Although the Thimphu Valley has supported small settlements for many centuries and a dzong has existed there since 1216, the city didn't really develop until the king declared Thimphu the new capital in 1961. Vehicles first appeared on the streets a year later, and slowly the city began to adapt to its role as the nation's capital. Currently the town is undergoing massive development. New tree-lined streets are being laid and the clock tower area in the center of the city has been transformed into a park-cum-open air theater where live cultural performances take place. In 2008, the national stadium was completed together with a new river-side park. The area around the dzong and government buildings is a particularly green and an attractive district.
Norzin Lam is the city's main thoroughfare and is lined with hotels, shopping complexes and hotels.
Weather in Thimphu
The winter season in Thimphu is very cold but dry, while the summers are wet and humid. The best times to visit are from mid September to the end of October and from March to MayTemples and Monestries in Thimphu
Monasteries are called to by their Dzongkha title of lhakhang or gompa.
Changangkha Lhakhang. Constructed in the 15th century, this is one of the oldest temples in the Thimphu Valley, and is dedicated to Avalokiteshvara, the Buddhist emanation of compassion. The temple affords wonderful views over the entire valley.
The National Memorial ChortenThe National Memorial Chorten, located off Jangchhub Lam. A good place to visit in the evening when the locals are doing their evening prayers. The stupa was built in 1974 in memory of the third king.
Zangthoperi Lhakhang, lower Thimphu (follow the path down from below the GPO). The present structure was built in 1960s and although lacking the charm of many of the older temples, Zangdopelri still possesses some impressive murals and art treasures and is worthy of a visit. The site of the temple was a former battle ground, and the temple was constructed there in order to pacify energies.
Statue of Sakyamuni Buddha, sitting on top of Kuensel Phodrang hill is a 51.5mt bronze statue of the founder of Buddhism. The site also offers unobstructed views over the Thimphu Valley - especially stunning at sunset.
Museums
The National Folk Heritage Museum, located behind the National Library. A traditional house that showcases rural life. Exhibits and cultural shows are held in the museum compound. Open: Mon-Fri 10:30AM to 4:30PM, Sa 10:30Am to 1PM and Su 11:30AM to 3:30PM. Entrance: 150nu.
The Textile Museum, Norzin Lam, has a display of exquisite Bhutanese textiles from the 1600s to the present day.
Landmarks
Trashi Chhoe Dzong. The present dzong was built in the 18th century by Shabdrung Rinpoche to house government officials. Later it was enlarged to accommodate both the monastic and civil bodies. Three times suffering severe damage from fire and once from an earthquake in 1897, much of the historic building dates from the rebuilding in 1902. To accommodate the national government and the central monastic body, the dzong was totally refurbished and enlarged in 1962, a year after Thimphu was designated the nation's capital.
Simtokha Dzong. Built in 1629 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, Simtokha was the first dzong to be built in a unified Bhutan. Currently, it houses the country's main Dzongkha language learning institute. Simtokha is about 5km south of Thimphu.
Parks and preserves
Takin Preserve, Motithang. The Takin is the national animal of Bhutan, and looks like a cross between a cow and a goat. Legend has it that the animal was created by the great Buddhist yogi, Drupa Kunley, and it can be found only in Bhutan and nearby areas. Taxonomists place the animal in a category of its own as it is not similar enough to any other animal to fit established categories.
Botanical Gardens, Serbithang. Located on lush hillside about 10km from the city, the gardens offer a peaceful and relaxing environment to spend a few hours. Botanists will find the wide selection of indigenous trees and plants of interest.
Coronation Park. Located on the banks of the river (near the city stadium), this 5.6 acres of parkland offer a pleasant and relaxing environment to stroll or to sit and watch the river flow by.
Traditional crafts
Zorig Chusum School of Traditional Arts, near National Library. Zorig Chusum was established in 1971 to preserve the thirteen traditional arts of Bhutan, and visitors are able to observe students honing their skills. There is also a small gift shop selling work created at the school. The thirteen arts are paintings, carpentry,wood carving, sculpture, casting, metal work, bamboo carving, gold & silver work, weaving, embroidery, masonry, leather work and paper making.
Hotels in Thimphu
Budget Hotels
Hotel Ghasel, Norzin Lam (Opposite Clock Tower). Tel:+975 2 323-341. Centrally located. Clean and pleasant rooms with attached bathroom and hot water facility, cable TV. Restaurant, bar and fast food facilities.
R. Penjor Lodge, Norzin Lam (between Traffic Circle and Clock Tower - opp PNB Bank). Tel:+975 2 325-578. Centrally located. Clean and pleasant rooms with attached bathroom, cable TV and wifi. Restaurant and coffee shop facilities.
Hotel Norling, PO Box 327 Norzin Lam. Tel:+975 2 322-997, 323997. E-mail:norlinghotel@druknet.bt A clean and pleasant facility located on the city's main street (Norzin Lam). All rooms with attached bathroom and TV. Very friendly and helpful service. Single - 490 Nu Twin - 650Nu.
City Hotel,building #14, (Opp Clock tower), Norzin Lam. Simple rooms,r easonable rates.Single Nu.300-450 and Double nu.500-700.Complimentary bed tea. Indian, Nepali, Bhutanese dishes. Tel:975 77251429, 17795388 or 02 335-894.
Touris clas hotels
Wangchuk Hotel, PO Box 507 Changlam 17, Thimphu. Tel:+975 2 323-532, 325484. E-mail: htlwchuk@druknet.bt A pleasant hotel located near the city center and over looking the river and hills beyond. Sauna, massage and steam bath facilities. Standard single - 1,150Nu, standard double - 1,450Nu.
Hotel Jumolhari, PO Box 308, Thimphu. Tel:+ 975 2 322-747, 325506. E-mail:hoteljumolhari.com [3]. A modern facility in the city center. Massage and recreational facilities. Standard single - 2,000Nu, standard double - 2,500Nu.
Hotel Druk, Tel:+975 2 322-966, 322977. E-mail:drukhotel@druknet.bt A large city center hotel located adjacent to the Clock Tower. Health club with massage, sauna, steam facilities. Standard single - 2,000Nu, standard double - 2,500Nu.
Hotel Motithang. Tel:+975 2 322-435. A pleasant hotel located on the mountain side above Thimphu. Wonderful views over the valley. A great place for people looking for peace and quiet or some inspiration.
4 Star & 5 Star hotels
Taj Tashi, PO BOX 524, Samten Lam. Tel:+975 2 236-699. Opened in 2008, a large and centrally located hotel offering full amenities. Nightly rates start from US$275 (off season), US$350 (peak season).
Amankora Thimphu, Near Kuenga Chhoeling Palace, Upper Motithang. Tel:975 2 331-333. Part of the Aman super luxury hotel chain. A sixteen room lodge offering five star plus facilities. US$1,000+
