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"Top Things To Do in Thimphu" Formed in 1961, the capital of Bhutan is characterized by its temperate climate, traditional dzongs, royal palaces and more modern buildings. Considered the fourth highest capital in the world, Thimphu is a gateway to experiencing Bhutanese culture firsthand. Created by: Cityseeker 10 Locations Bookmarked Tashichho Dzong "Traditional Bhutanese Jewel" An array of dainty structures lie strewn across a rugged gradation of mountains. However, what sits in startling contrast to all of them is the magnificent Tashichho Dzong. Originally established in 1216 CE by Lama Gyalwa Lhanangpa, this majestic fortress has braved several ravages of time, standing today as an emblematic landmark of Bhutan. Having been by Bernard Gagnon the seat of the government and its varied verticals since 1952, this lovely, whitewashed fortress majestically lords over Thimphu, affording wonderful views of Wang Chhu River. Adorned with a tapestry of landscaped lawns and gardens, the fortress is skillfully crafted in traditional Bhutanese style, and yet reverberates with the legacy of monks and monarchs who once inhabited its recesses. Riddled with an arsenal of temples, shrines and chapels, Tashichho Dzong is a unique jewel chronicling the country's rich historical and cultural nuances. +975 2 32 3251 (Tourist Information) www.bhutan.travel/attractions/tashi Chhagchhen Lam, Thimphu chho-dzong/ Simtokha Dzong "Religious Jewel" Not far from Thimphu lies a quaint Buddhist edifice which is steeped in antiquity, legend and fables. Constructed under the guidance of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, this erstwhile monastery has, over the years, established itself as one of the most revered historical landmarks of the country. Perched on a ridge, it is believed to have been the first dzong by Bernard Gagnon in the country. Its rustic white walls enclose religious paraphernalia including ornate carvings, prayer wheels, and painstakingly done tapestry amongst many other valuable articles. Now converted into a linguistic school, the site rises three floors over the Thimphu Valley protecting a glorious image of Sakyamuni Buddha within its confines. It also has a western chapel, which is home to beautiful depictions of numerous bodhisattvas. Particularly eye-catching in the building is the celestial mandala, which profoundly illustrates the yearly cycle, with the help of colors and concentric circles. A locus of Bhutanese history, religion,and craftsmanship, Simtokha Dzong is, indeed, the crowning glory of the country. +975 2 32 3251 (Tourist Information) www.bhutan.travel/attractions/semt Off Bumthang - Ura Highway, Thimphu okha-dzong/ by suketdedhia Dechencholing Palace "Magnificent Royal Residence" Enveloped by the breathtaking beauty of Thimphu's mountains and lush green environs, the Dechencholing Palace is a wonder in white. It was built in the year 1953 by Druk Gyalpo Jigme Dorji Wangchuck and boasts of traditional Bhutanese architecture. From repoussage interiors to ancient paintings, the palace is a treasure trove of exceptional royal Bhutanese influences that must not be missed. +975 2 32 3251 (Tourist Information) Off Decchen Lam, Thimphu Motithang Takin Preserve "Glimpse of Bhutan's Wildlife" A natural gem of Thimphu and home of Bhutan's national animal, Takin, the Motithang Takin Preserve houses this uncommon, but a gentle breed of beasts that resembles a goat-cow hybrid. Since keeping animals in captivity is against the principles of Buddhism, the then King of Bhutan ordered that the takins be released into the wilderness. However, the by scallopsee domesticated animals were accustomed to living in their older way and wandered around the streets of Thimphu looking for food. Hence, the only solution was to give them a comfortable and conducive home. Sprawled across an area of 3.4 hectares (8.4 acres), the park, teeming with wilderness and dotted with unpretentious, grazing takins, reveals much about the nation's historical and natural nuances. This little enclosure is replete with