Thimphu
Thimphu
ཐིམ་ཕུག | |
---|---|
Cwb | |
Website | thimphucity.bt |
Thimphu (
The city extends in a north–south direction on the west bank of the valley formed by the Wang Chhu, which flows out into India as the
Thimphu, as the political and economic center of Bhutan, has a dominant agriculture and livestock base, which contributes to 45% of the country's GNP.[7] Tourism, though a contributor to the economy, is strictly regulated, maintaining a balance between the traditional, development and modernization. Thimphu contains most of the important political buildings in Bhutan, including the National Assembly of the newly-formed parliamentary democracy and Dechencholing Palace, the official residence of the King, located to the north of the city. Thimphu is coordinated by the "Thimphu Structure Plan, 2002-2027", an urban development plan with the objective of protecting the fragile ecology of the valley. Some of this development was undertaken with financial assistance from the World Bank and Asian Development Bank.
The culture of Bhutan is fully reflected in Thimphu in literature, religion, customs, and national dress code, the monastic practices of the monasteries, music, and dance, and in the media. Tshechu is an important festival when mask dances, popularly known as Cham dances, are performed in the courtyards of the Tashichho Dzong in Thimphu. It is a four-day festival held every year in September or October, on dates corresponding to the Bhutanese calendar.
History
Before 1960, Thimphu consisted of a group of hamlets scattered across the valley including Motithang, Changangkha, Changlimithang, Langchupakha, and Taba, some of which constitute districts of the city today (see below for district details).[8] In 1885, a battle was held at what is now the Changlimithang sports ground in Thimphu. The decisive victory opened the way for Ugyen Wangchuck, the first King of Bhutan, to virtually control the whole country.[9] Since this time the sports ground has been of major importance to the city; football, cricket matches and archery competitions take place there. The modern Changlimithang Stadium was built on the site in 1974. Under the Wangchuck Dynasty, the country enjoyed peace and progress under successive reformist monarchs. The third king, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, reformed the old pseudo-feudal systems by abolishing serfdom, redistributing land, and reforming taxation. He also introduced many executive, legislative, and judiciary reforms. Reforms continued and in 1952 the decision was made to shift the capital from the ancient capital of Punakha to Thimphu.[8] The fourth king, Jigme Singye Wangchuck, opened the country for development and India provided the needed impetus in this process with financial and other forms of assistance. In 1961, Thimphu officially became the capital of Bhutan.
Bhutan joined the Colombo Plan in 1962, the Universal Postal Union in 1969 and became a member of the United Nations in 1971. The presence of diplomatic missions and international funding organizations in Thimphu resulted in rapid expansion of Thimphu as a metropolis.[10][11][12]
The fourth king, who had established the National Assembly in 1953, devolved all executive powers to a council of ministers elected by the people in 1998. He introduced a system of voting no confidence in the king, which empowered the parliament to remove the monarch. The National Constitution Committee in Thimphu started drafting the Constitution of the Kingdom of Bhutan in 2001. In 2005, the fourth king of Bhutan announced his decision to hand over the reins of his kingdom to his son Prince Jigme Khesar Namgyal Wangchuk. The coronation of the king was held in Thimphu at the refurbished
Geography and climate
Thimphu is situated in the constricted, linear valley of the Raidāk River, which is also known as the Thimphu River (Thimpu Chuu). While the surrounding hills are in an altitudinal range of 2,000 to 3,800 metres (6,562–12,467 feet) (warm temperate climate between 2,000 to 3,000 metres (6,562–9,843 feet) and cold temperate zone between 3,000–3,800 metres (9,843–12,467 feet)), the city itself has an altitude range varying between 2,248 metres (7,375 feet) and 2,648 metres (8,688 feet). It is these two variations in altitude and climate which determine the habitable zones and vegetation typology for the valley. The valley, however, is thinly-forested and is spread out to the north and west. At the southern end of the city, the Lungten Zampa bridge connects the east and west banks of the Wang Chuu which flows through the heart of city.[2][13][14]
