If you visit Bhutan, travelling to Thimphu must be part of your agenda. The capital of the country, Thimphu, is approximately an hour's drive away on a fairly good road and offers enough to see and do, even if you just have a day to spend there. Here is a list of the top things you can do while visiting Thimphu sightseeing for your next trip.
A Chorten Visit The National Memorial
Situated in the centre of Thimphu, the National Memorial Chorten is a stupa designed in the Tibetan style. Built in 1974, it is dedicated to Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, the third Druk Gyalpo. When he left, he was too young to complete his desire to create a chorten that symbolised the Buddha's thinking. Thus, the king's mother erected this monument in his honour.
Buddha Dordenma
Dordenna, the massive golden Buddha, should be the next destination. Perched atop a hill at the southernmost point of the Thimpu Valley, this impressive structure rises more than 50 metres above the ground and is visible from every corner of the town. After being cast in bronze, the statue was covered with gold leaf. This has an amazing presence when paired with the high-shine gold tiles on the foundation.
Bhutan Cultural Centre, Simple
The Simply Bhutan Project is a stylishly designed living museum highlighting some of the most important aspects of Bhutanese customs, handicrafts, and culture. The mini-tour's highlights include the gigantic Phallus display and the amazing Foot Artist, Pema Tshering.
Discover The Traditional Art Forms Of Bhutan
Carving, calligraphy, sculpting, woodworking, traditional painting, weaving, bronze casting, carpentry, masonry, bamboo and cane weaving, gold/silver smithing, and blacksmithing.
The Stadium For National Archery
Bhutan's national sport is archery, which they are quite skilled at. Archers shot over a 70-meter range at the Olympics. The typical competition distance in Bhutan is 140 metres. Although you won't be able to track the trajectory of the arrows there, it's still worthwhile to stop and see what amazing archers these folks are.
Visit Pangri Zampa Monastery
Situated around 8 km north of Thimphu city, Pangri Zampa Monastery is situated on the west bank of the Wang Chhu River. Ngawang Chogyal, a Tibetan Lama, established it in the sixteenth century.
Dzong Tashichho
The best is saved for last: see Thimpu's spectacular Dzong, home to both the government and the beautiful temple that serves as the summer residence of the country's chief Buddhist. It has undergone several rebuilds and additions, and in 1962, the Fourth King designated it as the hub of Bhutan's administration.
Museum of Folk Heritage
With good cause, Thimphu's Folk Heritage Museum is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the area! This museum's mission is to educate guests about the history and culture of the Bhutanese people.
Motithang Takin Preserve: Spot Takins
The rare takins are kept safe in their native habitat on the 8.4-acre Motithang Takin Preserve, which was converted from its original purpose as a zoo into a wildlife preserve at the request of the King of Bhutan.
Bhutan's National Library
Since its founding in 1967, the National Library of Bhutan has been preserving Bhutan's literary legacy. It also seeks to provide all Bhutanese people, wherever they may be on the globe, with access to that legacy.
Indulge In The Breathtaking Views of Dochula Pass
Dochula Pass, which links Thimphu and Punakha, is a picturesque mountain pass at 3,100 metres above sea level.
Handmade Paper Factory Judgeship
The Deh-so paper, a traditional Bhutanese paper, is the speciality of the Jungshi Handmade Paper Factory. The Dhekap and Daphne, tree bark species, are the two varieties used by the Jungshi Handmade Paper Factory to make their exquisite paper.
