Clubs here close early though - around 1am on weekends. THERE ARE 3 CINEMAS, BUT NO FOREIGN FILMS ARE SCREENED HERE. [10] However, in 1986, platforms were erected and in 1989 covered market halls were built over the platforms. Jungshina is a northern district. The stadium that was built in 1974 to celebrate the Coronation of the fourth Druk Gyalpo, King Jigme Singye Wangchuck in 1974. The library also houses an old printing press that was used for printing books and prayer flags. In the early 15th century with his multiple talents he popularly became the Leonardo da Vinci of the Great Himalayas. It is a religious folk dance form of Drukpa Buddhism, which was established in 1670. Lumbering is also important, and there is a sawmill in the city. They also invite the occasional guest DJs from countries like Thailand. Motithang is a north-western district of Thimphu. Thimphu, also spelled Thimbu, capital of Bhutan. ​The strays here are well-taken care of by the locals. But consider this: it has a much lower population density at 4,000/sq km, compared to Singapore's density at 7,796/km sq!​. The eastern road of the district is Chogyal Lam which runs northwest–southeast along the banks of the Wang Chu.[24]. The National Assembly, which used to meet in the Tashechhoe Dzong until 1993, is now held in this building in an elaborately decorated assembly hall at the end of two long decorated corridors. ​Coming here as a tourist, this attraction is a must-visit while in Thimphu. But the modus operandi is similar: Girls still approach customers to dedicate songs for them to dance. Thimphu is the fifth highest capital in the world by altitude and ranges in altitude from 2,248 metres (7,375 feet) to 2,648 metres (8,688 feet). Karen Lim is a freelance writer who is currently based in Thimpu, Bhutan. [71], As the capital of Bhutan, most of the important political institutions in the country are based in Thimphu, including the embassies and the National Assembly of Bhutan.
[84] Every citizen is treated free of any charge including foreign tourists needing medical care. Some have also won awards at international film festivals too. Yangchenphug is an eastern district, located across the Wang Chu River from the city centre and contains the Lungten Zampa Middle School and Yangchenphug High School. The city, situated in the west-central part of the country, is in the Himalaya Mountains on the Raidak (also called Thimphu, or Wong) River at about 7,000 feet (2,000 metres) above sea level. These colourfully costumed, masked dances (performed mostly by monks) typically are moral vignettes, or based on incidents from the life of the 9th century Nyingmapa teacher Padmasambhava and other saints. [3][56] In 2008, it underwent extensive renovation. [91][100], Mask dances, popularly known as Cham dances, are performed in the courtyards of the Tashichhoe Dzong in Thimphu during the four-day Tsechu festival, held every year during Autumn (September/October) on dates corresponding to the Bhutanese calendar. IT IS THE 5TH HIGHEST CAPITAL CITY BY ELEVATION. And no, you won't get altitude sickness here, although you might experience slight breathlessness while walking uphill.

If you're wondering what music they play, it's a mix of top 40s, hip-hop, R&B, K-pop, and Bhutanese and Bollywood music. The plan was approved by the Council of Ministers in 2003. He also introduced many executive, legislative, and judiciary reforms. Quality of films produced is in a stage of improvement. [111] Tashi Air is a private airline recently[when?] Contrary to what many might think about Bhutan (traditional, conservative, laid-back etc.
[8] Tourism, though a contributor to the economy, is strictly regulated, maintaining a balance between the traditional, development and modernization. [3][5] Continuous rainfall for several days occurs resulting in landslides and blockage of roads. The present activities at the academy are being reorganised with further expansion of its programs, including curriculum development for teaching. [81], The RBP is headed by a chief of police who is under the control of the Ministry of Home and Cultural Affairs. The principal crops in the area are rice, corn (maize), and wheat. This location was the palace of Sherab Wangchuck, the 13th Desi Druk. Drayangs are what I call the "watered down version of Singapore's Thai discos" and what some have dubbed as the "dark secret of Bhutan". King Jigme Singye Wangchuck was born here on 11 November 1955, but makes his residence at the Samteling Palace (Royal Cottage). IT IS ALSO HOME TO ONE OF THE WORLD'S LARGEST PUBLISHED BOOKS, Housed in the National Library of Bhutan, this photography book by Michael Hawley from US was considered the world' largest printed book by the Guinness World of Records up until 2007. [99], Films made in Bhutan are very few. : 201815023K. The day-to-day affairs of the council are under the charge of the chief abbot.[105]. The mayor is appointed by the Ministry of Works and Human Settlement (MoWHS). [119], Since monks are not permitted to participate in archery they indulge in another popular sports called the daygo - a stone throwing sport, which involves throwing flat circular stone like a discus. The cinemas here do not show foreign films and only screen local Bhutanese movies - and with no subtitles too. The total population in the entire Bhutan now stands at 817,054, according to Worldometers. It was set up by the Government of Bhutan with the sole objective of preserving the rich culture and tradition of Bhutan and training students in all traditional art forms. ​So when you do come here, just embrace the fact that the dogs are part of the eco-system of Thimphu and there's nothing anyone - not even the hotel staff - can do about it. [20], Thimphu was selected to be the capital of Bhutan in 1952 but was not officially established as capital of Bhutan until 1961. [3][6][28][29], The residential area of the city constitutes 38.3% of the total area. [20], Chubachu is the central district. Numerous archery tournaments are held here with both the imported compound bows and traditional bamboo bows. Thimphu (/tɪmˈpuː/; Dzongkha: ཐིམ་ཕུ [tʰim˥.pʰu˥]; formerly spelt as Thimbu[1] or Thimpu[2]) is the capital and largest city of Bhutan. [116][117], Archery (datse) is the national sport of Bhutan, which is played not only with traditional bows and arrows but also with modern archery techniques at the Changlimithang Sports and Archery Stadium in Thimphu. If you're interested in finding out more, click on the blog link provided above. This university includes several colleges including the Institute for Language and Culture Studies (ILCS) which provides training to undergraduate students in national language, culture and traditions of Bhutan at Simtokha Dzong. The hand gestures of these traffic controllers seem to come across as a little bit exaggerated and looks like he's dancing. ​In fact, the strays here are healthy, well-fed and I've even labelled them as the "happiest street dogs in the world" and #sleepingdogsofbhutan - because they sleep EVERYWHERE and ANYWHERE. Service-oriented municipal corporations have been established in the two biggest urban centres in Bhutan namely, Thimphu and Phuentsholing. IT IS THE POLITICAL AND ECONOMIC CENTRE OF BHUTAN. With World Bank funding, an IT Park is proposed in an area of 50,000 square feet (4,600 m2), in 1,700 acres (690 ha) of land at Babesa, within Thimphu's municipal limits.

[69] Other notable hotels in the area include the elegant Druk Hotel, Druk Sherig Guesthouse, Hotel Jumolhari (noted for its Indian cuisine), Hotel Dragon Roots (established in 2004) and Hotel Senge. According to local legend, the location of this monastery is the holy place where Avalokiteshvara revealed himself as "the self-emanated form of the Wrathful Hayagriva".