Thimphu Bhutan ☎ +975-02-334997 Last Updated: 03/14/2023 | |
Thimphu is the capital and largest city of Bhutan, a small country located in the eastern Himalayas of South Asia. Thimphu is situated in the western central part of Bhutan and is surrounded by mountains and forests. It has a population of around 120,000 people and is the political, economic, and cultural center of Bhutan. | |
The ancient capital city of Punakha was replaced as capital by Thimphu in 1955, and in 1961 Thimphu was declared as the capital of the Kingdom of Bhutan by the 3rd Druk Gyalpo Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. It had a population of 114,551 in 2017. Thimphu is known for its unique architecture, which is inspired by traditional Bhutanese design and incorporates modern elements. Some of the most popular tourist attractions in Thimphu include the Tashichho Dzong, a fortress and monastery that serves as the seat of Bhutan's government and the Royal Palace, the official residence of the King of Bhutan. Other notable landmarks in Thimphu include the National Memorial Chorten, a stupa that serves as a monument to peace and prosperity; the Buddha Dordenma statue, a 169-foot-tall bronze statue of Buddha that overlooks the city; and the Changangkha Lhakhang, a 12th-century temple that is one of the oldest in Bhutan. Thimphu is also known for its vibrant culture and festivals, including the Thimphu Tshechu, a colorful annual festival that celebrates Bhutanese culture and religion with mask dances, music, and food. Additionally, the city has a thriving arts and crafts scene, with many local artisans creating handmade textiles, ceramics, and other traditional Bhutanese crafts. |
Memorial Chorten Place » Historical Place The National Memorial Chorten, also known as Thimphu Chorten or Chhoten Lam, is a stupa (a dome-shaped Buddhist monument) located in the heart of Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan. It was built in 1974 to honor the third King of Bhutan, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck (1928–1972), who is often referred to as the father of modern Bhutan. 454 views 💖 3Chhoten Lam, Thimphu, Bhutan | |
Buddha Dordenma statue Place » Tourism Great Buddha Dordenma is a gigantic Shakyamuni Buddha statue in the mountains of Bhutan celebrating the 60th anniversary of fourth king Jigme Singye Wangchuck. The statue houses over one hundred thousand smaller Buddha statues, each of which, like the Great Buddha Dordenma itself, will be made of bronze and gilded in gold. 414 views 💖 5Kuenselphodrang, Thimphu, Bhutan | |
Chagri Dorjeden Monastery Place » Temple Chari Dorjeden or Chari Monastery was the first monastery established in Bhutan by Chamgon Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal (1594-1651) in 1620 when he was 27 years old. It is located 14km north of Thimphu city at the altitude of 2850 meters above the sea level. 446 views 💖 221 Norzin Lam 2, Thimphu, Bhutan | |
Tashichho Dzong Place » Temple Tashichho Dzong is a Buddhist monastery and fortress. In 1641 Zhabdrung built the Tashicho Dzong (Fortress of the auspicious religion) in place of the Dho Ngon (Blue stone) Dzong built by Lama Gyalwa Lhanangpa. In 1698, the dzong caught fire and was restored. 438 views 💖 2Chhagchhen Lam, Thimphu, Bhutan |