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Thimphu Travel Guide - Travel S Helper

Thimphu

travel guide

Thimphu is Bhutan’s capital and biggest city.

It is located in Bhutan’s western central region, and the surrounding valley is one of the country’s dzongkhags, the Thimphu District. In 1961, the city was designated as Bhutan’s capital. It has a population of 91,000 people in 2011.

Thimphu, Bhutan’s political and economic hub, has a strong agricultural and cattle basis. Tourism, although important to the economy, is closely controlled in order to preserve a balance between tradition, progress, and modernisation. Thimphu is home to the majority of Bhutan’s main political structures, including the National Assembly of the newly founded parliamentary democracy and Dechencholing Palace, the King’s formal palace, which is situated to the north of the city.

Thimphu’s culture is thoroughly expressed in literature, religion, traditions, and national dress code, monastic activities of the monasteries, music, dance, literature, and media.

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Thimphu | Introduction

Thimphu – Info Card

POPULATION :  City: 91,000 /  Metro: 115,260
FOUNDED : 
TIME ZONE :
LANGUAGE :  Dzongkha (official)
RELIGION :  Lamaistic Buddhist 75%, Indian- and Nepalese-influenced Hinduism 25%
AREA :  300 km2 (100 sq mi)
ELEVATION :  7,656 ft (2,320 m)
COORDINATES :  27°28′00″N 89°38′30″E
SEX RATIO :  Male: 53.74%
 Female: 46.26%
ETHNIC :  Bhote 50%, ethnic Nepalese 35% , indigenous or migrant tribes 15%
AREA CODE :  2
POSTAL CODE :
DIALING CODE :  +975 2
WEBSITE :  http://www.tcc.gov.bt

Tourism in Thimphu

When Bhutan was first opened to tourism in 1974, the Government-owned Tourism Corporation was established in Thimphu to encourage and organize individual and group tours to culturally significant destinations in Bhutan, with a focus on Buddhism, weaving, birds, nature, and trekking, as well as any special package. In 1994, this company was privatized and renamed Bhutan Tourism Development Corporation. The organization also owns and administers hotels and tourist lodges in all of Bhutan’s key tourist areas. To serve to travelers of many faiths, it has its own fleet of automobiles as well as interpreters in numerous foreign languages.Thimphu does not have a busy nightlife, although the number of nightclubs and pool rooms catering to young people is rapidly increasing.

Norzim Lam, the main street, is lined with stores, modest hotels, and restaurants. Buildings of note in this area include the Bhutan Textile Museum, the National Library, the Peling Hotel, the Wangchuck Hotel, the Chang Lam Plaza, the Art Cafe, the Khamsa Cafe, the Swiss Bakery, Yeedzin Guest House, the Mid-Point South Indian restaurant, the Benez restaurant, the Bhutan Kitchen, and the sports field.

Near the main plaza is a dragon-decorated clock that has been converted into an open-air theatre, as well as art and craft boutiques and the Tashi supermarket. A Chinese restaurant and hiking businesses are located in the building just in front of the historic cinema. Some grocery shops, such as Sharchopa, are well-known for their cheeses, such as Bumthang and Gogona.

Climate of Thimphu

The city has a mild, temperate Subtropical highland climate influenced by the southwest monsoon.

The southwest monsoon rainy season lasts from mid-June through September. Rainfall in the area is often preceded by lightning and thunder, with cumulonimbus clouds and light showers dominating the weather. Continuous rain falls for many days, causing landslides and road congestion.

Winter weather in this zone is characterized by cold winds, low temperatures at night, and mild temperatures during the day, cloudiness, light showers, and snowfall. Fog reduces visibility, endangering motor transportation in the city. The terrain is defined by fierce gusts and reasonably dry and clear sky as spring approaches.

Thimphu has a rainy season that lasts from May to September and a dry season that lasts the rest of the year.

The average temperature in winter ranges from 5–15 °C (41–59 °F), while in summer it ranges from 15–30 °C (59–86 °F).

The lowest average (minimum) temperature recorded in January is 2.6 °C (27.3 °F), while the highest average (maximum) temperature recorded in August is 25 °C (77 °F).

