THIMPHU (alt, 2,400 m)
The capital town of Bhutan and the centre of government, located at the altitude of 2400m. It takes around one hour by car to reach from the airport in Paro. As you enter the valley you drive on Bhutan’s first four-lane express way which take you right into the heart of town, over two dramatic fly over bridges. Thimphu is home to the revered Bhutanese Royal family, civil servant and the monk body.
Places of interest in THIMPHU
Tashichho Dzong
The Dzong was built by Lama Gyalwa Lhanangpa in the year 1216. But later it got fire and was rebuilt. The Dzong Houses, the main secretariat building of which houses the throne room of His Majesty the king of Bhutan. The National Assembly Hall is located on the opposite side of the river from the Dzong. Every Year there used to be a festival and lots of people from different district including the tourist come and gather.
Semtokha Dzong
It is the first Dzong built by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1629. The Dzong houses the institute for Buddhist Studies
.
Memorial Chorten
The Memorial Chorten was built in the year 1974 by the mother of the Third King in memory of her son. Late Majestry, King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk, who is known as “Father of Modern Bhutan”.
National Library
The Bhutan National Library contains best collection of religious and Buddhist literature. It is located nearby the National Institute for Zorig Chusum. The largest book in the world about Bhutan is also placed in this library.
The National Institute for Zorig Chusum
Commonly known as the Painting school, the institute offers a six year course on the 13 traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan, to the student. On a visit, one can see student at work learning variety of design.
The Institute of Traditional Medicine
The rich herbal medicines abundant in the Kingdom are prepared and dispensed here. The institute is also a training school for art of herbal medicines practitioners.
National Textile Museum
These museums was established in 2001, provide a variety of decent Bhutanese textile and a visit to it bring a way of life.
Post office
Bhutan’s famous stamp collection can be viewed and purchased in the capital’s main post office.
Handicrafts Emporiums
As you enter into the main town there are several special handicrafts stores opened. Bhutan’s colourful, hand-woven and other crafted products are available for purchase in this Handicraft shops.
Weekend Market
Every Saturday and Sunday most of Thimphu’s population come to the sabji bazaar (vegetable market) at the bank of the river where weekend market is held. This is the only time in the week when fresh vegetable are available and as well the good opportunity to mingle with the local people.
Archery
The fields adjacent to the market are reserved on weekend for basketball and archery.
Changangkha Lhakhang
The temple was built in 12th century by Lama Phajo Drugom Shigpo’s son Nyima. It is on the top of the Thimphu valley. Most of the people come here to get blessing for their new born child from spiritual high lama.
Tango Goemba
The Tango monastery is located 14kilometres away from the Thimphu town. This monastery was founded by Lama Gyalwa Lhanangpa in the 12th century and the present building was built in 15th century by Lama Drukpa Kunley. In 1616 Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal meditated in its cave . It takes an hour to reach to the monastery from the road
Chari Goemba
It is half an hour drive from Thimphu, the road end at dodena (alt 2600m) the goemba is located about an hour walk from the road. The monastery was built by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1620. The silver chorten inside monastery holds the ashes of Zhabdrung’s father
Phajoding Monastery
The monastery is situated three hour walk from the Thimphu. At one time it is one of the richest monasteries in the country.