City tour: Since it was established as the country’s capital in 1961, Thimphu has gone through drastic changes and has settled into a well balanced mix of old and new, traditional and modern. It is the only world capital without traffic lights, yet with high tech karaoke machines, and with the city’s first recently opened hot dog place, Thimphu is ready for the new generation. The capital offers much more than just shopping. Below we have listed a variety of places of interest to visit and experience in this exuberant city.
The Zorig Chusum (The National Institute for Thirteen Arts / Painting School), is Bhutan’s leading institute to preserve and promote culture and to contribute to the country’s economy through the production of quality products and services. Visitors are invited to observe the students’ lessons in painting, calligraphy, embroidery, wood and slate carving, sculpturing, boot making, weaving, gold grinding and making religious drums. You then have the opportunity to purchase items made by the school.
The National Institute of Traditional Medicine was established in 1967 in order to preserve the so far, verbally transmitted healing traditions of Bhutan. These show elements of the Ayurvedic’s understanding of the energies of the body, diagnose through the pulse as used in China and the Tibetan knowledge of medicinal plants. Since the 1990’s extensive research has been conducted in Bhutan and so far over 600 plants have been found to have medicinal properties. This abundance of nature’s treasure was known to the ancient healers, who called Bhutan Menjong Gyalkhab, which means ‘the land of medicinal plants’.
The Hospital in Thimphu treats more than 50,000 patients annually and figures are growing every year. Besides producing traditional medicines, the Pharmaceutical Unit also produces a number of popular products like the Tsheringma Herbal Teas, Menna Chema (medical powder), Incense Powder, and various herb powders.
The National Library was established in 1967 to preserve and promote religious and cultural degradation from rapid modern development. It holds more than 10,000 volumes of scriptures in classical language as well as 4,500 foreign collections. On the top floor, rare and sacred classical texts written in gold and silver letters are displayed.
The Folk Heritage Museum is a restored three story traditional rammed mud and timber house inaugurated as a museum by Her Majesty the Queen Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuk in 2001. It showcases the traditional artifacts used now and in the past, the skills necessary to make or use these artifacts, the folklore and legends, the songs and poems, the sketches and drawings and the oral knowledge which has been passed down from generations to generations. It connects people to the Bhutanese rural past through an exhibition of items and artifacts, used in rural households, demonstrations of rural customs, traditions, habits and skills.
The National Textile Museum introduces you to the living national art of weaving. The exhibition displays the major weaving techniques and styles of local dress and textile made by the Bhutanese women and men.
The Paper Factory is situated on the other side of the river, about a 20 minute drive from the lodge. The art of handmade paper in Bhutan dates back to the 8th century, although usage was limited mainly to religious purposes. Today it is considered an important element in the preservation of Bhutan’s cultural heritage. The factory allows guests to view the papermaking process and purchase samples and gift items from their shop.
Zangto Pelri Lhakhang is a private chapel built by Dasho Aku Tongmi, the musician who composed Bhutan’s national anthem. It is one the tallest lhakhangs in Bhutan and houses a four meter high image of Guru Rinpoche, as well as numerous other statues.
If you are interested in doing some shopping, Thimphu has everything from photo shops, monk suppliers, fabric shops or trekking outfitters.
Lungta Handicrafts each offer a selection of antiques as well as the usual tourist souvenirs. Lungta Handicrafts also boasts the best collection of Bhutanese CDs and DVDs. For coffee table books on Bhutan, a mystery novel or literature on Buddhism, head down to the DSB Bookshop, Pekang or Mega Enterprise.
For those who are interested in art, The Art Gallery by the clock tower offers a changing variety of contemporary art next to a good stock of art supplies. VAST not only exhibits and sells a selection of Bhutanese paintings and photographs, but also trains people on artistic skills.
Lastly, if you wish to explore more of the city scene and grab a drink or a bite to eat, we can recommend cafés such as Ambient café where both Bhutanese and expats gather to chat over a cup of coffee. Seasons Pizzeria and the Indian restaurant Chula are good dining options, and The Zone and Benez are expat favorites for both drinks and a quick meal. Should you wish to explore the Thimphu nightlife further, Mojo park is worth a visit for a cocktail or two before dancing away the night at Club Avenue.
The vegetable market: The Vegetable Market offers a fascinating opportunity to experience Bhutan with all of your senses. The main part of the market displays the wide variety of foods that are available throughout the country. Across the river you can watch monks choose and try cymbals and trumpets or browse the large variety of antiques and local handy-crafts.
Archery: While in Bhutan, we strongly urge you to have a go at the country’s national sport. In the past, the hunting bows were made of long single pieces of bamboo, bound with leather. They have now been replaced by more modern versions and are solely used for sporting events. However a version of the original bow is still used in local archery contests.
The Takin zoo: The mini zoo used to exhibit various indigenous wild animals which were later released back into the wild by order of the 4th King, who declared that such a facility was not in keeping with Bhutan’s environmental and religious convictions. The zoo now only features the Takin, which is the national animal of Bhutan. Takins are one of the larger and stockier goat antelopes. They were originally released with the rest of the animals, but had become so familiar with people that they were found wandering Thimphu’s streets looking for food. The only solution was to put them back into captivity.
Changangkha is the old fortress-like lhakhang perched on a ridge above the city with great views of Thimphu town. The 12th century temple, which still remains one of the main centres of worship for the locals, is the home to the statue of the 11-headed Avalokitesvara, the God of Compassion. The lhakhang is frequently visited by families as it is believed that if you bring a sick child to the temple, it will not take long before he or she recovers. Many also go to pray for their children and to initiate poojas (religious ceremonies) for the benefit of their kids. Daily, monks will bless prayer flags which they sell to the public for 120 Nu per piece and encourage them to put up in suitable locations on auspicious days.
We recommend visiting this vivacious temple in the late afternoon to light your incense sticks for spiritual purification, and to obtain your blessed prayer flags. Drive up to the Radio Tower just in time for sunset. In the area below the tower you can hang your flags for the benefit of all sentient beings, and then sit down in the hillside and watch the sun set over Thimphu town and listen to the flags fluttering in the breeze. Very romantic and a beautiful way to end an eventful day!
Picnic at the Royal Botanical garden:
The Royal Botanical Garden is situated a 20-minute drive from the town, and offers a good introduction to the Bhutanese flora. Started in 1999, the collection of plants grows every year. The Garden is frequently visited by the Bhutanese who come for a leisurely morning or afternoon. Walk around and learn about the rhododendron, cypress, cactus and even stone types. Bring your own picnic and find a spot among the local families to unwind, munch and take pleasure in the relaxing atmosphere among the greenery while enjoying the view of the surrounding mountains and Thimphu town.
Visit to the astrology school:
Pangri Zampa Lhakhang is idyllically located in the middle of a meadow by the river, a 20-minute drive from the town on the way to Tango and Cheri monasteries. The temple appeared in Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal’s vision which directed him from Tibet to Bhutan. The temple was built by Ngawang Choegyel, the great-grandfather of the Zhabdrung, and was the Zhabdrung’s residence when he arrived in Bhutan in 1616.
Today, the temple is used as an astrology centre of the state clergy, and is the home to around 50 monks studying astrology. During a visit to Pangri Zampa you can learn more about astrology, and also have your personal reading done.