Economy of Thimphu

Thimphu is Bhutan’s political and economic center, as well as the seat of the country’s central government. Agriculture and livestock account for 45 percent of GDP. The usage of hydropower facilities to produce energy has also significantly aided the economy. Tourism contributes to the economy as well, although it is implemented on a progressive basis in order to preserve a balance between development and modernisation. India is its main commercial partner, with the majority of power generated (90 percent) exported to India and imports from India restricted to 70 percent.

On weekends, a morning market is conducted in the center plaza. These are the only days when Thimphu residents may purchase fresh fruits and vegetables. Throughout the week, the residents depend on stores for additional necessities. Yak butter, cheese, wooden bowls, and textiles are also available at the market. A variety of inexpensive Nepalese souvenirs are also available in the market. Several businesses offer Chinese and Bangladeshi kitchenware, appliances, shoes, silks, and carpets behind the open market. For many years, merchants from all across Bhutan would come to the center plaza to sell their wares and sleep in the open air. However, platforms were completed in 1986, and covered market halls were built over the platforms in 1989. On the north side of the market, a dedicated structure for meat items was built. The handicrafts part was relocated in 2006 to new booths on the opposite side of the new bridge, which was erected in the traditional manner in 2005.

How To Travel To Thimphu

Get In - By plane

Almost all visitors fly in from Paro, the country’s only international airport, which is about a 45-minute drive from the city. In Gelephu’s south central district, an international airport is virtually finished, and there are three domestic airports and two domestic airlines.

Get In - By bus

The city’s bus terminal, located across the river from the city center, is where all inter-district buses come and depart. The border town of Phuentsholing is a six to seven hour journey (mainly through [[Chukha (district)]). Travelers should be advised that the roadway connecting Phuentsholing and Thimphu will be undergoing road expansion construction till 2011. There may be major delays and other inconveniences during this period. The route from Paro to Thimphu was completed in 2008.

Toyota Coaster services run from Phuentsholing to Thimphu by a number of private operators, including Dhug, Meto, and Sernya. These buses have a capacity of 22 passengers and are quite comfortable. Reservations can be made in advance at the Phuentsholing Bus Station.

Once in Thimphu, there are a variety of buses that travel to different regions of the nation.

How To Get Around In Thimphu

The city core is compact and easy to navigate on foot.

Get Around - By bus

The city has a reliable, though intermittent, public bus service that connects the downtown with the suburbs. On Chang Lam, immediately east of the stadium, there is a small bus station.

Get Around - By Taxi

The city has a reliable, though intermittent, public bus service that connects the downtown with the suburbs. On Chang Lam, immediately east of the stadium, there is a small bus station.

Prices In Thimphu

MARKET / SUPERMARKET

Milk 1 liter $ 0.85
Tomatoes 1 kg $ 0.65
Cheese 0.5 kg $ 2.50
Apples 1 kg $ 1.30
Oranges 1 kg $ 1.40
Beer (domestic) 0.5 l $ 1.00
Bottle of Wine 1 bottle $ 7.00
Coca-Cola 2 liters $ 1.20
Bread 1 piece $ 0.33
Water 1.5 l $ 0.38

RESTAURANTS

Dinner (Low-range) for 2 $ 11.00
Dinner (Mid-range) for 2 $ 26.00
Dinner (High-range) for 2 $ 40.00
Mac Meal or similar 1 meal $ 4.00
Water 0.33 l $ 0.40
Cappuccino 1 cup $ 1.60
Beer (Imported) 0.33 l $ 1.90
Beer (domestic) 0.5 l $ 1.10
Coca-Cola 0.33 l $ 0.40
Coctail drink 1 drink $ 10.00

ENTERTAINMENT

Cinema 2 tickets $ 6.00
Gym 1 month $
Men’s Haircut 1 haircut $
Theatar 2 tickets $ 14.00
Mobile (prepaid) 1 min. $ 0.04
Pack of Marlboro 1 pack $ 5.00

PERSONAL CARE

Antibiotics 1 pack $ 1.30
Tampons 32 pieces $ 3.30
Deodorant 50 ml. $ 2.35
Shampoo 400 ml. $ 4.65
Toilet paper 4 rolls $ 1.60
Toothpaste 1 tube $ 0.75

TRANSPORTATION

Gasoline 1 liter $ 0.95
Taxi Start $ 0.80
Taxi 1 km $ 0.60
Local Transport 1 ticket $ 0.30

Sights & Landmarks In Thimphu

Thimphu is well stocked with attractions, while missing the elegance and tradition associated with old capitals.

