Thimphu

(Altitude: 1,800 – 5,400m approx.)

Thimphu, the capital city, is a bustling town on the banks of the river Wang Chhu. It is home to the Bhutanese Royal Family, the Royal Government and to several foreign missions and development projects.

Tashichho Dzong: The “Fortress of the glorious religion” houses the throne room of His Majesty the King, government offices and the central monk body.

Memorial Chorten: This stupa was built in 1974 in memory of the Third King, His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuk by his mother.

Takin Preserve Motithang :Takin Preserve is located in Thimphu is a wildlife reserve area for takin, the national animal of Bhutan. This is a mythical animal that was created by a great saint Lama Drukpa Kuenley ( Divine Madman) in the 15th century

Semtokha Dzong: Five miles from Thimphu, on a lofty ridge, stands Semtokha Dzong the oldest fortress in the Kingdom.

The Institute of Zorig Chusum: This is the Institute where students learn the 13 traditional Arts and Crafts.

Kuenselphodrang (Buddha Point): The Buddha Dordenma Statue which is 169ft is the world’s tallest Buddha statue and it is located about 6kms from Thimphu city.

The Folk Heritage Museum: Founded by Her Majesty the Queen Mother Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck, the museum portrays the lifestyle of a genteel family in the Thimphu valley in the olden days.

The Institute of Traditional Medicine: The complex has the traditional medicine production unit, the treatment hospital and the school.

Druk Wangyal Chortens at Dochula: On the way to Punakha from Thimphu is the Dochula pass from where a beautiful panoramic view of the mountain range can be seen. The place is further enhanced by the Druk Wangyal Chortens -108 stupa built by the Queen Mother Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuk.

Centenary Farmers’ Market: Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday the weekend market is held in the capital. Here villagers from the valley and other nearby places come to sell their agriculture products.