A capital city with a soul
Capital to the tiny Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan, Thimphu is situated at an elevation of 2300 meters. It is perhaps the smallest capital in the world with no traffic light and exhibits splendid traditional Bhutanese art, architecture, culture, and tradition and above all still so ethnic and pure. The place celebrates breathtaking Thimphu Festival, also called the festival of dances in a grand way.
Places to Visit
Tashichodzong
Fortress of glorious religion’ was first built in 1641, but it was rebuilt by the late third king in 1965. It houses the main secretariat, the central monk body and the throne room. It is open to the visitors during the annual Thimphu Tshechu and when the monk body moves to Punakha in winter.
The weekend market
The place provides an exciting opportunity to mingle with the locals and villagers their urban cousins. It’s a place where people from the neighboring villages come to sell their farm and dairy products. Therefore, you can find a variety of Bhutanese vegetables, fruits, dairy products and even religious items & artifacts and also handicraft products.
Memorial Chorten
This large Tibetan style Chorten was built in 1974 to honour the memory of the third king, His late Majesty, King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk, who is popularly regarded as the father of modern Bhutan. There are a number of religious paintings and complex Tantric statues inside reflecting both peaceful and wrathful aspects of Buddhist deities. It is also one of the most visible religious structures in Thimphu, and for many people it is the focus of their daily worship.
Tango Goemba
Founded by Lama Gyalwa Lhanampa in the 12th century. The present building was built in the 15th century by Lama Drukpa Kuenley( ‘divine madman’), 1616 Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal visited Tango and meditated in a cave near the goemba. His meditation is believed to have helped ensure the defeat of an invading Tibetan army. The picturesque 3 storey tower and several surrounding buildings were built in the 18th century by the 8th Desi Tenzin Rabgye.
Chari Goemba
The Monastery’s full name is Chari Dorji Dhen. Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal built this goemba in 1620 and established the first monk body here. A Silver Chorten inside the goemba holds the ashes of the Zhabdrung’s father.
