ThimphuGeneral Information about ThimphuThimphu is the capital and largest city of Bhutan in Asia and is situated west of the centre of the country, on the western slopes of the Wang Chhu river valley. Since 1216, the Thimphu Valley has been home to many small settlements but it took until 1961, when the Thimphu was proclaimed capital of Bhutan, for the city to fully develop. Today Thimphu has the greatest population in Bhutan and is home to over 98,6000 people.
Thimphu has many interesting sites and landmarks such as Tashichoedzong, the Memorial Chorten, the Clock Tower Square, the Textile Museum and the National Folk Heritage Museum. The city also features many temples and monasteries, all of which are still in use today and will be home to the Buddha Dordenma Statue, the largest Buddha statue in the world which is soon to be completed.
Tashichoedzong, constructed in the 17th century is a fortress and Buddihist monastery which is situated on the northern edge of the city. Tashichoedzong has been Bhutan's seat of government since the early 1950's and is also a popular tourist attraction. At the end of each summer, there is a colourful masked-dance festival held here which is a very popular event to attend by both tourists and locals.
One of the most dominant buildings in Thimphu is the Memorial Chorten which was constructed in 1974 in honour of Bhutan's third king, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck following his sudden death in 1972. During 2008 the monument will be experiencing renovations to prepare for that year's celebration marking the Century of the Monarch in Bhutan. BACK TO TOP |
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