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Bhutan Thimphu
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Outdoor Heater Staples Coupon Codes butterfly tattoo designs Bhutan ThimphuThimphu estimated population 45,000 (1997), is the capital of Bhutan. The city is located on the Wang Chu (Chu River). The Tashichoedzong, a fortress monastery built in the 13th century, has been the seat of Bhutan's government since 1952.Dechenphu, Tango and Cheri monasteries are located near the city. Dechenchoeling Palace, the official residence of the King, is just north. The city hosts a colourful masked-dance festival (tsechhu) at the end of summer, which is popular with tourists. First built in 1661, the Dzong dominates the town of Thimphu. Except the central keep, the entire structure was rebuilt in 1961-62 and now houses the main government departments, the National Assembly, the throne room of the king, and summer headquarters of the Central Monastic Body. Simtokha Dzong Built in 1627, this Dzong is oldest in Thimphu and gateway to the Thimphu Valley. The Dzong houses Rigney School for Dzongkha and monastic studies. There are beautiful frescos and slate carvings in Simtokha. Streets of Thimphu The most enjoyable experience of being in Thimphu is to taking strolls around the streets here. Weekend markets of Thimphu sell everything under the sun that is being created in Bhutan. Hordes of villagers sell vegetables, newspapers, red chillies, traditional Bhutanese masks, and carpets. Other Attractions Other important attractions in the city include the new National Library, the High Court, the Royal Bhutan Golf Course, and Convention Centre. IMPORTANT FESTIVALS AND EXHIBITIONS Most of the festivals (tsechus) in Bhutan have some or other connection with Buddhism. These festivals are celebrated in the Dzongs with dances, music, and religious allegorical plays. Some of the important festivals include Bhutanese New Year in January/February, Buddha Parinirvana and birthday of Guru Padmasambhava in May/June, first sermon of Buddha and Yar Nyidlok in June/July, Blessed Rainy Day, Thimphu Domchey, and Tsechhu, and Nine Evils' Day. SHOPPING Thimphu offers a wide range of products to the tourists to take back home as souvenirs. Handicrafts Emporium in Thimphu has the best range of handicraft products in town though the prices are somewhat higher than in the local market. Look for papier-mâché masks, prayer wheels, decorative motifs, silk-screened handmade paper, rings and ornaments for clothing, and woven wool or silk clothe. Other important items that you can look for in the markets are precious stones and postage stamps (available at the General Post Office). WHERE TO STAY Not many hotels are there in Thimphu as in other capital cities of the world, but accommodation certainly is not a problem. With the smaller number of tourists being allowed to visit, there is not much of an accommodation crisis, except in the high season. Most of the hotels are good and operate with all the modern facilities. Constructed in the traditional Bhutanese style these hotels provide you the experience of living in an ethnic village. WHERE TO EAT Thimphu is the heaven for buffet lovers. Most of the good restaurants are in the hotels 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. Remember that red chilly is going to be the most important ingredient in any dish in Thimphu and if you don't like chilly ask the staff to decrease the amount to an acceptable amount. See Tourisminbhutan.com 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 29 | 30 31 | 32 | 33 | 34 | 35 | 36 | 37 | 38 | 39 | 40 41 | 42 | 43 | 44 | 45 | 46 | 47 | 48 | 49 | 50 51 | 52 | 53 | 54 | 55 | 56 | 57 | 58 | 59 | 60 | 61 | | 63 | 64 | 65 | 66 | 67 | 68 | 69 | 70 71 | | 73 | 74 | 75 | 76 | 77 | 78 | 79 | 80 | 82 | 83 | 84 | 85 | 86 | 87 | 88 | 89 | 90 91 | 92 | 93 | 94 | 95 | 96 | 97 | 98 | 99 | 100 |