About Thimphu

Thimphu is the capital city of Bhutan. The city, in many ways, reflects the pace of modern development the country is embracing. Thus, it showcases the mixture of modernity and tradition. Thimphu is the largest city in the country and the seat of Bhutanese government. People from all parts of the country live in the city. Its population is estimated to be more than 110,000. Apart from its many significant temples, dzongs, and monasteries, Thimphu also has other modern attractions like the Parliament House, the National Library, the Convention Hall, and the Heritage Museum.

Among its major landmarks are the Tashichhodzong (which houses the office of His Majesty the King), the Changangkha Lhakhang (built by the illustrious Lama Phajo Drugom Zhigpo), the National Memorial Choeten, the Decehhenphu Monatsery, and the Pangrizampa Lhakhang. The original ethnic residents of the district are mainly ngalongpas who speak the national language Dzongkha. There are also other ethnic groups like the bjobs. They are the highlanders of Dagala, Lingzhi, Soe, and Naro. The natives of Thimphu grow paddy rice, mushrooms, asparagus, and other cash crops. All major government offices (including the prime minister’s office), corporate headquarters, and other agencies are located in Thimphu.

The city is rapidly expanding and hundreds of constructions are going on at any given time of the year. There are modern discotheques and traditional drayangs. There are traditional homes and there are modern five-star hotels. Through the heart of the city flows the Thimphu River. His Majesty the King’s modest palace also lies by the bank of the river just below the Tashichhodzong.

Places of Interests :

Tashichhodzong, Pangrizampa Lhakhang, Cheri Monastery, Tango Monastery, Changangkha Lhakgang, Wangdue Tse Monastery, Chezig Samtencholing Lhakhang, Dechhenphu Monastery, Dodey Drak Monastery, Tashigang Goenba, Dechenphodrang Lhakhang, Samaringkha Drana Monastery, Samarzingkha Lhakhang, Phajoding Monastery, the National Memorial Choeten, Thadrak Goemba, Dochula Choetens, Gyalyong Tshokhang (Parliament House), National Library, Institute of Zorig Chusum, Drakstho Vocational Institute, and Heritage Museum.