Religious structures

The Dzongkha term of lhakhang or gompa is used to refer to monasteries.

Changangkha Lhakhang

This temple, dedicated to Avalokiteshvara, the Buddhist emanation of compassion, was built in the 15th century and is one of the oldest in the Thimphu Valley. The temple offers breathtaking views of the entire valley. Inside the monastery, see the prayer routine and converse with the pupils.

The National Memorial Chorten

Off Jangchhub Lam is the National Memorial Chorten. It’s a nice time to go in the evening while the villagers are finishing their evening prayers. In 1974, the stupa was erected in honor of the third king.

Zangthoperi Lhakhang

Lower Thimphu, Zangthoperi Lhakhang (follow the path down from below the GPO). The current construction dates from the 1960s, and while it lacks the elegance of many of the earlier temples, Zangdopelri still has some amazing paintings and art treasures, making it well worth a visit. The temple was built on the site of a historic battleground in order to soothe energy.

Statue of Sakyamuni Buddha

Sakyamuni Buddha is a 51.5-meter bronze statue of Buddhism’s founder that sits atop Kuensel Phodrang hill. The position also has unimpeded views of the Thimphu Valley, which are particularly beautiful at sunset.

Landmarks

Tashichho Dzong

Shabdrung Rinpoche built Tashichho Dzong, also known as Tashi Chhoe Dzong, in the 18th century to accommodate government officials. It was later expanded to house both monastic and civic entities. After being severely damaged by fire three times and once by an earthquake in 1897, part of the ancient structure was rebuilt in 1902. The dzong was completely renovated and expanded in 1962, a year after Thimphu was proclaimed as the nation’s capital, to accommodate the national government and the central monastic body. The whitish building’s main structure is two stories tall, with three-story towers at each of the four corners, each with a triple-tiered golden roof. A massive center tower, known as the utse, is also present. At night, the towers and roof are magnificently illuminated.

Simtokha Dzong

Simtokha was the first dzong established in a united Bhutan, and it was built in 1629 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. The country’s major Dzongkha language learning institute is currently housed there. Simtokha is located around 5 kilometers south of Thimphu.

Parks and preserves

Takin Preserve, Motithang

Bhutan’s national animal, the Takin, like a mix between a cow and a goat. According to legend, the animal was created by the great Buddhist yogi Drupa Kunley and can only be found in Bhutan and the surrounding territories. Because it is not comparable enough to any other animal to fit into recognized categories, taxonomists place it in its own category.

Botanical Gardens

The gardens, which are located on a verdant hillside approximately 10 kilometers from the city, provide a tranquil and soothing location in which to spend a few hours. Botanists will be interested in the diverse range of indigenous trees and plants.

Coronation Park

This 5.6-acre parks, located on the river’s edge (near the city stadium), provides a lovely and soothing atmosphere for strolling or sitting and watching the river flow past.

Traditional crafts

Zorig Chusum School of Traditional Arts

Near the National Library is the Zorig Chusum School of Traditional Arts. Zorig Chusum was founded in 1971 to conserve Bhutan’s thirteen traditional arts, and visitors may watch students hone their talents. There is also a small gift shop where students’ art may be purchased. Paintings, carpentry, wood carving, sculpting, casting, metal work, bamboo carving, gold & silver work, weaving, embroidery, masonry, leather work, and paper making are among the thirteen arts.

Museums & Galleries In Thimphu

The National Folk Heritage Museum

Behind the National Library is the National Folk Heritage Museum. A typical home that captures the essence of country life. The museum complex hosts exhibits and cultural events. Open Monday through Friday from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Saturday from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., and Sunday from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The cost of admission is 150nu.

