Exploring the capital city of Bhutan

Day Tour: Exploring the capital city of Bhutan – Thimphu

Thimphu, the only capital city in the world without a traffic light and perhaps the most unusual capital city in the world, is the seat of the government. This lively town is home to Bhutan’s Royal family, the civil servants, and foreign missions with representation in Bhutan. It is also the headquarters for a number of internationally funded development projects.

In the morning visit the National Memorial Chorten. The building of this landmark was originally envisaged by Bhutan’s third king, His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuk (“the father of modern Bhutan”) who has wished to erect monument to world peace and prosperity. Completed in 1974 after his untimely death, it serves both as a memorial to the Late King and as a monument to peace.

Drive further to visit the giant statue of Lord Buddha in the south of Thimphu. The 169ft (51m) bronze Buddha Dordenma; symbolizing indestructibility is erected at Changri Kuensel Phodrang overlooking the capital city. The statue is on a hill from where you will have a bird’s eye view of the Thimphu valley. The majestic Thimphu Dzong (fortress) and the simple but loving palace of our royal couple with the snow mountain behind, during late autumn, gives you a breath taking view.

After the view drive back to Thimphu valley and visit the traditional painting school. This is one school where the students are trained in traditional paintings and wood crafting for more than five years. In this school the students learn the thirteen different traditional arts and crafts. Such as: woodwork, paper making, carving, painting, silver & gold smithy, sculpture, fabric weaving, embroidery/appliqué, black smithy, bamboo & cane craft, stonework, and leather work. Then, also visit the Folk & Textile Heritage Museums, a fascinating testimony of Bhutan’s living traditions. Further visit the national library of the country. National library has some collection of really old pictures of our past great kings and pictures of the old fortresses.

In the afternoon visit the traditional paper making factory, where you will see the paper still made manually and organically. Drive further to the north of the city to visit the Takin enclosure. The unique animal, with the head like a goat and body like a cow is the national animal of Bhutan.

Later visit Trashichho Dzong, the beautiful medieval fortress/monastery which houses most of the Government’s office and King’s Throne room. It is also the summer residence of Je Khenpo, the chief Abbot.

Time changes, even in Bhutan. After the introduction of internet and television in 1999, Bhutan has seen lots of changes in the life style of its people. After your dinner, dress up at your best, but keeping yourself warm. It`s time to explore the unique night life of Thimphu city.

Let`s walk around and see what you think about it.