Thimphu, also spelled Thimbu is the capital of Bhutan, occupies an entire valley in the western interiors. Thimphu is most well-known for its Buddhist sites including the massive Tashichho Dzong, a fortified monastery, and the government palace famed for its gold-leaf roofs. the capital city of Thimphu is located at an height of around 8,000 ft above sea level; on the western bank of Wang Chu, or the Thimphu Chu river. Thimphu is also famed for the Memorial Chorten, a massive whitewashed structure with a gold spire. It is a Buddhist shrine that is dedicated to the revered third king or Druk Gyalpo of Bhutan, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. Home to approximately 100,000 inhabitants including the Royal family, the city is the main centre of commerce, religion and government in Bhutan.
Thimphu is ideal for tourist to break away from their tour itinerary to immerse themselves in the contemporary Bhutanese lifestyle. The most modern city in Bhutan it has number of restaurants, internet cafes, nightclubs and shopping malls. Thimphu has numerous places worth visiting such as the National Post Office, the Clock Tower Square, the Motithang Takin Preserve, Tango and Chari Monasteries, Buddha Dordenma statue, National Memorial Chorten, Centenary Farmer’s Market, and Semtokha Dzong.
Tourism is a major contributor to Bhutans’ economy, but it is strictly regulated, and the government maintains a balance between tradition, and modernization. The city contains most of the important political buildings in Bhutan, a newly-formed parliamentary democracy. These include the National Assembly building and Dechencholing Palace, the official residence of the King, located to the north of the city. Thimphu is the only capital city of a country in the entire world, where city roads do not use traffic lights.
Thimphu is the best place to see culture, religion, customs, national dress code of Bhutan. Tourist can also know about the monastic practices of the monasteries, music, dance, literature and the media. Tshechu is the most important festival celebrated in Thimphu, which is known for its masked dances, popularly known as Cham dances, that are performed in the courtyards of the famed Tashichho Dzong in Thimphu. Tshechu is a four-day festival held every year during the months of September or October, and held on dates that correspond to the Bhutanese calendar.
Thimphu is situated in the restricted, linear valley of the Raidāk River. The city is made up of numerous districts such as Changangkha, Changzamtok, Chubachu, Hospital Area, Jungshina. Kawangjangsa, Langjupakha, Motithang, Zamazingka. Sangyegang, Yangchenphug, and Zilukha. Nightlife has been developing steadily in recent years in Thimphu. Nightclubs have sprung up across the city. Thimphu’s nightclubs have a reputation for their high-quality ambience, food and entertainment, music, and in recent years have hosted prominent Western celebrities also.
The city is well known as hub of arts and crafts that are at display at National Institute of Zorig Chusum, Handicrafts emporiums, Folk Heritage Museum, Voluntary Artists Studio, and National Textile Museum. Before 1960, Thimphu was only of a group of hamlets scattered across the valley including Changlimithang, Langchupakha, Motithang, Changangkha, and Taba which are now called districts today. In 1885, the Changlimithang sports ground in Thimphu, was the scene of a major battle. The victory opened the way for Ugyen Wangchuck, the first King of Bhutan; who virtually control the whole country, of what is known as Bhutan.
Since then, the sports ground has been a major importance in the city; with major events like football, cricket matches and archery competitions are held here. The modern Changlimithang Stadium was built on the same site in 1974. Under the ruling Wangchuck Dynasty, Bhutan has enjoyed relative peace and steadily progress under successive monarchs who are known for being reformist. Vajrayana Buddhism is the state religion of Bhutan and in Thimphu, the dominant ethnic group is Drukpa of Kagyu Buddhism. Hindus of Nepali ethnicity are also dominant in certain areas of the city.
The city is well known for its food, there are plenty of restaurants that serve both vegetarian non-vegetarian food with only a few pure vegetarian restaurants. An education hub, the city of Thimphu is home to Royal University of Bhutan, Institute for Language and Culture Studies (ILCS), and Royal Institute of Health Sciences (RIHS). The city is well connected by road with all major towns of Bhutan and air link provides connectivity to India and Bangladesh. Manokwari, Indonesia and Hokkaido, Japan are its sister cities. There are several hotels that provide luxurious, mid-range and budget accommodation.
Thimphu is situated in the linear valley of the Raidāk River, which is also known as the Thimphu River or Thimpu Chuu in local dialect. The surrounding hills are in the range of 2,000 to 3,800 mtrs. The city has an altitude range varying between 2,248 and 2,648 mtrs. The valley is thinly-forested and is evenly spread out in the north and west direction of Thimphu. On the southern end of city, is the Lungten Zampa bridge that connects the east and west banks of the Wang Chuu River, which flows through Thimphu’s centre.
The Raidāk River that abuts the Thimphu city, rises from the snow fields at an altitude of about 7,000 mtrs. The river has many tributaries that flow out from the Himalayan peaks overlooking Thimphu. The Thimphu valley, is delimited by a steep eastern ridge with gradually sloping topography, extending from Dechencholing and Simtokha, on Raidāk’s western banks. The urban expansion of Thimphu has been created as per 2027 plan. The new buildings to be built as per 2027 plan, will need to continue to retain the ancient Bhutanese culture and architectural styles. The new buildings need to blend modern development, meeting requirements of national and civic administration.
The most prominent architecturally elegant, and traditional Bhutanese building structures in Thimphu are the Tashichho Dzong, Dechen Phodrang Monastery, Drubthob Goemba or Zilluka nunnery, Dechencholing Palace, Memorial Chorten, Tango Goempa or Monastery, Cheri Goempa or Monastery, Simtokha Dzong, Buddha Dordenma, and Changangkha Lhakhang. Other attractions include National Post Office, Bhutan Postal Museum, Clock Tower Square, Motithang Takin Preserve.
Thimphu which had shut its borders to tourists during COVID19 Pandemic, has recently opened up and started welcoming its tourists back. The city was designated the official seat of government in 1962; and is a cultural hub of Bhutan. The city is home to Royal Academy of Performing Arts, National Library and many more important buildings. There are numerous museums that promote Arts and crafts of Bhutan in the city. These include National Institute of Zorig Chusum, Handicrafts emporiums, Folk Heritage Museum, Voluntary Artists Studio, and National Textile Museum.
The city known for its greenery has numerous parks in and around the city. These include the Botanical Gardens, Centenary Park, Ludrong Memorial Garden, and Takin Preserve. Thimphu is located at a distance of 65 kms from Paro city and 180 kms from Phuentsholing with journey on both routes presenting some very striking visuals. Tourists visiting Thimphu need to be careful about a few things; such as they must wear shirts preferably long sleeves and collar. Picturesque surroundings of the city of Thimphu, make it an ideal location for hiking, trekking, cycling and rock climbing.
Tourists can also move around the city in a taxi or bike. Tourists also need to be careful and take off hats while entering various religious places and Dzong across the city. Most importantly shorts and half-pants are not allowed inside temples, monasteries, and Dzong. Connected by road and air, Thimphu is truly a must visit place for tourist on an extended weekend holiday not only for family but also honeymoon couples.
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