Thimphu Travel Guide, Bhutan

Thimpu is the capital of a small nation named Bhutan. One of the most beautiful places in Asia, Thimpu is the cultural gallery of Bhutan. Standing in the elegant Himalayas, it is a peaceful city that presents natural beauty blended with its cultural splendor. The beauty of the place lies in its snow covered mountains, picturesque landscapes and great historic sites. Every corner of the city speaks of its ethnic heritage. This dragon city has a number of attractions that allure the visitors. Shopping in one of the local markets of the city is something that is not missed when in Thimpu. The restaurants of the city offer the spicy Bhutanese cuisine that will treat your taste buds. You can also try out hiking, trekking and go for the exciting river rafting when in Thimpu.

Statistics

Population: 98,676 as per 2005 census

Currency: Bhutan Ngultrum (BTN)

Languages spoken: Nepali, Dzongkha, Sharcop Kha and English

Architecture

The architectural beauty of the town can be seen in its old and new buildings. Great examples of architecture in Thimpu are the Simtokha Dzong, Tashichho Dzong or the Fortress of the Glorious Religion. Then the National Library and the High Court in town are built in pure Bhutanese style of architecture. The newly built SAARC building is another impressive structure in the city. The building has beautiful corridors and an elegant Banquet hall that speak of true Bhutanese architecture. One interesting thing about the buildings is that they are monitored strictly by the authorities and they cannot go above a certain height. In addition, the style of the constructions has to be Bhutanese as per rules.

Infrastructure and Economy

The infrastructure of the city has improved a lot since 1955 when it was crowned the capital of Bhutan. But the efforts have not been very fruitful due to lack of funds. Facilities like drainage, water supply, sewerage and roads need a lot of assistance. The major exports of Thimpu comprise of textiles and wooden crafts.

People and culture

The people of Thimpu are friendly but quiet. They carry out their jobs very methodically and with great perfection. Buddhism is the main religion of Thimpu. You can come across monks and priests offering teachings of Buddhism at every corner of the city. Festivals in Thimpu are one way or the other linked to Buddhism. Visiting Thimpu at the time of festivals is an added bonus as you get to see the true Bhutanese culture during the celebrations. There are great events with folk dances, music and plays during these festivals. Wandering on the local streets of the city is the perfect way to know the vibrant culture of the town. The local crafts of Thimpu are a perfect gift for your dear ones back home.