Thimpu, perhaps the most unusual capital city in the world, Capital city in the world, is a bustling town on the banks of its own river and set gloriously in the hills of its own valley. A regal town, Thimpu is home to the revered Bhutanese Royal family and to several Foreign mission and development projects.

On the bank of the river lies Tashichho Dzong, the main secretariat building which houses the throne room of his majesty the king of Bhutan. The national Assembly Hall is housed in a modern building on the other side of the river From the Dzong. During the warmer summer months the monk body headed by his holiness, the JeKhenpo, makes its home in the Dzong. Visitors are strictly prohibited from entering the government building at all times during an active session.

Next to the Dzong is Bhutan’s only golf course. A nine-hole circuit that is far more picturesque than it is testing.

The Thangka painting school in the heart of Thimpu is well worth visiting. With sun streaming through the windowpanes casting long shadows across the wooden slates, student monks in burgundy robes sit in the classroom for hours at time learning from saffron –robed elder.

Bhutan’s National Library is located to the close to the painting school and is also worth a look in. Housed in the library are the some of the oldest records of Bhutanese history and religion.

A wonderful Day’s outing from Thimpu is a visit to Cheri and Tango Monasteries to the north of the Town. They cab be reached by road but many Thimpu residents go up to the Monasteries for a day trip by foot.

Thimpu charm is not an 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. Thimphu’s shopkeepers are delightfully helpful and will do their best to oblige even the smallest request. Bhutan’s famaous stamp collection can be viewed and purchased in the capital’s main post office.

Every Saturday and Sunday most of Thimphu’s scant population and many valley dwellers congregate on the banks of the river where the weekend market is held. The field adjacent to the market are reserved on weekends for basket ball and archery players. The later, if dressed with full costumes are a lovely sight.

Five miles from Thimphu stands the 17th century Simtokha Dzong on a lofty ridge. Built in 1627, the oldest Dzong in the land houses the school from Buddhist studies. The road to Dorchula Pass and on to Easter Bhutan. Winds its way upwards from Simtokha Dzong.

Shopping in Thimphu

Few tourist mean Bhutan’s handicraft industry is quiet small. However there are plenty of private shops in Thimphu selling masks, carpets, jewelery, Bhutanese wooden products and of course stamps. Now Bhutan has worldwide reputation for being a philatelist paradise. Vibrant colors and vivid images typify Bhutanese stamps; recent addition and popular collectors’ itemsis a series of stamps paying tribute to Walt Disney characters. Other issues include commemorative stamps to the 1994 world cup and stamp to mark German unification.

Collection and First Day issues are on sales at the central post office in Thimphu. This well worth a visit even for non-philatelist. Central post office in Thimphu sell collection mounted in a stamp collector’s books. They make marvelous present. Carpets can be bought in Tongsa and are cheaper than those in Thimphu. Bumthang honey is considered by connoisseurs to be excellent quality and can be bought all over the country. Other jams and comfitures are made in the Bumthang valley and also make original presents.

Many shops in Thimphu sell typical Bhutanese handicrafts and products. The widest selection can be probably being found at the tourist emporium on Thimphu’s main thorough fare. Masks, fabrics, stamps, Thankas (religious painting), handicrafts, carpet are all on sale. The store is one of the few to accept the American Express cards.

Bhutan has a thriving liquor industry and tourist wonting a tipple of Bhutan mist or locally produces rum, whisky or jean will not be disappointed.

A good place to buy religious paintings is the Thanka Painting School in Thimphu where young students spent their days learning a craft that has been handed down from centuries of strict practice.

Print film is available but it may be difficult to find slide films. Print film can also be developed in capital.

The weekend market is held on Saturdays and Sundays close to the river. The market is good place to pick up masks and handicrafts at cheaper prices than the shops. It is also the best place to watch Thimphus residents chatting about the week in a relaxed atmosphere as they do their week’s grocery shopping.

Most of the independent shops and markets vendor’s stock traditional Bhutanese handicrafts and many sell Indian jewellery.