Thimphu

Thimphu is the capital of Bhutan. It is a unique place with many unique characteristics. At an elevation of 2334 metres, it is the third-highest capital of the world. It is probably also the only capital of the world where there is no traffic light and the entire traffic management is done by traffic police. It is also the capital of the world’s only carbon-negative country. It is located in the central-western part of Bhutan and was declared the capital city in the year 1961 by replacing Punakha which was till then the capital city. The city of Thimphu is a combination of both heritage and modernity. It is the most modern place in Bhutan with nightclubs, internet cafes, pubs and restaurants which make the city lively even at night. The city is known for its traditional monasteries and temples and its mesmerising beauty which never fails to attract the tourists.

Getting There

Paro International airport is the only international airport in Bhutan and it is connected with India, Nepal, Bangladesh and Thailand airports through direct flights. From Paro airport, Thimphu is about 55 km and can be reached in around 1.5 hours. Tourists can also take a train from Kolkata to NJP or Hasimara and then reach Phuentsholing (Bhutan border) by road which will take around 4.5 hours from NJP and 45 minutes from Hasimara. From Phuetsholing it takes around 5 hours to cover the 150 km distance and reach Thimphu.

To See

Buddha Dordenma – It is one of the largest Buddha statues in the world with a height of about 54 metres. This gold plated statue was established in the year 2015 on the birthday of Bhutan’s fourth King Jigme Singye Wangchuck to bring peace and harmony to the entire planet.

Memorial Chorten – This Tibetan style Chorten was built in the year 1974 in the tribute of the 3rd King of Bhutan Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. This Chorten also attracts tourists from different parts of the world for its architecture, paintings, sculpture, carvings and Bhutanese culture.

Tashichho Dzong – It means fortress of the glorious region. The fortress was constructed in the year 1641. This Dzong is one of the most important landmarks of the Thimphu city which also serves as the house of Bhutan’s government.

Folk Heritage Museum – It was established in the year 2001. One must visit to discover the culture and heritage of Bhutanese.

Motithang Takin Preserve – Takin is the national animal of Bhutan which is preserved over here. One must surely visit this wildlife.

Cheri Monastery – It happens to be the first monastery established in Bhutan in the year 1621 by Ngawang Namgyal.

Changangkha Lhakhang – One of the oldest temples situated at a 1 k.m. distance from the city.

Thimphu Weekend Market – Tourists can visit this market on Saturdays and Sundays. This market will give them the chance to know the culture of the country and buy local stuff at a reasonable price.

Tango Monastery – This Bhutanese monastery is one of the oldest and was established in the 13th century near Cheri Mountains in Thimphu.

Local People and Culture

The city of Thimphu is rich as far as the culture and heritage are concerned. In spite of adapting to modernism, the Bhutanese people have kept their culture alive and thriving by following their dress code, religious activities, literature and customs. Gho and Kira are the traditional dress for Bhutanese men and women worn by all men and women. People are also very fond of traditional music and dance. Cham is a famous masked dance during their religious festival of Tshechu. The different Buddhist monasteries are a great example of their culture and heritage.

Rice is the staple food of the Bhutanese along with chicken, pork and beef. They also eat vegetables and fruits and their favourite dish is chilly and cheese. Alcohol is cheap here and consumed widely, however, smoking is highly restricted, in fact, selling and consumption of tobacco-related products carry severe punishment including jail term here. Agriculture, farming and forestry are the main sources of income along with tourism, hydroelectricity and small scale industries.

Flora and Fauna

Bhutan has preserved its nature better than most of the rest of the world. As much as 70% of Bhutan's total area is covered with forests. The highly rich flora includes more than 300 species of medical plants, different species of rhododendron, orchids and many more plants. Takin is a goat-like animal found in Bhutan, it is also the national animal of Bhutan, snow leopards, musk deer, blue sheep and many other animals are found in the pristine forests of Bhutan.