The Textile Museum

Norzin Lam Textile Museum features a collection of excellent Bhutanese textiles from from the 1600s to the current day.

Things To Do In Thimphu

  • The National Institute of Traditional Medicine,  +975 2 324-647. Open 9AM-3PM Mon to Sat and 9AM-1PM on Sat. Serzhong Lam. – It’s a great place to get any chronic illnesses diagnosed and treated using herbal substances. Make a note of the prescription and keep it safe. You may wish to get more in the future if the drug is beneficial.
  • The National Library,  +975 2 322-885. Open 9:30AM – 1PM & 2PM – 5PM Mon to Fri. Pedzoe Lam. – On the second level, there is a rare collection of Buddhist literature, while about the first floor, there is a tiny collection of English books on Buddhism (mainly given from Taiwan) and Bhutan.
  • Jigme Dorji Wangchuk Public Library, Top end Norzin Lam (left side). Although this little library has a fair range of English literature, contributions of popular titles, particularly those on Buddhism and Bhutan, are much appreciated.
  • When in Thimphu, make sure you go to the local post office. A significant collection of stamps is stored at the local post office for sale. The post office has a unique feature in that you may have a postage stamp manufactured with your own photo engraved on it, and these stamps can also be used for postage. The price is really low, and it includes the stamp value as well.

Food & Restaurants In Thimphu

t’s worth mentioning that most restaurants in Thimphu (even those in hotels) cease serving dinner between 9 and 9:30 p.m.

Budget Restaurants In Thimphu

  • Hotel Ghasel, Norzin Lam (opposite the clock tower), +975 2 323-341(mobile: 17117100). This vegetarian eatery is the place to go if you’re looking for a backstreet Indian ambiance. Ghasel prepares delectable dosa and thali, as well as a variety of other Indian and Bhutanese dishes, while Hindi music plays on the television. Cleanliness, quick service, and a low price.
  • MK Restaurant, Centrepoint Shopping Centre (next to the main cinema hall). Japanese, Bhutanese, and Indian foods are served at this popular Japanese restaurant. There will be a considerable wait once you order your food, but for the price, this is the greatest restaurant in town. The Japanese cuisine is recommended, although everything is delicious.
  • Hotel Tandin, Norzin Lam, just past the first traffic circle(restaurant on the first floor). Attractive pricing for delicious Indian and Bhutanese cuisine.
  • Cypress Restaurant, Norzin Lam (second floor – opposite Taj Hotel). A basic restaurant that serves large portions of Bhutanese and Indian cuisine at moderate costs.
  • Shelse Restaurant, +975 77207771. Norzin Lam (diagonally opposite the Handicraft Emporium). A tiny restaurant that serves traditional Bhutanese food. Try their “Chankey,” a naturally fermented malt drink made from buckwheat and rice, which they make themselves.
  • Zet N Bee’s, Restaurant, +975-02-335656, on the major traffic circle (on your right beyond the traffic circle, on the first level). Clean, roomy, and delicious food (Bhutanese, Indian, Continental, and Chinese), rapid service, and kind personnel. For the after-dinner drink, there’s a lounge seating arrangement!
  • Rythm Dining (On the way to the National library from the folk heritage museum). It’s a nice location to unwind, hang out, and relax over a bowl of delicious kuka. $2.
  • Zombala restaurant. One of the city’s best Momos. Kuka and Pakoras are delicious, however Thupka is a little tasteless.

