Thimphu Distric
Thimphu District, the golden throne of the Dragon Kingdom, is located at an elevation of around 2,320 meters above sea level. As the capital of Bhutan, it is regarded as the focal point of the government, religion, and commerce of the country. Thimphu is a city that is rarely seen elsewhere, where modern-day development sits alongside ancient culture as if the two have always shared an uneasy truce. Perhaps one of the most beautiful facets of Thimphu is that it is world-renowned for being the only capital city that does not have traffic lights. In place of these, white-gloved traffic policemen control and chauffeur the flow of traffic with sweeping, theatrical hand gestures — a view to cherish for both locals and visitors. All the way from traditional architecture and colorful festivals to vibrant markets and calm monasteries, the city has much to awe that speaks to the heart of Bhutan.
Major Tourist Attractions in Thimphu Valley
Zilukha Anim Dratshang was founded in 1976 by Rikey Jadrel, who is considered an emanation of Thangtong Gyalpo (1361-1485), the Tibetan. It is also know as Thangtong Dewachen nunnery.
Thimphu weekend market open from Friday to Sunday where farmers from different nearby Dzongkhags bring their agricultural products for sale. It is also known as Centenary Farmer’s Market.
Tango monastery was built by the fourth Desi of Bhutan, Gyelsey Tenzin Rabgye in 1689. However Lama Phajo Drukgomshigpo founded this scared place in 13t century.
Cheri monastery is situated in the upper Thimphu valley. After a half an hour ride, there is an approximately 45 minutes steep walk to reach the monastery.
The Traditional Medicine Services was established in the year 1968, under the command of our third King, Jigme Dorji Wangchuk.
The date of the foundation of Changangkha Lhakhang is not exactly known but the elder people speak like that: ‘The descendants of Phajo Drugom Shigpo Son’s Nyima,
Simtokha Dzong stands at a strategic point at the entrance to the Thimphu valley. When Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel was subduing the demons in the Thimphu Valley, a demon disappeared into a big stone where Semtokha Dzong stands today.
Folk Heritage Museum was founded by Her Majesty, the Queen Mother, Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck in 2001. It provides visitors and tourists with fascinating insights into the Bhutanese material culture and way of life.
Memorial Chorten built in 1974 in the memory of third king late Jigme Dorji Wangchuk, who is regarded as the father of modern Bhutan. It is an impressive monument and a very scared to the Bhutanese who make an endless procession circumambulating it everyday.
This gigantic statue of Buddha Shakyamuni measures in at a height of 51.5 meters, making it one of the largest statues of Buddha in the world. The statue is made of bronze and is gilded in gold.
Tashichho Dzong means ‘fortress of the glorious religion’. It was built in 1641 and rebuilt into present structure by late king Jigme Dorji Wangchuk (Father of Modern Bhutan) in the year 1962-1969.