THIMPHU

The name Semtokha literally means “Atop a Demon” and the legend associated with the dzong’s construction tells us that it was built in order to subdue an evil spirit that was harassing travelers in the region. The dzong was modeled after the Gyal Gyad Tshel Institute of Ralung (Tibet) and is quite distinctive as its Utse or central tower has 12 sides.

A large statue of Yeshay Gonpo (Mahakala), the chief protective deity of Bhutan, is housed inside the Utse. Another interesting aspect of the dzong is that it contains the bed chambers of both Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel and Jigme Namgyel, two of the most important figures in Bhutanese history. Zhabdrung was the leader that first united Bhutan as a nation and Jigme Namgyel was the father of the first King of Bhutan Ugyen Wangchuck.

The dzong houses countless statues and paintings of various Buddhas, deities and religious figures including The Eight Manifestations of Guru Rimpoche, Jampelyang the Bodhisattava of Wisdom, Shakya Gyalpo the Buddha of Compassion and many more all carved and painted in exquisite detail.

Commonly known as Arts & Crafts School or Painting School, the Institute offers a six-year course on the 13 traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan. On a visit, one can see students learning the various skills taught at the school.

In Bhutan, equal emphasis is given to both allopathic and traditional medicines. The rich herbal medicines made up from medicinal plants abundant in the Kingdom are prepared and dispensed here. The Institute is also a training school for traditional medicine practitioners. The complex is closed to visitors due to considerations of hygiene, but one can still walk around and view it from outside.

It is dedicated to connect people to the Bhutanese rural past through exhibits, demonstrations, educational programmes and documentation of rural life. The principal exhibit in the museum is a restored three storey traditional rammed mud and timber house, which dates back to the mid 19th century. The design and form of house is that of an average household in the Wang area during that era. The age of structure demonstrates the durability and performance of the building materials. From ground to top floor, household objects, typical domestic tools and equipments that would have been used by a family during that period are put on display. The museum is also developing some of the native trees and plants that were used for various domestic purposes in the rural households.

With the opening of Textile Museum, under the patronage of Her Majesty the Queen AshiSangayChoden, Bhutanese textile have reached new heights as one of the most visible distinct art form. The textile museum has opened its exhibition on six major themes – warp pattern weaves, weft pattern weaves, role of textiles in religion, achievements in textile arts, textiles from indigenous fibers and the royal collection. The crowns of Bhutan’s Kings, namzas (dresses), the first version of Royal Crown and other accessories used by members of Royal family can be found in the museum. The goal of the museum is to gradually become a center for textile studies that will carry out documentation, research and studies on Bhutanese textiles.

Also know as “fortress of the glorious religion”, it was initially built in 1641 and later rebuilt in its present form by King JigmeDorjiWangchuk in 1965. The Dzong houses, 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 Je Khenpo, makes its home in the Dzong.

A wide assortment of colorful, hand woven textiles and other craft products are available to purchase at the government-run Handicrafts Emporium and many smaller crafts shops around the town. The famous and authentic Bhutanese Craft bazaar in Thimphu sits along the Norzin Lam stretching from the Taj Tashi hotel up till Royal textile academy of Bhutan. The market consists of around 80 shops, which are entirely made of bamboo huts aligned together along the Norzin Lam covering about half a kilometer of the road. It is the first craft bazaar or handicraft market established in 2011 in Thimphu. The craft bazaar was initiated to promote the young talented rural based artists who mastered the age-old Bhutanese traditional arts that were passed down from generations. It offers a platform for these young entrepreneurs from remote communities and from all over the country to show their art and craftworks. The most important aim of this initiative is to improve the socio-economic status of these rural-based communities. The guests will enjoy the stroll through this bazaar and will find at least a thing or two to take with them as souvenirs to remind them of their enchanting voyage through Bhutan.

This market is popularly known as weekend market, which is located near the “Changlimithang ground”, the national stadium. It is a two-storey building where the farmers across the country get their products during the weekend. All the vegetables, fruits, dairy products, flowers, and meat are organically grown or produced in Bhutan.  A visit to the farmer’s market is always a lively scene where people from all walks of life come together and provides opportunities to mingle with the local people.            

The Cheri Goempa is about 30 minutes drive towards the north of Thimphu, which was the first monastery built by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel in Bhutan. It sits on a rocky hillside and frequented by monks to meditate. After crossing the traditional cantilever bridge at the base of valley, it takes about an hour of a hike to reach the monastery.

It is a 5 km uphill walk from Motithang. In the 13th century the Shagcha Rinchen introduced the Drukpa Kagyupa School in Bhutan and Phajoding monastery was built in 15th century. It was one of the richest monasteries in the country at one time. It is around 3 hours hike, which is one of the most rewarding hike tourists can engage, while in Thimphu. Upon the arrival, tourists will finally get an amazing view of the Thimphu city and also offers a spectacular view of the eastern Himalayan ranges. There are several things to do in Phajoding such as camping, exploring the wilderness of Phajoding and visit to the 18 lakes that is another hours hike from the monastery.

The Jungshi handmade paper factory uses traditional methods to produce the authentic Bhutanese paper known as Deh-sho. The Jungshi paper factory continues to preserve and promote this age-old Bhutanese tradition. It also produces various other products, such as stationery and greeting cards.

It is located approximately 1 km from Thimphu City. The factory uses the bark of two tree species, the Daphne tree and Dhekap tree in the manufacture of traditional paper. Visitors can observe the entire process of producing handmade paper using ancient traditional methods that have been practiced for generations. You can even try your hand at this ancient craft and make some paper of your very own as a souvenir. Deh-sho paper was originally used by monasteries for woodblock and manuscript books and also for writing prayer books.

In Thimphu there are multiple options for bars, karaokes and nightclubs. The Mojo Park is one of the most vibrant bars in town. The local bands perform impressive live shows. It is a great place to socialize with the locals, enjoy your drink and the music. Among all the nightclubs, the Viva city and Space 34 are some of the popular nightclubs in Thimphu. The clubs have seen a growing presence of travelers amongst the crowd. A good mix of Western and Bollywood music appeals the diverse crowd.