Thimphu: The capital of Bhutan

Thimphu, the city on the Wang Chu River and capital of the Kingdom of Bhutan, has an area of ​​around 26 square kilometers and around 115,000 inhabitants.

Thimphu – Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan, is also the political and cultural center of the Himalayas. It combines old traditions, spiritual and historical buildings with modern technology. There is a multitude of sights, markets and people who keep traditions alive. The everyday life of the people in Thimphu is shaped by the Buddhist faith. Prayer flags fly all over the city. Thimphu is the seat of government of the king, parliament and administration, making it the political decision-making center of Bhutan.

Thimphu – royal residence, progress and problems

The Tashichho Dzong, a 13th-century monastery complex, has been the kingdom’s seat of government since 1952. It is also the residence of religious leader Je Khenpo during the summer months and King Jigme Khesar Narngyel Wangchuck has a study there. The king’s actual residence, Dechencholing Palace, is located north of Thimphu.

Economically, Thimphu has developed very well, also thanks to many years of development aid. With economic progress, however, environmental and traffic problems have also arisen, the crime rate has also risen and there are increasing drug problems and unemployment among young people.

Thimphu – the “Dragon King”, developments

There has been a hereditary monarchy in Bhutan since 1907, which means that the monarch becomes the ruler through succession, i.e. through birth. The king of Bhutan resides in Thimphu. He is the son of King Jigme Singye Wangchuk, who abdicated in 2006. The reigning king is also called the Dragon King and the Kingdom of Bhutan is called the Land of the Thunder Dragon.

In the Paro Valley, southwest of Thimphu, six kilometers from the city of Paro is the kingdom’s only international airport. It is 60 kilometers from the capital. The Changlimithang Stadium in Thimphu is the largest sports arena in Bhutan. Football and cricket are played there. It offers space for 25,000 spectators.

Thimphu – city without traffic lights

Thimphu is the only capital in the world where there are no traffic lights anywhere, despite increasing road traffic. There was probably a test phase, but since many residents had a bad feeling about the red traffic lights, they were abolished again. Police officers regulate the traffic from a traffic island on which stands a little house decorated with dragons. In total there are three of these islands in Thimphu.

Thimphu – the kings and queens of Bhutan

• Jigme Dory Wangchuck (1929-1972)
• Jigme Singye Wangchuck (1972-2006)
• King Jigme Khesar Narngyel Wangchuck (since 2006)
• Now Pema (Queen since 2011)

Thimphu – the climate

It is warmest in Thimphu during the months of April to September. During this period, temperatures vary between 22 and 27 degrees. In the months of December to March, temperatures fluctuate between 15 and 19 degrees. Most precipitation falls from June to September. The rest of the year it stays rather dry.

Thimphu Sights

• Centenary Farmers Market: Thimphu’s weekly market is held three days a week. Very popular with the residents of Thimphu.
• Changangkha Lhakhang: The oldest temple in Thimphu Valley stands on a mountain and offers a wide view of the city of Thimphu from above.
• Folk Heritage Museum: The rural museum shows country life in the 19th century. In the farmhouse you can see kitchen utensils and other utensils from yesteryear and a 150-year-old watermill.
• Junghi paper mill: In this factory, paper is made according to old Bhutanese traditions. The books produced there are considered sacred.
• National Memorial Chorten: The memorial was built in 1974 to commemorate King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk. There are several prayer wheels, mandalas and Buddha statues.
• Takin Enclosure (National Zoo): Deer, musk deer and takin can be spotted in the game reserve outside the city of Thimphu. Takins are mountain ungulates with a massive build. The takin is the national animal of Bhutan.
• Tango Monastery: The monastery dates back to the 13th century. It is not only monastery but also a highly respected Buddhist university in Bhutan. There you will find prayer wheels, statues, pictures and holy scriptures.
• Textile Museum: Here Bhutanese textile art, weaving techniques and the traditional clothing of the Bhutanese people are shown. It was opened in 2001.
• Thimphu Dzong: The former royal palace is the seat of the government of Bhutan. It was built in 1952-1953.