scenic alpine meadows complemented by towering, broadleaf forests, shrouded in the 15th Century legend which traces the origins of the takin. Drenched in Bhutanese tales, this green expanse now stands as a benevolent preserve which harbors one of the most treasured animals of Bhutan. +975 2 32 3251 (Tourist Information) www.bhutan.travel/attractions/moti Off Dechhen Lam, Motithang, Thimphu thang-takin-preserve Buddha Dordenma "Unique Bhutanese Landmark" Perched atop a soaring hill, this gleaming gilded statue of Buddha lords over the scenic landscape of Thimphu. Set on a serene meditation hall, this majestic site is one of the most unusual landmarks of Thimphu. Constructed in 2015 to on the 60th birthday of Jigme Singye Wangchuck, the fourth monarch of Bhutan, this imposing Shakyamuni Buddha by Public Domain sculpture is a spectacular sight which is a true treat to the eye. Shrouded in legend, lore and many prophecies, this imposing statue cradles within its fabric a total of 125,000 smaller Buddha statues, which are also fashioned from an amalgam of gold and bronze. Backdropped by a tapestry of mighty, verdant mounts, this magnificent statue is surrounded by the Kuensel Phodrang nature park. +975 2 32 3251 (Tourist Information) www.bhutan.travel/attractions/bud Gaki Lam, Kuenselphodrang, Thimphu dha-dordenma-statue/ Dechen Phodrang Monastery "12th Century Dzong" Thimphu's original 12th-century Dzong, the Dechen Phodrang Monastery is one of the country's most significant landmarks. It is a monastic school where more than 400 monks take their eight-year educational course. Humble in disposition, the monastery is home to precious relics and paintings that are being preserved by UNESCO. by Stephen Shephard +975 2 32 3251 (Tourist Information) Off Chhagchhen Lam, Thimphu National Memorial Chorten "Symbol of Peace" Built to honor the third king of Bhutan Druk Gyalpo Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, the Memorial Chorten is a remarkable landmark. Awash in white, its golden spires are striking and is notably one of the most recognizable structures in Thimphu. It is the venue of the Monlam Prayer Festival and is dedicated to World Peace. by Bernard Gagnon +975 2 32 3251 (Tourist Information) www.bhutan.travel/attractions/natio Chhoten Lam, Thimphu nal-memorial-chorten Clock Tower Square "Vibrant Town Square" Situated in the heart of the city, the Clock Tower Square is the epicenter of tourism in Thimphu. Its main landmark, The Clock Tower, is a spectacular structure carved with traditional motifs like dragons and flowers. The square is dotted with shops and restaurants that are flocked by tourists. by aditya karnad +975 2 32 3251 (Tourist Information) Cham Lam Road, Thimphu Folk Heritage Museum "Heritage of Thimphu" Located inside a mud and timber made house that is more than 150 years old, the National Folk Heritage Museum showcases Thimphu and Bhutan's rich heritage. From replicas of wheat fields, barns to traditional interiors of a Bhutanese house, the museum offers a fascinating glimpse of Bhutan's by User: (WT-shared) way of living. A must-visit, this museum beautifully preserves and displays Shoestring at wts wikivoyage the culture and tradition of this country. +975 2 32 3251 (Tourist www.bhutan.travel/attract folkheritagemuseum@gmai Pedzoe Lam, Kawangjangsa, Information) ions/folk-heritage- l.com Thimphu museum/ Dochula Pass "Scenic Mountain Pass" Located along the Thimphu-Punakha Highway, the Dochula Pass is one of Thimphu's most picturesque lookout points. Perched at a height of 3100 meters (10,100 feet), the Himalayan pass affords views of the mighty snow- by clad Gangsar Puensum. The pass is also known for its 108 memorial G%C3%B6ran+H%C3%B6glun stupas that honor the sacrifice of Bhutanese soldiers. d+%28Kartl%C3%A4sarn%29 +975 2 32 3251 (Tourist Information) www.bhutan.travel/attractions/doch Thimphu-Punakha Highway, Thimphu ula JOIN US AT: cityseeker.com TERMS & CONDITIONS | PRIVACY POLICY | API | CONTACT US | Copyright (C) 2021 CITYSEEKER Powered by TCPDF (www.tcpdf.org).
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