The Raidāk River raises in the snow fields at an altitude of about 7,000 metres (23,000 ft). It has many tributaries that flow from the Himalayan peaks that largely dictate the topography of the Thimphu valley. The Thimphu valley, so formed, is delimited by a steep eastern ridge that rises from the riverbed and a valley formation with gradually sloping topography, extending from Dechencholing and Simtokha, on the western banks of the Raidāk. The north–south orientation of the hill ranges of the valley means that they are exposed to moist monsoon winds which engulf the inner Himalayas and its lower valleys. However, the windward and leeward sides of the hill ranges have different vegetation patterns depending on the varying rainfall incidence in the two sides. Thimphu Valley, lying in the leeward side of the mountains, is comparatively dry and contains a different type of vegetation as compared to the windward side. Hence, the coniferous vegetation in the valley is attributed to this phenomenon. Punakha, the old capital of Bhutan, is on the windward side with broad-leaved trees dominating the topography.[2][4][13]
The city experiences a southwest
Thimphu | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Climate chart (explanation) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Climate data for Thimphu-Simtokha (1996-2017) | |||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year |
Record high °C (°F) | 24.0 (75.2) |
25.0 (77.0) |
28.0 (82.4) |
30.0 (86.0) |
32.2 (90.0) |
32.0 (89.6) |
33.0 (91.4) |
32.5 (90.5) |
31.0 (87.8) |
31.0 (87.8) |
27.0 (80.6) |
24.0 (75.2) |
33.0 (91.4) |
Mean daily maximum °C (°F) | 14.8 (58.6) |
16.6 (61.9) |
19.3 (66.7) |
22.4 (72.3) |
24.8 (76.6) |
26.7 (80.1) |
27.0 (80.6) |
27.3 (81.1) |
26.0 (78.8) |
23.7 (74.7) |
19.7 (67.5) |
16.6 (61.9) |
22.1 (71.7) |
Daily mean °C (°F) | 6.3 (43.3) |
8.5 (47.3) |
11.6 (52.9) |
15.1 (59.2) |
18.2 (64.8) |
21.0 (69.8) |
21.8 (71.2) |
21.7 (71.1) |
20.3 (68.5) |
16.3 (61.3) |
11.5 (52.7) |
7.9 (46.2) |
15.0 (59.0) |
Mean daily minimum °C (°F) | −2.2 (28.0) |
0.3 (32.5) |
3.8 (38.8) |
7.9 (46.2) |
11.6 (52.9) |
15.3 (59.5) |
16.5 (61.7) |
16.1 (61.0) |
14.6 (58.3) |
9.0 (48.2) |
3.2 (37.8) |
−0.8 (30.6) |
8.0 (46.4) |
Record low °C (°F) | −8.5 (16.7) |
−7.0 (19.4) |
−7.0 (19.4) |
−2.0 (28.4) |
2.5 (36.5) |
8.0 (46.4) |
11.0 (51.8) |
9.0 (48.2) |
6.0 (42.8) |
−3.0 (26.6) |
−6.0 (21.2) |
−7.5 (18.5) |
−8.5 (16.7) |
Average rainfall mm (inches) | 6.3 (0.25) |
9.2 (0.36) |
20.4 (0.80) |
29.9 (1.18) |
49.8 (1.96) |
97.7 (3.85) |
152.8 (6.02) |
120.8 (4.76) |
73.9 (2.91) |
43.1 (1.70) |
1.2 (0.05) |
3.7 (0.15) |
608.9 (23.97) |
Average relative humidity (%)
|
68.6 | 62.6 | 62.8 | 60.2 | 63.2 | 67.0 | 72.7 | 72.2 | 71.2 | 66.6 | 62.1 | 64.0 | 66.1 |
Source: National Center for Hydrology and Meteorology[15] |
Demographics
According to the census of 31 May 2005, the population of the city was 79,185 with a density of 3,029 per square kilometre (7,850/sq mi), with 92,929 over an area of 1,843 square kilometres (712 sq mi) in the entire district; the corresponding figure projected in 2010 for the district was 104,200.[16] In 2011, the city's population was about 91,000.[17]
Urban structure
Districts
Changangkha
Changangkha is a western central district, located between the
Changzamtok
Changzamtok is a southern district from the main centre, bordered by the Hospital Area to the west, by Gongphel Lam and the Wang Chuu river to the east.[18]
Chubachu
Chubachu is the central district. It is bounded by the Chubachu River to the north, the Wang Chuu River to the east and Changangkha and Motithang to the west.[22] Below Chubachu lies the Centenary Farmers Market which runs throughout the week. A weekend market is held on the western bank of the Wang Chu. To the west lies the Norzin Lam road which divides Chubachu from Motithang. This road contains the Bhutan Textile Museum and the National Library of Bhutan. The central road of the district is called Yanden Lam. The eastern road of the district is Chogyal Lam which runs northwest–southeast along the banks of the Wang Chu.[22]
Hospital Area
The Hospital Area is a central district of Thimphu. Located south of the Memorial Chorten, it contains the central roundabout, JDWR Hospital and the Royal Bhutan Police national headquarters.[23] The Gongphel Lam road divides it from Changzamthok District.
