The largest city in Bhutan with more than 100,000
residents, Thimphu first began to develop as an urban area when it
was declared the capital of the Kingdom of Bhutan in 1961. The city
then began a period of rapid modernisation that is still ongoing,
with cars, electric street lights, national sports stadiums, and
wireless internet appearing.
Though Thimphu lacks the grandeur of ancient
capitals, the city is an intriguing blend of tradition and
modernity with its cluster of intricately-carved and painted
buildings. The city retains its charm through cultural
idiosyncrasies such as the sight of crimson-robed monks with
laptops, white-gloved police directing traffic at each street
corner, and phallic graffiti meant to drive away evil spirits.
Thimphu is home to many Buddhist monasteries and
landmarks, as well as several good museums, including the Folk
Heritage Museum and the Bhutan Textile Museum. Several parks and
preserves in the city are good places to enjoy the local flora and
fauna, a highlight of which is the national animal of Bhutan, the
Takin.
Shopping in Thimphu is rather limited. However,
beautiful handmade Bhutanese souvenirs such as exquisite textiles,
gold and silver jewellery, and other handicrafts are available from
places like the National Institute for Zorig Chusum, the weekend
market in Chubachu, and the souvenir shops in Yarkay Central. There
are also some good restaurants in Thimphu and visitors will find
plenty of Indian and Asian food alongside the local Bhutanese
cuisine.
