Thimphu
Thimphu is the capital of Bhutan and is the biggest and largest town both in terms of physical size and population. It has an estimated population of 60,000 and is the most populated district in the country. There are many places of interest in and around Thimphu. Most of the sights could be reached on foot, which is a good way to absorb the culture and perceive the Bhutanese way of life. Perhaps, Thimphu is the only capital city in the world that does not have a single traffic light. In fact, the whole of the country doesn’t have a traffic light.
Well-known sights for visitors in Thimphu include Museums, Monasteries, Dzongs, a Zoo, Archery range, Handicrafts shops, the weekend market, the National Library, the School of Arts and the Crafts and the National Institute of Traditional Medicine.
Museums are interesting objects for the tourist to visit. It affords insights into the Bhutanese way of life, its diverse culture and tradition. In Thimphu, the most interesting museums are the Textile Museum and the Folk Heritage Museum. At the Textile museum you will come across beautiful display of garments worn by Bhutanese men from the 1600s till the present time. The Folk Heritage Museum provides an insight into traditional Bhutanese home and the daily life of rural folks.
Tashichodzong, meaning the ‘fortress of glorious religion’ was first built in 1641, but it was rebuilt by the 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.
Semtokha Dzong is the oldest Dzong in Bhutan. It was built by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1627. The Dzong is located on a lofty ridge 5 miles from Thimphu town. It now houses the Institute of Language and Cultural Studies.
The weekend market in Thimphu is another centre of attraction for tourist. The place provides an exciting opportunity for the villagers to mingle with 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.
The National Library, established in 1967, has the country’s oldest historic and religious records. Built in the traditional style of a Bhutanese temple, each floor of the library building has an auspicious altar and statues of different Buddha’s. On the first floor you’ll find over 4000 volumes of traditional books, printed or written on a long strips of handmade paper, containing all the teachings of the Nyingmapa and Drukpa Kagyue sect of Mahayana Buddhism. On this floor you’ll also find a huge collection of Buddhist books in English (one of the most extensive collections in the world). Latest addition to the Library includes the World’s biggest book: BHUTAN: A visual odyssey across the Last Himalayan Kingdom.
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.Zangto Pelri Lhakhang
This is a private chapel, built in the 1990s by Dasho Aku Trongmi, a musician. The temple is located south of the weekend market. It is one of Bhutan’s tallest Lhakhang and houses many large statues, including a 4m high image of Guru Rinpoche.Dechen Phodrang
This is the site of original Trashichodzong. It is now the state monastic school, and it is not uncommon to see a procession of monks often traveling between here and the Trashichodzong. The 12th century paintings in the goemba’s Guru Lhakhang are being restored. The upper floor features a large statue of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. The central figure in the downstairs chapel is the Buddha Sakyamuni.Pangri Zampa Temple
To the north of Thimphu city and Dechencholing, pangri Zampa two imposes white buildings in a grove of giant cypress tress. It is believed that Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal lived here after he arrived from Tibet in 1616 because this temple appeared in the vision that directed him from Tibet to Bhutan.Tango Goemba
Approximately 12 km from Thimphu, this monastery was founded by Lama Gyalwa Lhanampa in the 12th century. The present building was built in the 15th century by the ‘divine madman’, Lama Drukpa Kuenley (ask your guide if you are not familiar with this character). In 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
This Monastery is located on the face of a gentle ridge to the left of Tango goemba. A gradual walk of 1½ hours leads to the 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.Phajoding Goemba
It is a 5 km uphill walk from the old motithang hotel in upper Thimphu (3700m). This monastery was built by Sacha Rinchen in the 15th Century. You can continue further to the Thugjedra and Jimilangtsho lakes.