Jungshina
Jungshina is a northern district. It contains the Wangduetse Gompa.[18]
Kawangjangsa
Kawangjangsa (or Kawajangsa) is a western district, north of Motithang, and north of the Chubachu River. The Institute of Traditional Medicine, Institute for Zorig Chusum, the National Library of Bhutan, the Folk Heritage Museum and the Bhutan Telecom Offices are located in Kawajangsa.[22] The World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) has its Bhutanese headquarters here; it has been responsible for facilitating tiger conservation in Bhutan.
Langjupakha
Langjupakha is a northeastern district of Thimphu. Located on the eastern bank of the Wang Chuu it contains the Royal Banquet Hall, SAARC building and National Assembly and Centre for Bhutan Studies.[18]
The SAARCC building in Thimphu was initially built for the purpose of holding the SAARC (South East Asia Association for Regional Cooperation) conference, in the early 1990s. It is located across the Wang Chuu River opposite to the Tashechho Dzong. This elegant structure is built in a fusion of Bhutanese and modern architecture with high tech facilities. It presently houses the Ministries of Planning and Foreign Affairs. 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. The National Assembly meets here twice a year. The banquet hall is also close by.[24]
Motithang
Motithang is a north-western district of Thimphu. The Chubachu River divides the district from Kawajangsa further north and Chubachu district lies to the east.
Meaning "the meadow of pearls", the area only developed as a residential area in the 1980s, following the initial establishment of the
Aside from the Motithang Hotel, the district contains several notable state guest houses such as the Kungacholing and Lhundupling, Rapten Apartments and the Amankora Thimphu.[21] It also contains the National Commission for Cultural Affairs, a UNICEF station and several grocery stores, including the Lhatshog supermarket.[21] Schools include Motithang Higher Secondary School and Jigme Namgyal School. Other buildings in Mottithang are the Royal Bodyguard Camp and the Youth Centre.[25]
There is also a notable takin wildlife sanctuary in the district, named Motithang Takin Preserve.
Sangyegang
Sangyegang is a western district, north of the Chubachu River but south of Zilukha. It contains the Sangyegang Telecom Tower and a golf course to the east which expands north in the Zilukha part of the city.[18]
Yangchenphug
Zamazingka
Zilukha
Zilukha is a northern district, located between Jungshina to the north and Sangyegang to the south. It contains the Drubthob Gonpa/Zilukha Nunnery once belonged to the Drubthob (Realized one) Thang Thong Gyalpo often referred to as The King of the open field. In the early 15th century with his multiple talents he popularly became the Leonardo da Vinci of the Great Himalayas. The place also has a great view of the majestic, Tashi Chhoe Dzong (Fortress of Glorious Religion) and government cottages nearby. A golf course spans much of the district flanking the lower eastern part.[18]
City planning
Thimphu was selected to be the capital of Bhutan in 1952 but was not officially established as capital of Bhutan until 1961. It was then a hamlet of a few houses built, around the Tashichhoe Dzong. The city has expanded slowly over the years along river banks and on high ground. Lower plains along the river have also been occupied. It was only after the country was opened for foreign visitors that it grew rapidly. Thimphu is now a major city with all civic amenities such as well planned wide roads with traffic police controlling the traffic, banks, hotels and restaurants, institutions of arts, culture, media, sports and also the traditional
The residential area of the city constitutes 38.3% of the total area. In the non-residential area, 9.3% of the city consists of administrative buildings, 4% of commercial establishments, 10.1% is taken up by health, educational or institutional structures, 2% by industrial establishments and 3.8% by security.[26] The remaining 32.5% of the city constitutes dispersed open spaces with vacant lands, which need to be preserved in any future planning and expansion.[26]