Mid-range Restaurants In Thimphu

Western

  • Big Bakery, Kawajangsa (in front of the Ministry of Health). A small Japanese bakery maintained by Bhutanese who are physically or mentally challenged. As of March 2010, the prices are exorbitant, but the quality is the finest in town. Nu 100 (sandwich), Nu 45 (sandwich) (loaf of bread).
  • Cafe Connect (directly behind Druk Punjab National Bank (PNB)). Pizza, bagels, and other dough-based treats are served at this modest but charming restaurant.
  • Cafe Italia, Dewa Khangzang, Drentoen Lam (Opposite the main post office).Closed Mondays. Pizzas are good, and there’s a good assortment of freshly prepared coffee. The ambience is relaxing, and the panoramic windows provide excellent views.
  • Druk Pizza (behind Bhutan Observer Building (also known as KMT Building) at the top end of Norzin Lam),  +975 2 334-543 or 17636589. Closed on Mondays. Good-quality pizzas with Bhutanese toppings on an Italian-style base, as well as a modest range of milkshakes and hot drinks. After the tenth, you’ll get a free soda and a free pizza.
  • Siena Pizzeria, 2F Karma Kangzang Building, Norzin Lam (a few buildings north of the main traffic circle) . Every day from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. In a calm and trendy setting, offers over 40 variations of freshly made pizza. Filter coffee and a variety of refreshing cold beverages are offered.
  • Swiss Bakery, PO Box 943, Dondrub Lam (west (uphill) from the Traffic Circle on Chorten Lam, up steps to Dondrub Lam), +975 2 322-259, fax:+975 2 323-523. Among other baked products and lunch delicacies, it sells wonderful sandwiches, pies, omelets, jelly doughnuts, and superb potato chips. If you’re looking for a good Swiss cake roll, this is the place to go.
  • The Seasons Restaurant Pizzeria, Namsay Shopping Complex, Phenday Lam,  +975 2 327-413. closed Tuesdays. One of the few restaurants in town that sells true Italian pizza and salads. The pizzeria also includes an outside terrace and an excellent assortment of filter coffees.

Chinese

  • Chopstick,  +975 2 333-601. 2nd floor, Centre Mall, Norzin Lam. A tiny eatery that specializes on Chinese cuisine.

Thai

  • Baan Thai Restaurant,  +975 17112456. Top floor, Karma Place (complex with Bowling Alley). Authentic Thai cuisine in Thimphu’s core. The cook is from Chiang Mai and provides quick and courteous service. Tuesdays are closed.

Bhutanese/Indian

  • Jikss Trokhang,  +975 2 333-099. 5F., S.D. Plaza, Norzin Lam. A cool place to chill out. The main dining hall has a peaceful and comfortable atmosphere, while the bar-cum-café (across the hall) has live music (mostly Bhutanese and Indian rock). This restaurant specializes on Indian and Bhutanese cuisine.
  • Yee-Gha Restaurant and bar, Phendy lam,pedling complex (club Remix building,first floor),  17416166. It is clean and cozy, and it provides a calm setting in the heart of the city. The food is delicious, with Bhutanese, continental, and western meals available.

Traditional Bhutanese

  • Bhutan Kitchen, 2F, Gatoen Lam(located above the Benez restaurant), +975 2 331-919. A restaurant that strives to provide you with a true original and traditional Bhutanese culinary experience, complete with traditional music and Bhutanese cuisine, as well as chilis on the side so you may make it as hot as you like. Views of the countryside and a classic kitchen display. It’s a little pricey, but it’s well worth it. 350 Nu (dinner).
  • Rabten Restaurant (above the Chubachu roundabout, towards Motithang), +975 2 323-587. In Thimphu, you can get the greatest traditional Bhutanese food. Cooks are available exclusively by appointment, preferably at least one day in advance. It’s not pricey, but it’s well worth it.

Indian

  • Cargyal Restaurant,  +975 17742488. Changlam Square. Food was excellent, and the service was prompt. Also, a lovely ambience, with the first-floor design of low couches and pillows evoking the maharajah era.
  • Sinchula Restaurant, Phendey Lam, Hong Kong Market (upper Hong Kong Market (below Sangay Enterprise)),  +975 17839240. 9AM-10PM. Great meals in a tranquil, relaxed setting.

Coffee & Drinks in Thimphu

There are a few cafes in the area that provide good coffee, and they are mentioned here. Only Ambient (which roasts its own beans), Central, Coffee Culture, and Karma’s have professional espresso machines; the rest of the establishments either serve filter coffee or utilize an automated coffee maker. Outside of these establishments, the most common type of coffee in Bhutan is instant, mainly Nescafe.

