Thimphu

Thimphu, also spelt Thimpu, is the largest city and capital of the Kingdom of Bhutan. Although there are signs of modernisation, Thimphu is still one of the planet’s more sleepy capitals, and it’s a captivating place to observe the Bhutanese going about their daily life.

Located on the Wang Chhu River, Thimphu is only 50km, or an hour’s drive northwest of Paro and for the best part, the route follows the course of the country’s main east-west ‘highway’ passing several places of interest along the way including Simtokha Dzong, a small but strategic dzong that guards the entrance to the Thimphu Valley. Thimphu’s attractions in the town include the well-presented National Textile Museum and the National Memorial Chorten. This large Tibetan-style stupa is one of Thimphu’s prominent landmarks.

The city’s whitewashed, two-storey Tashichho Dzong, crowned by several red-gold tiered roofs, is another of Thimpu’s most important buildings and is still used by the country’s civil government. Visiting Thimpu towards the end of the week affords the opportunity to witness the weekend market attended by local villagers throughout the region. It’s a vibrant affair and an excellent spot for photography.

Additionally, there are great places to discover in the valley that encompasses Thimpu. Several of the monasteries and gompas (ecclesiastical Buddhist fortifications) in the area can be included in manageable day hikes. Forested walks offer the chance to discover some of Bhutan’s pristine natural attractions, plus there is also the bonus of terrific valley and mountain views at almost every turn, including glimpses of Jomolhari, the ‘bride of Kangchenjuna’ and Bhutan’s third highest peak. With exploring the valley properly and spending time in this likeable city, it is little wonder that a three-night minimum is necessary to do the region justice.