The Thimphu Structure Plan is a modern urban development plan for the Thimphu city, evolved in 1998, with the objective of protecting the fragile ecology of the valley, including its rivers and forests. This planning was necessitated due to growth of automobiles and pressure on the public health infrastructure in the town centre, restrictions imposed on plot coverage and building heights. The plan was approved by the Council of Ministers in 2003.[28] An elected body, the Thimphu Municipal Corporation, is implementing the plan, drawn up by the American architect Christopher Charles Benninger. This plan is estimated to cost more than $1 billion when completed.[28] Funds for implementation of the plan are being provided by the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank. There are some disputed areas between land owners and stakeholders, which has resulted in the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank requesting the Ministry of Works and Human Settlement (MOWHS) to resolve the issues through a process of the agreement, before further funds are released.[13][29][30]
The clear planning concepts that have been established within the 'Structured Plan' are: the Tashichheo Dzong, Wang Chuu and the streams, Green Hills and their Forest cover, monasteries, temples, chortens and prayer flags, the urban core, urban villages and the urban corridor. The southern entrance of the city at Simtokha Dzong anchors the city limits with the Northern and Western limits of the Wang Chuu Valley.[30][31]
Under a development plan for 2027, much of the city will be car-free pedestrian zones filled with arcaded walkways, plazas, courtyards, cafes, and exhibitions, with automobile traffic confined to the edges of the city. Parks and footpaths will be developed along riverfronts, and no construction will be allowed within 30 metres (98 feet) of a river or stream. City planners also announced that the rule that buildings be constructed to reflect traditional Bhutanese architecture, which was often violated in the past, would be enforced more strictly. Many of the economic activities that take place in the city, along with military and police infrastructure, would be moved. It is expected that by this time, the city's population will have increased to 162,000.[32]
Urban expansion
Over the last 50 years, since its establishment as the capital of Bhutan, Thimphu has witnessed expansion, initially at a slow pace, then rapidly after the country was opened up to the outside world after the coronation of the fourth King, Jigme Singye Wangchuck. Broadly, the city's natural systems are under three categories: natural (forest, bush cover, river, and watersheds), agricultural (orchards, rice paddies, grazing lands) and recreational (public open space, parks, stadium).[13]
The urban expansion has seen a structured development plan for 2027.[27][30][33] The buildings will continue to be built to retain ancient Bhutanese culture and architectural styles but with a measured and modulated blend of modern development, meeting requirements of national and civic administration and all basic civic amenities such as roads, water supply and drainage, hospitals, schools and colleges, electricity, media centres and so forth. The monuments or buildings of note are the sprawling Tashichho Dzong, built like a fortress, which is the centre of Bhutanese administration as well as monastic centre, the Memorial Chorten, Thimphu and the National Assembly of the newly formed parliamentary democracy within the Monarchic rule. The Palace of the King located to the north of the city, called the Dechencholing Palace, the official residence of the King, is an impressive structure that provides a grand aerial view of the city.[2][5][27]
Rapid expansion following the pattern of
Within the core area of the city, there is a mix of apartment blocks, small family homes and family-owned stores. By regulation, all buildings are required to be designed in traditional style with Buddhist paintings and motifs. A lively weekend market near the river supplies meat, vegetables and tourist items. Most of the city's limited light industry is located south of the main bridge. Thimphu has a growing number of commercial services and offices, which provide for ever-growing local needs.[2][5][27]
Architecture
The traditional architectural monuments in Thimphu, as in the rest of Bhutan, are of typical Bhutanese architecture of monasteries, dzongs (most striking fortress type structures), chortens, gateways, Lhakhangs, other sacred places and royal palaces, which are the most distinctive architectural forms of Bhutan. Prayer Flags, Mani Walls and Prayer Wheels present a propitious setting throughout the urban agglomerate of Thimphu. The most prominent architecturally elegant, traditional Bhutanese building structures in Thimphu are the
