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Thimpu
 The
modern capital of Bhutan lies at an elevation of 2,300m in a
valley traversed by the Wang Chu. (river). Thimpu, perhaps the
most unusual capital city in the world, is a bustling town on
the banks of the Thimpu river & set gloriously in the hills of
Thimpu valley. Thimpu is home to the revered Bhutanese Royal
family, the Royal government, the judiciary and to several
foreign missions and development projects.
Memorial
Chorten:
This stupa was built in 1974 in
the memory of the late third King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck . The
painting and images inside the monument provide a rare sight
into Buddhist philosophy.
Tashichho Dzong
(Thimpu Dzong):
It was initially built in the 17th
century and was rebuilt in early 1960s by the third King Jigme
Dorji Wangchuk. Tashichho Dzong is the main secretariat
building which houses the throne room of His majesty and a
summer residence of the central monk body. It is open to
visitor during Thimpu festival and when the monk body moves to
their winter home in Punakha.
Changangkha
temple:
It was built in the 15 century by
Lama Phajo Drigom. It lies on a hilltop commanding the Thimpu
valley. The temple has very old scriptures and Thankas. The
main deity of the temple is Avalokiteshvara, God of
compassion.
Simtokha Dzong:
It is the oldest Dzong in the
country stands on a lofty ridge at the end of valley. It was
built in 1627-1629 and now houses the school for Buddhists
studies. All the Bhutanese language teachers pass out from
this university.
Indigenous
Hospital:
Since Bhutan has its own brand of
Himalayan medicine the Government has given equal emphasis to
both allopathic and traditional medicines. The rich herbal
medicine is prepared here. The old art of healing like
acupuncture is still practiced today.
National
Library:
The history of Bhutan lies
imprinted in archaic texts, which are preserved at the
National library. Beside thousands of manuscripts and ancient
texts the library also has modern academic books and printing
blocks for prayer flags.
Painting
School:
It is
the place, where young children learn the ancient art of
paintings. One can actually see students at work. Education is
free for the students. These children after passing out, are
sent to different districts in the country to apply the same
art form of traditional paintings in their areas, which is one
reason that Bhutanese houses have almost the same type of
colour and design.
Vegetable
Market:
Every Saturday &
Sunday most of the Thimpu’s population and many valley
dwellers congregate on the banks of the river where the
weekend market is held. This is the only time in the week when
fresh vegetables are available.
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The
road from Simtokha winds into pine forests and through small
villages for 20 kilometers and then opens miraculously onto
the northern ridge of the mountains. The view over the
Himalayas from Dochula Pass at 3,200m is one of the most
spectacular in all Bhutan. One of the most striking features
of the valley is its abundance of crops and vast terraces of
rice fields, which change from lush green in summer to golden
yellow in autumn. Chime Lhakhang located on the hillock among
the rice fields is picturesque and is pilgrimage site for
childless couples. The temple is associated with the famous
saint Drupka Kuenlay “The Divine Madman” who has built a
Chorten the site during the 14th century. Punakha
Dzong is home to the central monk body and the Je Khenpo (the
spiritual leader) during the winter months. It was built
between two rivers in the 17th century by the
Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. Punakha served as the capital of
Bhutan until 1955 and is still the winter residence of the
central monk body. In spite of the four catastrophic fires and
earthquake that destroyed many historic documents, Punakha
Dzong houses sacred artifacts and the embalmed body of
Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal.