjects of Himalayas and neighboring countries.
Institute for Zorig Chusum: This is
an institute in Thimphu where a six-year course on the 13 traditional
arts and crafts of Bhutan is conducted
National Institute of Traditional Medicine:
This institute was established with the concept to merge the
allopathic and traditional systems of healing. The work of producing
the herbal medicines are undertaken with the help of different
medicinal plants found in Bhutan. There is also a training school
for traditional medicine practitioners. After the closing of
the Institute the visitors can walk along the compound to view
it from the outside.
Folk Heritage and National Textile Museums:
Started in 2001 these are the centers to exhibit the Bhutanese
Material culture and way of life.
Handicrafts shops: A wide collection
of handloom products and other crafts are available in the government
run Handicrafts Emporium and other shops around also.
Weekend Market: The easiest way to
come together with the local people and for getting photos is
to go through the local weekend market, running from Friday
afternoon to Sunday, held down by the river. The main selling
items of this market are paintings, foodstuffs and other local
woodcrafts. |