These are further sanctified by the recent additions to the architectural excellence of buildings, a fusion of the traditional and modern architecture which are mostly post 1962, after Thimphu became the Capital of Bhutan and opened up for tourism under various Five Year Developmental Plans. The buildings under this category are the National Institute for Zorig Chusum, National Library, National Assembly cum SAARC Building, National Institute for Traditional Medicine, National Textile Museum, Voluntary Artists Studio, Royal Academy of Performing Arts, Telecom Tower and many more. The residential buildings in Thimphu have also undergone change in their construction methods without sacrificing the traditional Bhutanese designs said to be "reminiscent of Swiss Chalets."[14][30][34][35]
- Tashichhoe Dzong
The most prominent landmark in Thimphu is the
- Simtokha Dzong
- Dechen Phodrang Monastery
- Dechencholing Palace
Dechencholing Palace (བདེ་ཆེན་ཆོས་གླིང་, Wylie: bde chen chos gling) is located to the northern end of the Thimphu valley on the east bank of the Thimphu Chuu. It was the residence of the late Royal Grandmother, popularly known as Gayum Phuntsho Choden Wangchuck. King Jigme Singye Wangchuck was born here on 11 November 1955, but makes his residence at the Samteling Palace (Royal Cottage).[41][42]
- Tango Monastery
The
Tango Monastery is built in the
- Cheri Monastery
Cheri Monastery, also called Chagri Dorjeden Monastery, was established in 1620 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal; the first monastery established by him at a young age of 27. Zhabdrung spent three years in strict retreat at Chagri and resided there for many periods throughout the rest of his life. It was at Chagri in 1623 that he established the first Drukpa Kagyu monastic order in Bhutan. The monastery, which is now a major teaching and retreat centre of the Southern Drukpa Kagyu order, is located at the northern end of Thimphu Valley, about 15 kilometres (9 mi) from the capital. It sits on a hill above the end of the road at Dodeyna and it takes about an hour's walk up the steep hill to reach the monastery from there. According to Bhutanese religious histories, the place was first visited by Padmasambhava in the 8th century. In the 13th century, it was visited by Phajo Drugom Zhigpo, the Tibetan Lama who first established the Drukpa Kagyu tradition in Bhutan. There is a silver chorten inside the monastery that enshrines the ashes of Zhabdrung's father.[48][50]
- Buddha Dordenma
The Buddha Dordenma is a bronze statue, a 'Vajra Throne'
- Memorial Chorten
The
Other attractions
There are several other attractions in Thimphu such as the National Post Office, the Clock Tower Square and the Motithang Takin Preserve (an erstwhile Zoo).
- National Post Office and the Bhutan Postal Museum
The National Post Office, located in the north wing of the large General Post Office building on the Dremton Lam (Drentoen Lam), is where the famous Bhutan's Philatelic Bureau sells stamps and souvenir sheets of Bhutan stamps.[60] In view of their colourful presentation and limited issue, stamp collectors all over the world know that Bhutan is the first country to diversify and export quality stamps; particularly, 3D stamps are collectors items. The Bhutan Postal Museum opened its doors in November 2015 and is housed on the groundfloor of the General Post Office building.
- Clock Tower Square
The Clock Tower Square is a recently renovated square surrounded by shops and restaurants. Fountains and traditional Bhutanese Mani or prayer wheels make the place more comfortable. On one side, the luxurious Druk Hotel is situated. Various programmes and activities are held here. It was also the check point for the SAARC Car Rally.[14][61]
- Motithang Takin Preserve
The
Economy
Thimphu is the political and economic centre of Bhutan and the location of the central government.
A morning market is held on the central square during weekends. These are the only days when the residents of Thimphu can buy fresh fruit and vegetables.
The Loden Foundation, Bhutan's first registered charity, has been based in Thimphu since 2007. It is run by a board of trustees composed of prominent citizens, and the foundation has a working team in the United Kingdom (UK). The organisation was established to support education and promote learning and entrepreneurship in Bhutan and other Himalayan areas and to promote Bhutanese culture and religion in other parts of the world.
Tourism
Initially, when Bhutan was opened up for tourism in 1974, the Government-owned Tourism Corporation was set up in Thimphu to encourage and organise individual and group tours to destinations of cultural importance in Bhutan, concentrating on Buddhism, weaving, birds, nature and trekking, and any special package. This organization was privatised in 1994 and named as Bhutan Tourism Development Corporation. The corporation also owns and manages hotels and tourist lodges at all major tourist centres in Bhutan. It has its own fleet of cars and also interpreters in several international languages to cater to tourists from various countries.[64]
Thimphu does not have a vibrant night life but the number of nightclubs and pool rooms for young people is growing quickly.[65] Of note is the Om Bar which attracts a number of the Bhutanese elite and expatriates who dine and discuss their business ventures there.[65] The Plum's restaurant is frequented by civil servants. Other nightclubs and pool rooms include the Buzz Lounge, the Space 34 nightclub and the pool venues 4 Degrees and the Zone.
The main street, Norzim Lam, contains a number of shops and small hotels and restaurants. The Bhutan Textile Museum, the National Library, the Peling Hotel, Wangchuck Hotel, the Chang Lam Plaza, the Art Cafe, the Khamsa Cafe, the Swiss Bakery, Yeedzin Guest House, the Mid-Point South Indian restaurant, the Benez restaurant, the Bhutan Kitchen and the sports field are buildings of note around this street area.[66] 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. Near the main square is a clock, decorated with dragons, which is now an open-air theatre site and art and craft stores and the Tashi supermarket. In the building in front of the old cinema there is a Chinese restaurant and trekking stores. Some of the grocery stores such as Sharchopa are noted for their cheeses, namely Bumthang and Gogona.[67]
The Drentoen Lam street is located off the main street and contains the post office and bank and administrative buildings and several music stores. Doebum Lam road runs parallel to the main Norzim Lam and also contains the Chamber of Commerce, Department of Tourism and the Ministry of Trade buildings and the odd bakery. In 2006, a new shopping district opened between Doebum Lam and Norzim Lam which includes the Zangdopelri shopping complex, the Phuntsho Pelri Hotel and Seasons, an Italian restaurant.[68]
Government and civic administration
As the capital of Bhutan, most of the important political institutions in the country are based in Thimphu, including the embassies and the
Civic administration
The Civic Administration of Thimphu city is the responsibility of the Thimphu Municipal Corporation (TMC). It was established in 1995 through a royal decree. It became an autonomous corporation in 1999, following the enactment of the Municipal Act of 1999. Its headquarters is at the Lungtenzampa zone of Thimphu. The corporation is headed by a mayor (Dasho Nima Wangdi) who is called Thrompon in the Bhutanese language. The mayor is appointed by the Ministry of Works and Human Settlement (MoWHS). An executive committee comprising 17 members governs the corporation; 8 members are elected from 6 zones and 7 members are nominated from government organizations and meet nearly every 6 weeks.[71] However, its capacity to deal with the problems is hindered by lack of adequate staff (without any proportionate increase in staff strength to deal with its large jurisdiction) and its expenditure far outstrips the revenue earned.[72][73] In order to provide cost effective services, the Corporation (as the regulating body) has contemplated privatization of public services, particularly water supply, solid waste, sewerage and parking.[72][73]
Civic amenities
Thimphu metropolitan area has all the basic amenities. Further additions and improvements have been planned and are under implementation, as part of the ‘Thimphu Structured Plan’. Water Supply, sanitation and health care have been fully addressed.
Water supply and sanitation
Service-oriented municipal corporations have been established in the two biggest urban centres in Bhutan namely, Thimphu and
Access to potable water is available to 90% of the population in Thimphu, though water supply is intermittent, attributed to leakage and high consumer demand.[75]
Conventional piped sewerage with lagoon treatment has been installed in the core areas of Thimphu with coverage of about 70%. However, the urban sanitation issues that have been flagged for action are: to ensure provision of flush toilets or latrines with proper septic tanks and soak pits in all new houses; dismantling VIP latrines and long drop toilets; to provide piped sewerage and wastewater treatment plants in all urban areas, allocation of funds for piped sewerage and treatment plant and awareness campaign on basic sanitation.[74][75]
Thimphu also has an organised waste collection and disposal system. However, the quantum of waste generation in the city, which has about 6,982 households and 1,000 institutions, was projected to double in the period 2000–2010. At present, the solid waste disposal is at the sanitary landfill site, which may become inadequate soon. This problem is intended to be addressed by minimizing waste generation and adopting proper waste segregation methods.[74][75]
Law and order
Law and order in Thimphu and in the country as a whole are the responsibility of the Royal Bhutan Police (RBP), a national police branch of the armed forces, established in Thimphu in September 1965 when 555 personnel were reassigned from the Royal Bhutan Army. The organization is responsible for law and order, traffic control, and crime prevention.[76][77] In 1988, a fingerprint bureau was established in Thimphu, for which a female second lieutenant received specialized training. Bhutan became a member of Interpol on 19 September 2005; since then, Interpol has maintained a National Central Bureau at RBP headquarters in Thimphu.[78]
The RBP is headed by a
Health care
Basic health facilities are provided free of any charge to all citizens in Bhutan.
- National Referral Hospital
The National Referral Hospital (full name
- Institute of Traditional Medicine
The Institute of Traditional Medicine was set up in 1979 with assistance from
Lama Shenphen Zangpo
Lama Shenphen is a monk, author and social worker in Thimphu, who has worked with troubled youth since 1998.[87][88][89] He was born in Swansea, United Kingdom, but spent more than 28 years practicing and studying Buddhism in Taiwan and Japan. He also teaches meditation and organizes drug outreach programs from the popular Ambient Cafe, on Norzin Lam, the main street of Thimphu.[88]
In 2015, lama Shephen was awarded the National order of merit, Gold, by His Majesty the King in recognition for his contribution in mentoring Bhutanese youth.[87]
Culture
The culture of Bhutan is fully reflected in the capital city in respect of literature, religion, customs, and national dress code, the monastic practices, music, dance, literature and in the media. Modernity has been blended without sacrificing on the traditional Buddhist ethos.[90]
- Literature
Ancient literature of Bhutan is preserved in the National Library. The script used in Bhutanese literature is in the Bhutanese script (though evolved from Tibetan script) known as jo yig developed in the 16th century. The printing process of these books on handmade paper and its binding are display items at the National Library. Modern literature is still evolving and a religious biography of women titled delog is a popular religious work. There are many writers who write in English now, mostly short stories and collection of folk tales of Bhutan; a popular author is Kunzang Choeden.[91]
- Royal Academy of Performing Arts
The
- National Library
Established in 1967, built in the style of a traditional temple, the National Library houses many ancient
- Music
The
To promote music in Bhutan, two music schools have been established in Thimphu, namely, the Kilu Music School and the recently established the Himalayan School of Music. The Kilu Music School, established in March 2005, is the first of its kind in Thimpu where students are taught the essentials of music such as: to practice their music reading and writing skills, and to improve their listening skills.[97][98]
Kheng Sonam Dorji of Kaktong village of Zhemgang District, is a renowned and committed musician, vocalist, and composer who resides in Thimphu. He plays several instruments native to Bhutan and India. He learnt drangyen under the elders of Bhutanese folk tradition. His contributions to Bhutanese culture include a string of hit Rigsar (Bhutanese pop) albums and the sound tracks of the popular Bhutanese film, "Travellers and Magicians (2004)". He also participated at the Smithsonian's Festival of American Folklife (2008).[99]
- Cinema
Films made in Bhutan are very few. Quality of films produced is in a stage of improvement. National Film awards are presented in functions held in Thimphu to encourage Bhutanese film making. The only cinema hall in Thimphu, the Luger Cinema Hall, screens Bhutanese and Hindi movies; occasionally English/foreign-language movies are also screened here.[91][100]
