Bhutan’s capital city is located in the west of the country, in the eastern Himalayan region. Bordered by China to the north and India to the south, east and west, Thimphu is the county’s most significantly populated city with a population of 50,000. One of Bhutan’s most culturally rich destinations yet to be fully exploited by tourism, the city retains its natural charm and the traditions and customs which have prevailed throughout its history.****
The city offers a good selection of interesting architectural treasures for those with appetites for cultural heritage, with the Tashi Choe Dzhong perhaps the most famous building. This ancient fortress dates back to the late 18th century and is an impressively large structure whose size is best appreciated from a distance. The Simtokha Dzong meanwhile is the city’s oldest fortress and is believed to bring prosperity to visitors. Locals bring their babies here for blessings in the hope their futures will be favorable.
A weekend market draws plenty of visitors to the city, especially as it’s the largest market in the country. Handcrafted products from India and Nepal can be found alongside locally grown grains, fruit and vegetables. September is a popular time for visitors to arrive, when the five-day Thimphu Domche festival with its variety of colorful activities has the whole city engaged.
Highlights
Tashi Choe Dzhong: this large fortress is among the city’s most impressive structures, dating back to the 1770s. The king’s throne is located inside and during the summer, some 2,000 monks are resident here.
Simtokha Dzong: this fortress, which dates back to the early 17th century, has now been converted into a university for Buddhist study.
Memorial Chorten: one of the city’s most popular monuments, this structure is dedicated to the king’s late father Jigme Dorji Wangchuck.
Folk Heritage Museum: take a peek at how rural life in Bhutan ticks, with some interesting exhibits on display.