Thimphu Valley

THIMPHU (ALTITUDE 7,600 FEET)

• Memorial Chhorten (Stupa): Located near the heart of Thimphu city, the stupa was built in memory of the Third King of Bhutan by the Grand Queen Mother Ashi Phuntsho Choden Wangchuck. Unlike many other stupas, you can see many tantric Buddhist statues within. You can even walk around and savor beautiful view of Thimphu City.
• National Library: National Library in the city houses many rare Buddhist texts, manuscripts and also modern academic books. You can have a look at how the Buddhist texts are staked and preserved.
• Painting School: Visit to the school in the city will give you a foretaste of Bhutanese paintings.
• Handicrafts Emporium: It displays wide range of Bhutanese textiles and handicrafts. It is time for you to get hold of some souvenirs to take as a gift for your dear ones back at home.
• Institute of Traditional Medicine: You can witness how traditional medicines are prepared.
• Sangaygang: Drive about 15 minutes from the main city to a hillock where the Bhutan Broad Casting Tower is stationed. From there you can relish the beautiful scene of the whole of Thimphu City. On the way up or down from the hillock, you can also see Takin the national animal of Bhutan. It is a place where many Bhutanese frequent, especially on weekends.
• Docula -the highlight of Docula is Druk Wangyal Chhoeten, which is a group of 108 stupas built on a magnificent hillock while the Druk Wangyal Lkakhang is a temple. Both of them are located at Dochula Pass which also offers view of the snow capped peaks (on clear days). It is about 1 hour drive from Thimphu City. You will have opportunity to see it if you plan you go to Punakha or Wangdue Phodrang or to other places further east. Lam Sonam Zangpo initiated the construction of the old choeten nearby in the 1980s. A few minutes drive from Dochula will take you to the newly created park.
• Folk Heritage Museum: The Museum housed in a traditional Bhutanese House portrays the lifestyle of traditional Bhutan.
• Weekend Market: If you are in Thimphu on a weekend, it is worth visiting the weekend market. You will see a variety of vegetables, fruits, dairy products, handicraft items, etc. Watch the Bhutanese shop.
• Trashichho Dzong : is the summer residence of the Je Khenpo, the Chief Abbot of the Monastic Body. It also houses the Throne Room and office of the Ministry of Home and Cultural Affairs and the Ministry of Finance. The annual Tshechu was also conducted in the courtyards of the Dzong. However, since 2008 it is organized in the Tendral Thang near the Dzong. It was constructed during the Centenary and Coronation Celebration.
• Changangkha temple :is another place to visit. It is perched on the hill top offering panoramic view of the main Thimphu city. It is one of the mostly visited temples of Thimphu as one of the local deities resides here. Nearby is also located Nado Poezoekhang where Bhutanese incense sticks are made.
• Semtokha Dzong : is located 6 kms south of Thimphu city. It was built by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1629. It was the first Dzong built by Zhabdrung during the Second Tibetan Invasion. It has been renovated recently and is an interesting place to visit. Jigme Namgyal, the father of the First King of Bhutan lived here for sometime.
• Khandum Sonam Peldon : Residence at Wang Simo is another place to visit. It is here that the consort of Phajo Drugom, the first Buddhist Master to bring Drukpa kagyud school of Buddhism to Bhutan lived. In 2008, a man discovered a relic that was considered as a Dragonai??i??s egg. People visit this place to receive blessings of this relic. It is about 15 minutes drive from Thimphu and a few minutes trek.
• The other places to visit are the Textile Museum in the heart of the city. You can witness some of the elaborately woven fabrics of Bhutan. Bhutanese Paper Mill located near the city is another place where you can see the art of making Bhutanese paper. You can also buy beautiful products made of paper.
• Pangri Zampa : located at about 6 kms north of Thimphu city is the centre of Astrology Studies. Near the temple is a big cypress tree is considered sacred as it is associated with Zhabdrung, the saint who unified Bhutan.
• Tango and Chagri : are two other places of pilgrimage located in the extreme north of Thimphu. It is possible to cover most of the distance by car and walk a short distance only. The monasteries are centres of Buddhist Studies and Meditation centres.
• Dechen Phodrang : Budddhist school is perched on a hill top that gives fascinating viez of Thimphu City. Visiting this school is engaging as you will see many small monks chant prayers and study.
• Nunnery at Zilukha : offers a change from monks to nuns. In this nunnery dwells many nuns, chanting prayers and studying. This nunnery is associated with Thangthong Gyalpo, the saint who built many iron suspension bridges in Bhutan and the Himalayas.
• Buddha Point : at Kuensel Phodrang will also be open to tourists once it is completed. Coming here is being close to the biggest Buddha Statue in the world. The location also offers awe-striking views of Thimphu city.