  • Ambient Cafe, 1F R. Penjor Lodge, Norzin Lam (between the Traffic Circle and Clock Tower, west side of main street, opposite Punjab National Bank),  +975 2 325-578. 9 am–9 pm, Closed Monday. In a convenient location, a stylish and pleasant cafe. Ambient employs a skilled Turkish coffee roaster, ensuring that the coffee is constantly hot. They provide cold brew and sell freshly roasted beans in addition to the standard espresso-based coffees (cappuccino, latte, etc). (ground or whole). Delicious pastries, a vast selection of teas, fresh juice, handcrafted ice cream, and unique snacks and meals are available in the café (try the delicious hummus plate). Ambient also has a fantastic music selection and spectacular views of the downtown streets and mountains beyond. There’s also free Wi-Fi. Don’t forget to check out their creative graffiti near the upper-floor washroom. Nu 60–80 (coffee), Nu 60–70 (sugarcane) (cakes).
  • Central Cafe, Central Building, Norzin Lam (on the main street, a few blocks up from the main traffic circle, opposite the movie theatre)). Closed Monday. A modest and intimate bistro known for its elaborate desserts and baked goods.
  • Coffee Culture, Chang Lam Square (near the Lower Market). Closed Monday.A nice café with a great assortment of pastries and sweets. There is some outdoor sitting available.
  • Karma’s Coffee, 1F, Tashi Rabten Building, Phendey Lam (above Zangthopelri Complex, near north end of Phendey Lam, about 10 minute walk north from Traffic Circle), 10 am–9 pm. A stylish cafe with excellent coffee and spectacular mountain views. Karma’s is one of Thimphu’s most professional coffee shops, with a broad selection of espresso beverages and coffee blends. Snacks and light lunches are supplied, and music videos are shown on a flat screen television. Wi-Fi is available for free. 80–120 Nu (coffee).
  • Khamsa Coffee, top floor, Cham Lam Plaza, Lower Thimphu. A stylish bistro with panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. Serves a wide range of filter coffees.
  • The Art Cafe (A block west from the Traffic Circle, just below the Swiss Bakery),  +975 2 327-933. Closed Monday. Delicious pastries, pies, and great filter coffee are served in this bright, open, and stylish cafe with a patio. Also available are easy and nutritious meals.

Shopping In Thimphu

Bhutan’s small population implies there is less demand for new and creative products. Clothing, handicrafts, and hardware are the three main types of stores in Thimphu. There is a limited selection of stationery-turned-bookstores and supermarkets in between. Almost all stores offer the same things, so if you can’t find what you’re looking for in the first couple of stores, it’s usually pointless to keep looking. What the city lacks in variety, however, it makes up for in warmth. When the storekeeper tells you that the items you want aren’t in stock and can’t be ordered, you’ll be greeted with a warm and welcoming grin.

In tourist-oriented stores, haggling is expected, although the discount margin is minimal (unless you make a bulk purchase). Store owners, on the other hand, are highly trustworthy, and there is minimal chance of being duped or offered an inflated price.

Be advised that the majority of Thimphu’s handicrafts are created in Nepal or other Himalayan countries. Cloth articles, certain thankas, and commodities manufactured with lemon grass oil are exceptions. Bhutan produces the most of these.

