Have you ever dreamt of being to Shangri La? If yes! then this is your chance to visit a place which may not have any relations with the above, but has all the qualities at the same time. Capital to the tiny Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan, Thimphu is perhaps the smallest capital in the world. Thimphu is a gallery of traditional Bhutanese art, architecture, culture, and tradition and above all still so ethnic and pure. For most part of its history, Bhutan has tried consciously to save its culture from the blunt influences of the western world. It is not that modernity has not reached this region, but they are being introduced in a phased and balanced manner that is unheard of at any place in the world. All these make Thimphu and other parts of the country a unique destination.

Come to the land of peaceful Dragon and enjoy the cultural vibrancy and natural splendour that Thimphu offers to its guests.

WHAT TO DO

Most important aspect Thimphu is its culture and its natural beauty, both of them giving it a unique advantage. Make sure that you have visited all the important attractions in Thimphu in the first place. Shopping for exotic items in the local markets and handicrafts emporiums is an experience in itself and shows you many aspects of local culture that is religiously protected from outside influences. Spicy cousins of Bhutan have no parallel on earth and dining in some ethnic restaurant is an unforgettable experience. Entire region around Thimphu has excellent trekking routes of different levels giving you ample opportunities for hiking, trekking, river rafting, and wildlife excursions.

CITY AT A GLANCE

HISTORY

Not much is known about the history of Bhutan because of its long seclusion from rest of the world. New explorations have suggested about the presence of men around this region in 2000 BC, but written history dates back to 2nd century AD only. Buddhism as the supreme religion and a way of life was introduced in Bhutan in 8th century when Indian Buddhist monk Padmasambhava (Guru Rimpoche) came to Bhutan and established many monasteries. The Drukpa sub - sect of Kagyud school of Mahayan Buddhism was established as orthodoxy by scholar Padmalingpa in the 15th/16th century. The rise of Drukpa sect also led to establishment of the theocracy of Druk - yul by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1616. Shabdrung is considered as the person who unified the country and constructed most of the remarkable temple - fortresses known as dzongs. He also started the dual system of spiritual and temporal leaders that was ended by Sir Ugyen Wangchuk in the late 19th century. Sir Ugyen Wangchuk became the first hereditary king of the country and its first reference to modernity. Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, father of the present king, is considered as the "father of modern Bhutan"since most of the developments that led the country towards modernity started during his reign. The present king Jigme Singye Wangchuck became the fourth monarch in 1974 and his coronation ceremony saw the entry of foreign media for the first time in the country. The first foreign tourist group entered the country very next year and started the process of restricted entry of tourists to save the culture and environment.

WEATHER AND BEST SEASON TO VISIT

Bhutan experiences four distinct seasons: Spring (between March and May), Summer (June to August), Autumn (September to mid - December), and Winter (late December to Mid - February). Most of the rainfall takes place in the summer. Winters are severely cold while spring and autumn are mild. Regional variations are immense and probably you will not be able to see that much of variance in a small region anywhere on earth. On the whole, October and November are the best months to visit Bhutan as the sky remains clear and mountains are visible, weather is mild, and most of the festivals take place during this period only.

ATTRACTIONS

Tashichho Dzong (Fortress of the Glorious Religion)
First built in 1661, the Dzong dominates the town of Thimphu. Except the central keep, the entire structure was rebuilt in 1961-62 and now houses the main government departments, the National Assembly, the throne room of the king, and summer headquarters of the Central Monastic Body.

Simtokha Dzong
Built in 1627, this Dzong is oldest in Thimphu and gateway to the Thimphu Valley. The Dzong houses Rigney School for Dzongkha and monastic studies. There are beautiful frescos and slate carvings in Simtokha.

Streets of Thimphu
The most enjoyable experience of being in Thimphu is to taking strolls around the streets here. Weekend markets of Thimphu sell everything under the sun that is being created in Bhutan. Hordes of villagers sell vegetables, newspapers, red chillies, traditional Bhutanese masks, and carpets.

Other Attractions
Other important attractions in the city include the new National Library, the High Court, the Royal Bhutan Golf Course, and Convention Centre.

IMPORTANT FESTIVALS AND EXHIBITIONS

Most of the festivals (tsechus) in Bhutan have some or other connection with Buddhism. These festivals are celebrated in the Dzongs with dances, music, and religious allegorical plays. Some of the important festivals include Bhutanese New Year in January/February, Buddha Parinirvana and birthday of Guru Padmasambhava in May/June, first sermon of Buddha and Yar Nyidlok in June/July, Blessed Rainy Day, Thimphu Domchey, and Tsechhu, and Nine Evils' Day.

SHOPPING

Thimphu offers a wide range of products to the tourists to take back home as souvenirs. Handicrafts Emporium in Thimphu has the best range of handicraft products in town though the prices are somewhat higher than in the local market. Look for papier-mâché masks, prayer wheels, decorative motifs, silk-screened handmade paper, rings and ornaments for clothing, and woven wool or silk clothe. Other important items that you can look for in the markets are precious stones and postage stamps (available at the General Post Office).

WHERE TO STAY

Not many hotels are there in Thimphu as in other capital cities of the world, but accommodation certainly is not a problem. With the smaller number of tourists being allowed to visit, there is not much of an accommodation crisis, except in the high season. Most of the hotels are good and operate with all the modern facilities. Constructed in the traditional Bhutanese style these hotels provide you the experience of living in an ethnic village.

WHERE TO EAT

Thimphu is the heaven for buffet lovers. Most of the good restaurants are in the hotels and cuisine is mainly vegetarian. Dartsi (cow's milk cheese) and Ema dartsi (red chillies cooked in melted cheese) are some of the favourite cuisine items in Thimphu. Remember that red chilly is going to be the most important ingredient in any dish in Thimphu and if you don't like chilly ask the staff to decrease the amount to an acceptable amount.

TRANSPORT RESOURCES

Air Travel Resources
Unfortunately, Druk Air (national air carrier) is the only air service operating out of Bhutan. Paro International Airport is the only airport in Bhutan connecting it with Kathmandu, Calcutta, Bangkok, Dacca, and New Delhi. Most convenient connection is from Kathmandu and this journey also gives some breathtaking views of the Himalayas. Take a minibus to Thimphu from Paro spending around two hours in this road journey.

Land
From Bagdogra in India, it is possible to drive the 175 km land route to Phuentsholing, the entry point in Bhutan. From Phuentsholing there is a tiring 179 km journey to Thimphu although the journey gives you a great chance to appreciate the natural beauty of the country. It is also possible to travel to Phuentsholing from Siliguri and Calcutta by bus. In most of the cases your trip to Thimphu is going to be arranged by a tour operator who is supposed to take care of all your travel requirements including transport. If you are travelling on your own than make sure that you have a tourist taxi on your disposal.

TRAVEL RESOURCES

Tourist information

Bhutan Tourism Corporation Ltd (BTCL)
PO Box 159
Thimphu, Bhutan
Tel: 00 975 2 24045, 22647, 22854
Fax: 00 975 2 23392, 22479

Airlines

Druk Air Corporation Ltd.
P.O.Box 209, Thimphu, Bhutan
Tel: 00 975 2 22215,22825,23420

Banks
Most of the banks in Thimphu exchange AMEX traveller's cheques as well as foreign currencies. Indian rupee is widely accepted in the shops, hotels, and all other establishments.

Medical services
Thimphu has some of the best hospitals in the country including General Hospital and referral hospitals. Medical treatment has been made free by the government and you will certainly get a good service, but remember that these hospitals are not equipped to treat complex diseases and conditions.