Name – Koushani

Dewanji
Class – X, Section – E
Session – Afternoon
Roll No - 24
Location & Position on Map
Thimphu, also spelled Thimbu, is
the largest and capital city of
Bhutan. It is located at an altitude
of about 8,000 ft on the west bank
of river Wang Chu, also known
locally as Thimphu Chu. It is
situated in the western central part
of Bhutan, and the surrounding
valley is one of Bhutan's
dzongkhags, the Thimphu
District.

How to Reach
By Air – India to Thimphu flight is the best way to get to the city. But there are not many Indian cities that have
direct flights to the airport in Paro, which is the closest and only international airport in Bhutan. Kolkata is the
only city with daily flights from Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport to Paro airport.
By Train – There is no rail line that connects India with Bhutan. But there are Indian Railway stations which will
get you real close. Hasimara station in North Bengal is only 17 kilometres from the Bhutan border at
Phuentsholing, which means it is around 180 kilometres away from Thimphu.
By Road – The only state which has multiple land routes to Thimphu is West Bengal. There is Kolkata to Bhutan
Volvo bus service from Esplanade area.

Weather
Thimphu, which is in the northwest of Bhutan, has an alpine mountain climate, with
cold winter and warm summer, and with less rain in the monsoon season than in the
east & south.
Spring (Mar – May) Summer (Jun – Aug) Autumn (Sep – Nov) Winter (Dec – Feb)
Avg day temp: 17°C Avg day temp: 23.5°C Avg day temp: 23.5°C Avg day temp: 10°C
Avg night temp: 7°C Avg night temp: 14°C Avg night temp: 14°C Avg night temp: 2°C
Avg wind speed: 13km/h Avg wind speed: 13km/h Avg wind speed: 15km/h Avg wind speed: 19km/h
Avg precipitation: 57mm Avg precipitation: 120mm Avg precipitation: 42mm Avg precipitation: 21mm
Clear days/month: 21 Clear days/month: 20 Clear days/month: 20 Clear days/month: 26

5 Best Places of Interest

Trashi Chho Dzong: Know The Bhutanese
Past
Also known as Tashichho Dzong, or simply,
Thimphu Dzong, this is surely one of the most
interesting places to visit in Thimphu. This grand
fort also serves the venue for country’s biggest
annual festival tsechu.
Location: Chhagchhen Lam
Timings: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Sat – Sun),
5:30 PM – 6:00 PM (Fri – Sun)
 Changangkha Lhakhang: Pay Your
Respect
A popular Buddhist temple, this place was first
built in the 12th century under the guidance of
Lama Phajo Drukgom Shigpo from Tibet. The
place is especially visited by parents to receive
blessings for their newborn children. The white
fortress-like structure makes it one of the most
popular tourist places in Thimphu holiday.
Location: Changangkha Lhakhang Footpath,
Timings: 8 am – 6 pm
Weekend Market: Put on Bargaining Hats
Quite literally, this market is held on the weekend
at the banks of river Wang Chhu. Different
shopkeepers from Thimphu and neighbouring
area start arriving in the city on Thursday evening
and leave on Sunday night to set up their stalls for
the market. This is one of the best places to visit
in Thimphu to get a thorough idea of culture, food
and local lifestyle.
Location: Chhagchhen Lam
Timings: 7:00 AM – 8:00 PM (Sat & Sun)
Tango Goemba: Go Trekking
Originally built in the 15th century by Lama
Drukpa Kunley, Tango is another Buddhist site in
the city. Renovated in 2016, the place serves as a
centre for Buddhist studies. You would have to
trek uphill for about forty-five minutes to reach
the place. The chapels, meditation cave, living
quarters at Tango are one of the most interesting
places to see in Thimphu. You can also witness a
crystal here brought in from Tibet which is used
specifically for meditation.
Location: northern end of Thimphu Valley
Timings: 24/7

National Memorial Chorten: Meditate &

Pray
This chorten features as a daily place of worship
in many natives’ lives. Built in the Tibetan style
as a memorial to the third Bhutanese King Jigme
Dorji Wangchuck, the place is known for its
whitewashed walls and golden tiered roofs. You
will find beautiful mandalas and murals here. The
large prayer wheels are coloured red in this
chorten which see hundreds daily who meditate
here.
Location: Chhoten Lam, Thimphu, Bhutan
Timings: open 24 hours
Motithang Takin Preserve: National
Animal
The best place in Bhutan to observe Takin, the
national animal. Best time to visit this place,
which is one of the top Thimphu tourist
attractions, is in the mornings when the animals
gather around the fences to feed.
Location: Motithang, Bhutan
 Timings: Closes 5 pm

Accomodation
Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan, offers a variety of accommodations to suit different budgets and preferences.
Here are some options:
1. Hotels: Thimphu has a range of hotels, from luxury to budget options. Some popular choices include Taj
Tashi, Le Meridien Thimphu, and Hotel Migmar.
2. Resorts: There are a few resorts located in and around Thimphu that provide a serene and luxurious
experience. Examples include Zhiwa Ling Hotel and Dhensa Boutique Resort.

3. Guesthouses: For a more affordable stay, guesthouses are a good choice. They provide basic amenities and a
chance to experience local hospitality. Look for guesthouses like Hotel Norbuling or Damchoe's Guest House.

4. Homestays: To immerse yourself in Bhutanese culture, consider staying in a homestay. You can find
traditional Bhutanese homes offering accommodations through local tourism agencies or online platforms.
When booking accommodation in Thimphu, it's advisable to make reservations in advance, especially during peak
tourist seasons.

Cuisine
Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan, offers a delightful range of cuisine that reflects the country's unique flavors and
culinary traditions. Here are some highlights of Thimphu cuisine:
1. Ema Datshi: Considered Bhutan's national dish, Ema Datshi is a spicy chili and cheese stew. It combines
locally grown chili peppers with a homemade cheese called "datshi." It can be enjoyed with red or white rice
and is a must-try in Thimphu.
2. Phaksha Paa: This popular Bhutanese pork dish features thinly sliced pork belly or bacon stir-fried with spicy
red chili peppers and assorted vegetables. It is usually served with red rice or traditional buckwheat pancakes
known as "puta."
3. Momos: Like in many Asian countries, momos are a beloved dish in Thimphu. These dumplings are filled
with a variety of ingredients, such as meat (pork, beef, or chicken) or vegetables, and are typically served with
spicy chili sauce.
4. Jasha Maroo: This Bhutanese chicken dish is prepared with boneless chicken, onions, tomatoes, and a blend
of local spices. It is often served with red rice and accompanied by a side of vegetables.
5. Hoentoe: A traditional Bhutanese dumpling, hoentoe is typically stuffed with a mix of spinach, cheese, and
turnip greens. It is served with a tomato-based sauce and is a delightful vegetarian option.
6. Suja: This is Bhutan's traditional butter tea, made from tea leaves, butter, and salt. Suja is a popular beverage
in Thimphu and throughout Bhutan, offering a unique taste and warmth.
Thimphu also has a range of international cuisine options, including Indian, Chinese, Thai, and continental dishes,
catering to different tastes and preferences. Exploring local restaurants and street food stalls is a great way to
experience the diverse flavors of Thimphu.