The capital of this sleepy landlocked kingdom, Thimpu lies in a steep, wooded valley dotted with ancient monasteries and hidden temples, all dominated by the impressive Tashichoe Dzong, which houses the monastic and government offices.
Thimpu is the largest and most cosmopolitan city in the country, but it’s a sleepy backwater when compared to other cities in the sub-continent. A couple of days here at the beginning of your holiday are a perfect introduction to the country.
The School of Arts and Crafts was established in Thimpu to preserve these aspects of Bhutan’s culture and traditions. Here you can watch students learning each of the 13 Arts of Bhutan.
The weekend market, just south of the national stadium, is not to be missed. This market draws farmers in from the surrounding countryside to sell their crops, it’s a lively event over two floors and and a great insight into Bhutanese life.
One of the most curious features of Thimphu is that it is the only capital city in the world that does not use traffic lights. Instead a few major intersections have policemen standing in elaborately decorated booths (small pavilions), directing traffic with exaggerated hand motions. The juxtaposition of ancient tradition and modernity make Thimphu the ideal location for visitors to break away from their tour itinerary and just immerse themselves in the lifestyle of contemporary Bhutanese.
The School of Arts and Crafts was established in Thimpu to preserve these aspects of Bhutan’s culture and traditions. Here you can watch students learning each of the 13 Arts of Bhutan.
The weekend market, just south of the national stadium, is not to be missed. This market draws farmers in from the surrounding countryside to sell their crops, it’s a lively event over two floors and and a great insight into Bhutanese life.
One of the most curious features of Thimphu is that it is the only capital city in the world that does not use traffic lights. Instead a few major intersections have policemen standing in elaborately decorated booths (small pavilions), directing traffic with exaggerated hand motions. The juxtaposition of ancient tradition and modernity make Thimphu the ideal location for visitors to break away from their tour itinerary and just immerse themselves in the lifestyle of contemporary Bhutanese.