Handicrafts

  • Yarkay Central. This shopping mall on Norzin Lam, next from Hotel Norling, features four high-quality craft stores: Kelzang Handicrafts (Tel: 322-469) is the most commercial and sells a variety of goods, including t-shirts; Druk Handicraft (Tel: 322-258) and Kurtue Handicrafts (Tel: 325-883) specialize in woven goods, and Karchung (Tel: mobile 17607724) sells a small but high-quality range of art and wood carvings.
  • Blue Poppy Bhutanese (PO Box 1296. Tel:+975 2 326-752) is a handicraft shop dealing in woven textiles and paintings in the city’s Kawajangsa neighborhood, near the traditional medicine hospital. There are also other handicraft businesses in the vicinity, so it’s a nice location to go if you’re shopping for souvenirs.
  • Over 100 shops offer hand woven fabric and other products at the weekend market in Chubachhu (across the river from the main town).
  • Gagyel Lhundrup Weaving Centre, Changzamtog. A weaving studio with roughly 20 expert weavers on staff. On the upper floor, there is a showroom.
  • Handicrafts Emporium, top end of Norzin Lam (right side). A government-run craft shop featuring a diverse selection of items. Set their rates. On the second level, there is a specialized variety of Buddhist and local subject literature.
  • Lungta, opposite the post office. One of the downtown area’s major handcraft boutiques. Handcrafted items from all around the Himalayan area are available.
  • Traditional Carpets,  +975 2 336-247. Yangkhil Home Decor, KMT Building, Norzin Lam (diagonally across from Taj Hotel). The greatest collection of hand woven carpets in town.
  • Taranyana Foundation. Top end of Norzin Lam (next to the town library). Tarayana provides traditional handicraft training and support to the underprivileged and disadvantaged. This location serves as their Thimphu sales outlet. The displays are drab and unpleasant, and the range of things is restricted, as is the case with many charity shops. However, the handicrafts are of great quality and have a more rustic and real feel than those sold in commercial handicraft stores.
  • Tara Handicrafts. Tara, which is located in the heart of the city, sells a broad variety of Bhutanese handcraft. DHL offers a home delivery service.

Books

  • Junction, just below the Norzin Lam Traffic Circle. One of Thimphu’s few bookshops with a true bookstore feel. Junction provides a large range of high-quality Buddhist novels and books.
  • Book World,+975 2 328-539, e-mail: [email protected]. It’s behind the Druk Punjab National Bank. There is a considerable collection of English books, particularly about Bhutan and Buddhism.
  • DSB Books Enterprises in Jojo Building near Druk Hotel has a wide selection of books in English – novels and children’s books are a specialty. PO Box 435, Thimphu. Tel:+975 2 326-275, 326-276. E-mail:[email protected]
  • Pekhang Books, next to cinema hall. A tiny bookstore with a diverse magazine collection.

Nightlife In Thimphu

Thimphu offers a small number of exciting nightclubs. It’s a whole glitzy event once you’re inside one of these nightclubs. The entrance fee is also pretty modest (approx Nu 250 per person). Stag parties are welcome at several venues. The beverages are typically affordable, and the service is kind. Local youngsters, on the other hand, might cause difficulties over little matters and get into fights with individuals from other nations.

Festivals & Events In Thimphu

Thimphu Tsechu Festival

During the four-day Tsechu festival, celebrated every year during Autumn (September/October) on dates according to the Bhutanese calendar, mask dances, also known as Cham dances, are performed in the courtyards of the Tashichhoe Dzong in Thimphu. The celebration is observed on the tenth day of the Bhutanese month, since Tsechu means “tenth.” It is a Drukpa Buddhist religious folk dance genre that dates back to 1670. Tsechus are a sequence of dances performed by monks and skilled dance troupes to commemorate Padmasambahva alias Guru Rinpoche’s accomplishments.

They’re also social gatherings when people dress up in their finest, with ladies particularly bejeweled, and vast crowds watch the ceremonial dances and receive Buddhist religious teachings. The Thimphu Tsechu and the Paro Tsechu are the most popular. It is performed in each region of Bhutan at different times. The Royal family, the Chief Abbot of Bhutan, and other government officials regularly attend the Thimphu Tsechu, which lasts four days. The opening and closing days are crucial, and each day has a specific agenda. These colorfully dressed, masked dances (primarily performed by monks) are usually moral vignettes or based on occurrences from the life of Padmasambhava, a 9th century Nyingmapa teacher, and other saints.

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New York, also referred to as New York City, is the United States’ most populous city. Located on the state’s southern corner, the city...

Caye Caulker

Caye Caulker is a tiny limestone coralisland in the Caribbean Sea off the coast of Belize, extending roughly 5 miles (8.0 km) north to...

York

York is an ancient walled city in North Yorkshire, England, near the confluence of the rivers Ouse and Foss. The municipality is named after...