Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan, is
modern in age only, but its latest constructions still follow the
traditional designs, which can be found in the elegantly painted
trefoil-shaped windows and nailless wooden frames.
The important sites in the city are the Memorial Chorten (dedicated to the
king’s late father Jigme Dorji Wangchuck), the Tashicho Dzong, (a
350-year-old structure built by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal and remodelled in
1961 to house government departments and ministries), the Changgankha
Monastery and the early-17th-century Simtokha Dzong
(fortress-turned-university of the Buddhist studies).
The
Multilevel Government Handicraft and several privately run emporiums (famous
for Choeki Handicrafts )are known for items of local handicrafts. The
Thimphu Domche festival which lasts for five days takes place in late
September and magnetizes large number of tourists from various parts of the
globe.
The city of Thimphu is known for its ancient and beautiful monasteries.
Besides these, the local handicrafts items are very popular among the
tourists.
Fact File
Country : Bhutan
Official name : Thimphu
Population : 30,000
Languages : Dzongkha, Sharchop Kha, Nepali, English.
Official Currency : Bhutan Ngultrum(BTN) ; 1 BTN = 1 Indian Rupee
0.02296 USD($) = 0.01907 EURO (subject to change).
Climate
The Rainfall takes place between June and August when the temperature is
normally between 8°-21°C (46°-70°F). Temperatures drop
dramatically with increases in altitude. Days are usually very pleasant
(average about 10°C/50°F) with clear skies and sunshine. Nights
are cold and require heavy woollen clothing, particularly in winter.
Generally October, November and April to mid-June are the best times to
visit - rainfall is at a minimum and temperatures are conducive to active
days of sightseeing. The foothills are also very pleasant during the winter.
Location
Thimphu is located in the eastern Himalayas, bordered by China in the north
and by India in the south, east and west. The altitude varies from 300m
(1000ft) in the narrow lowland region to 7000m (22,000ft) in the Himalayan
plateau in the north.
Getting There
By Air : The nearest airport is the Paro International Airport which
is 60 km from Thimphu which can be covered in about 2 hours drive.
Getting
Around
Travelling in Thimphu can be done either on foot or by road as Bhutan has
neither domestic Air Service, nor railway. For some of the villages not
connected by roads, the only mode of transport is by foot or using riding
ponies.
Accommodation
There are a number of good hotels in the city to ensure a comfortable stay
for the tourists. A list of some of the good accommodation facilities is
given below:
5 star hotel in the city
* Hotel Druk
* Hotel Jumothari
4 star hotel in the city
* Hotel Riverview
* Thimphu Vacations tourism
Major Tourist Attractions
Tashichho Dzong (Fortress of the Glorious Religion) : First erected
in 1661 the entire monument was reconstructed in 1961-62 which now contains
the main government departments, the National Assembly, the throne room of
the king, and summer headquarters of the Central Monastic Body.
Simtokha Dzong : This oldest Dzong, erected in 1627 is the gateway
to the Thimphu Valley and comprises of ‘Rigney School for Dzongkha’
and ‘monastic studies’. There are alluring frescos and lovely
slate carvings in Simtokha.
Streets of Thimphu : The ultimate thrilling experience of being in
Thimphu is to taking walks around the streets here where weekend markets
sell everything being produced in Bhutan. Besides this, the hordes of
villagers sell vegetables, newspapers, red chillies, traditional Bhutanese
masks, and carpets.
Other Attractions : These include the new National Library, the High
Court, the Royal Bhutan Golf Course, and Convention Centre.
