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Thimpu, Bhutan |
General Information:
Thimpu is the capital of Bhutan, lying on a height of over 2400m and situated in a fertile valley spanned by the Wangchhu River. The Tashichhodzong is the main administrative and religious centre of the country. Thimpu rebuilt in 1961 after being damaged by fire and earthquake encompasses all the government departments and ministries.
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The Kingdom of Bhutan lies sprawled in the eastern Himalayas skirted by Tibet, Assam, West Bengal and Sikkim. The Kingdom has a total area of about 47,000 square kilometers. Located in the heart of the high Himalayan mountain range, Bhutan is a land-locked country surrounded by mountains. The Monsoon influences boost dense forestation in this region and alpine growth at higher altitudes. In the south, the Bhutan Duars Plain drops sharply away from the Himalayas into the large tracts of semi-tropical forest, savannah grassland and bamboo jungle. The Total Population of Bhutan is 672,425.
The people elected the Penlop of Trongsa, Ugyan Wang Chuck, the first King of Bhutan in 1907 and this monarchy has flourished ever since.
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Today His Majesty Jigme Singye Wangchuck, the first King's great grandson, commands the overwhelming support of his people after assuming the throne in 1974.
Tourist Attractions:
Thimphu resembles the Horn of Plenty of Bhutanese culture, brimming with things to enjoy!
The yearly Thimphu Festival is held in the courtyard directly in front of the National Assembly Hall.
The Handicraft Emporium displays a wide assortment of beautifully hand woven and crafted products that make unique souvenirs.
Simtokha, 8km from Thimphu, has Bhutan's most ancient Dzong, a fortified monastery.
Punakha valley contains many sacred temples, including Machin Lhakhag where the remains of Ngawang Namgyal are inhumed. The 3100m high, Dochu La Pass commands a breathtaking view of the eastern Himalayan chain.
Tongsa is the ancestral home of the Royal family. The Dzong here commands a superb view of the river valley and contains a magnificent collection of rhino horn sculptures. The district of Wangdiphodrang is famous for its slate carving and bamboo weaving.
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A visit to the Paro valley where the Taktsang or the Tiger's nest Monastery clings to the face of a 900m precipice is highly recommended. Other attractions in the area include the Drukgyul Dzong, further up the Paro valley, which once protected Bhutan against numerous Tibetan invasions; and the Paro Watchtower that now homes the National Museum of Bhutan.
Bumthang is the starting point for four and seven day eco tour through the rural villages, including Mongar. Tashigang, a silk-spinning district, has an interesting Dzong.
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Most tour operators arrange a visit to the School of Arts & Crafts below the Dzong and you could go to the local Mini zoo.
Transportation:
The capital is well connected by Roads full of picturesque views and by National Druk Airways. While you travel around Thimpu, do charter a Taxi or a jeep to make your sojourn Pleasurable!
Shopping:
Thimphu offers a wide range of products to the tourists to take back home as souvenirs. Handicrafts Emporium in Thimphu has the best range of handicraft products in town that comes for a little more money than the local market. Papier-mache masks, prayer wheels, decorative motifs, silk-screened handmade paper, rings and ornaments for clothing, woven wool and silk clothes are all that you can buy here. Other important items that you can look for in the markets are precious stones and postage stamps at the General Post Office.
Hotels:
There is no accommodation crisis, except in the high season. Most of the hotels are good and operate with all the modern facilities. Constructed in the traditional Bhutanese style these hotels provide you the experience of living in an ethnic village.
Allwonderscities.Com give you all information on Thimpu, Bhutan, for more information on Asian Cities please browse through our Site.
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