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Bhutan
- Thimphu |
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Bhutan District -
Thimphu |
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Thimphu lies in a wooded valley, sprawling up a hillside on the
west bank of the Wang Chhu. Capital to the tiny Himalayan kingdom
Bhutan, Thimphu is perhaps the smallest capital in the world.
Thimphu is a gallery of traditional Bhutanese art, architecture,
culture, and tradition and above all still so ethnic and pure.
Thimphu has excellent trekking routes of different levels giving
you ample opportunities for hiking, trekking, river rafting, and
wildlife excursions. Full of wonderful restaurants and delighful
shops stocked with items from all over Bhutan. Hand woven
textiles, woodcarving, tailor made clothing, jewelry. It is often
said that Thimphu is the only world capital without traffic
lights. |
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Population |
657,594 (1999). |
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Language |
Dzongkha |
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Religion |
Mahayan Buddhism |
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Telephone Code |
02 |
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Latitude |
27ºN |
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Longitude |
89ºE |
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There was a small population in the Thimphu
valley even before the time of the Shabdrung, but Thimphu didn't
really exist as a town until it became the capital of Bhutan in
1961. The first vehicle appeared in Thimphu in 1962 and the town
remained very rural until the late 1970's. Buddhism as the supreme
religion and a way of life was introduced in Bhutan in 8th century
when Indian Buddhist monk Padmasambhava (Guru Rimpoche) came to
Bhutan and established many monasteries.
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There are four distinct seasons similiar in their
divisions to those of Western Europe. The Monsoon occurs between
June and August when the temperature is normally between 8°-21°C
(46°-70°F). Temperatures drop dramatically with increases in
altitude. Days are usually very pleasant (average about 10°C/50°F)
with clear skies and sunshine. Nights are cold and require heavy
woollen clothing, particularly in winter. Generally October,
November and April to mid-June are the best times to visit -
rainfall is at a minimum and temperatures are conducive to active
days of sightseeing. The foothills are also very pleasant during the
winter. |
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Trashi Chhode Dzong:- It was initially built in
the 17th century and was rebuilt in early 1960s by the third King
Jigme Dorji Wangchuk. It is the main secretariat building which
houses the throne room of his majesty and a summer residence of the
central monk body. The outer structure is two storeys high
with three storey's towers at the four corners. It has two main
entrances one leads to administrative section at the south, and
another to monastic quarter. It is open to visitor during Thimpu
festival.
National Library:- It was
established in 1967 to preserve many ancient Dzongkha and Tibetan
texts. It contains collection of English-language books, modern
academic texts, small collection of books about Bhutan etc.
National Institute for Zorig Chumsum:-
It is commonly known as 'the painting school'. It offers a six years
course that provides instruction in many of the Bhutan's traditional
arts to the students.
SAARC Building:- This large
traditional Bhutanese-style building was built in 1990s to provide a
venue for meeting of the heads of the state and government from the
South Asia Association for Regional Co-operation (SAARC).
National Memorial Chorten:- This
large Tibetan-style chorten was built in 1974 to honour the third
king, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. There are numerous religious paintings
and statues reflecting aspects of Buddhist deities. it is one of the
most visible religious structures in Thimphu. |
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If you are on a normal tourist visa, you will
have a car, driver and a guide available throughout your stay here.
A public bus service operates throughout Thimphu between 7.30am to
7.30pm. Taxis are also easily available. |
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There are a lot of choices available such as golf, swimming, mountain biking, rock climbing. |
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There are occasional concerts and video shows at
the time of tsechu. You can enjoy in nightclubs, Pubs and Bars and
shopping is fun when there are 'general cum bar shops'. |
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There are plenty of resturants in Thimphu.
Bhutanese food is available in most resturants and cuisine is mainly
vegetarian. Dartsi (cow's milk cheese) and Ema dartsi (red chillies
cooked in melted cheese) are some of the favourite cuisine items in
Thimphu. |
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