 Thimpu
perhaps the most unusual capital city in the world. Thimpu
was established in 1955. Today its a bustling town in the
banks of the Thimpu Chuu and is set gloriously in the hills
of Thimpu valley.
Thimpu is home to the revered Bhutanese Royal Family, the
Royal Govt. and Judiciary and to several foreign missions
and development projects.
On the bank of the river lies Tashi Chuu Dzong, the main secretariat
building which houses the throne room of his majesty the king
of Bhutan. The National Assembly Hall is located in new building
on the opposite side of the river from the Dzong. During the
warmer summer months, the monk body led by his holiness, the
Je Khenpo, makes its home in the Dzong.
Next to the Dzong is Bhutan's only golf course. A nine hole
circuit, popular with Thimpu's residents, that offers a break
from sight-seeing for visiting players.
Bhutan's national library is located close to the Dzong Chusum
Institute and contains arguably the best collection of religious
and historical literature in the Himalayas.
Bhutan has its own brand of Himalayan medicines this should
be seen at the Indigenous Hospital near the Chusum Institute.
The memorial chorten, a pious landmark for Thimpu's residents,
was erected in 1974 by the mother of the Third King in memory
of her son. Bhutanese pay their respects to his photograph
inside the memorial.
Thimpu's charm is not embedded in its wealth of galleries,
museums or places of historic interest. Visitors must wander
along the main street and into shops, all of which are decorated
in traditional style. Thimpu's shopkeepers are helpful and
will do their best to oblige even smallest request.
Many of the general stores stock a selection of handicrafts
and textiles for passing visitors and a selection of specialist
handicraft stores are now open. Bhutan's colorful stamp collections
can be viewed and purchased at the capital's main post office.
The country's two principal banks are located on Thimpu's
main street.
A short distance from Thimpu, at Dechencholing, is the Royal
palace, residence of members of the Royal family except the
king. Set among sweeping lawns, ponds and willow tr5ees, this
beautiful three storey building is entirely traditional, both
in its architecture and in its furnishings. Beyond the palace
is Tangu Cherry, one of the oldest thakhangs in Bhutan. Here
monks come to practice the ancient disciplines of meditation
and levitation.
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