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Thimphu is the capital of
Bhutan and is therefore the most populated district in the country, with
about 60,000 people. You can easily spend several days in Thimphu visiting
all the sights. Many of the sights in the main town can be reached on
foot, which is a good way to absorb the culture and see the way of life
for the Bhutanese people. As you stroll through the streets, you will
notice that there is not a single traffic light in the town (nor in the
entire country). |
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| There are many attractions in
and around Thimphu Valley, including museums, monasteries, temples, dzongs,
a zoo, archery fields, restaurants, handicraft shops, the weekend market,
the National Library, the School of Arts and Crafts, a traditional paper
factory, a radio tower (which affords a gorgeous view of the valley), and
the National Institute of Traditional Medicine. |
| Two interesting museums are the
Textile Museum and the Folk Heritage Museum. At the Textile Museum you
will see a beautiful display of the garments worn by the Bhutanese from
the 1600s up to the present. The Folk Heritage Museum lets you explore a
traditional Bhutanese home and teaches you about the daily life of the
rural folk. |
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| The weekend market is a must,
for it is there that you'll see the variety of food of the country,
including basket upon basket of fiery chilies, fresh cheese, and mangoes.
You may also see some less-familiar produce, such as ferns. In addition,
many stalls contain Bhutanese handicrafts and household items. It's fun to
wander the aisles, taking in the bustling atmosphere of the market. |
Tourist Places
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| Memorial
Chorten: This is the stupa built in 1974 in the memory of Bhutan's
third King, Late His Majesty, King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, regarded as the
father of modern Bhutan. The paintings and statues inside the monument
provide a deep insight into Buddhist philosophy. |
| Tashichhodzong:
Known by another name as " fortress of the glorious religion",
the Dzong was initially erected in 1641 and rebuilt by King Jigme Dorji
Wangchuck in 1965. Tashichhodzong houses the main secretariat building and
the central monk body. It is open to visitors during Thimphu Tshechu and
when the monk body moves to warmer Punakha in the winter months. |
| Semtokha
Dzong: Located at five miles from Thimphu, on a lofty ridge stands
Simtokha Dzong, built in 1627 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. It is the
oldest fortress of the kingdom, now housing the School for Buddhist
studies. |
| National
Library: The history of Bhutan lies imprinted in archaic texts which
are preserved at the National Library. Besides thousands of manuscripts
and ancient texts, the library also has modern academic books and printing
blocks for prayer flags. |
| Painting
School: This School teaches the techniques of traditional paintings.
One can actually see students at work producing intricate design on cloth. |
| Traditional
Medicine Institute: In Bhutan, equal emphasis is given to both
allopathic and traditional medicines. The rich herbal medicines abundant
in Kingdom is prepared here. The Institute also imparts the art of herbal
medicines to would be practitioners. |
Handicrafts
Emporium: The several Handicrafts Emporiums in town provide the
perfect places to buy souvenirs. They have wide assortment of beautifully
hand-woven and crafted products.
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Weekend
Market: Every Saturday and Sunday most of the Thimphu's scant
population and many valley duelers congregate on the banks of the river
where the weekend market is held. It provides an insight into the village
economy where farmers from nearby areas converge to sell their products.
It makes an interesting for an opportunity to mix with the local people.
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| Zangtho
Pelri Lhakhang: This chapel was built in 1990s by Dasho Aku Tongmi, a
musician who composed Bhutan's national anthem. The country's tallest
lhakhang, it is replica of Guru Rimpoche's celestial abode. |
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Suggested
Tours
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Thimphu
Travel Reservation Form
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