- Thimphu Tsechu Festival
Mask dances, popularly known as Cham dances, are performed in the courtyards of the Tashichhoe Dzong in Thimphu during the four-day
- Nightlife
A nightlife has begun to develop in Thimphu. Nightclubs have begun to spring up in the city. Thimphu's nightclubs have a reputation for high-quality ambience, entertainment, food, and music, and have hosted prominent Western celebrities.[103]
Arts and crafts
The arts and crafts of Bhutan that represents the exclusive "spirit and identity of the Himalayan kingdom’ is defined as the art of Zorig Chosum, which means the "thirteen arts and crafts of Bhutan". The arts and crafts produced in Thimphu and other places in Bhutan include textiles, paintings, sculptures, paper making, wood carving, sword making and blacksmithing, boot making, bamboo craft, bow and arrow making and jewelry.:[35][104]
- National Institute of Zorig Chusum
The National Institute of Zorig Chusum is the centre for Bhutanese Art education. 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. Painting is the main theme of the institute, which provides 4–6 years of training in Bhutanese traditional art forms. The curricula cover a comprehensive course of drawing, painting, wood carving, embroidery, and carving of statues. Images of Buddha are a popular painting done here.[35]
- Handicrafts emporiums
There is a large government run emporium close to the National Institute of Zorig Chusum, which deals with exquisite handicrafts, traditional arts and jewelry; Gho and Kira, the national dress of Bhutanese men and women, are available in this emporium. The town has many other privately owned emporiums which deal with thangkas, paintings, masks, brassware, antique jewellery, painted lama tables known as choektse, drums, Tibetan violins and so forth. Zangma Handicrafts Emporium, in particular, sells handicrafts made in the Institute of Zorig Chusum.[60]
- Folk Heritage Museum
Folk Heritage Museum in Kawajangsa, Thimphu is built on the lines of a traditional Bhutanese farm house with more than 100-year-old vintage furniture. It is built as a three storied structure with rammed mud walls and wooden doors, windows and roof covered with slates. It reveals much about Bhutanese rural life.[35]
- Voluntary Artists Studio
Located in an innocuous building, the Voluntary Artist Studio's objective is to encourage traditional and contemporary art forms among the youth of Thimphu who are keen to imbibe these art forms. The works of these young artists are also available on sale in the 'Art Shop Gallery' of the studio.[2][24]
The National Textile Museum in Thimphu displays various Bhutanese textiles that are extensive and rich in traditional culture. It also exhibits colourful and rare
Religion
Education
It was only in the 1960s that roads were built in Bhutan and Thimphu when the Third King of Bhutan took the initiative after receiving education in it. Prior to that, education was limited to monastic teachings in monasteries, except for a few privileged people who went to Darjeeling to receive western-type education. Dzongkha is compulsory in all schools. Schools are co-educational and education is not compulsory but school education is virtually free.[106] Now, education has spread to all parts of the country. Thimphu has several educational institutions from schooling level to the college level in several disciplines. There are more private schools in Thimphu than in any other place in Bhutan, which are all under the control of the Department of Education. The National Training Authority administers three technical institutes.
The Royal University of Bhutan (known as the RUB) located in the city was established in 2003.[106][107] 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.[92] Students who graduate from this school primarily become Dzongkha teachers.[37][92] Also included is the Royal Institute of Health Sciences (RIHS), which provides training to nurses and technicians,[92] and the Royal Institute of Management (RIM) which provides training in administrative and financial management to mid-level manager.[92] Aside from the government run colleges, private schools and colleges have also been set up in Thimphu and other regions of the country.
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. This facility shall have an incubation centre, shared technology centre and data centre without any manufacturing facility. It is a joint venture project of Thimphu Tech Park Pvt. Ltd., of Assetz Property Group Pvt. Ltd., of Singapore and Druk Holding & Investments Ltd of Bhutan.[108]
Transport
Roads
The layout and position of the city roads in Thimphu are dictated by its unique topography. Most premier roads, typically wide, are aligned in a north–south direction, parallel to the river; the most important artery is the
Bhutan Transport Corporation runs a regular bus service from
The unique aspect of Thimphu roads and the traffic control over the road network is that it is one of the two
Air
Thimphu is served by the only international airport of Bhutan,
Twin towns – sister cities
Sports
The Bhutan Olympic Committee was created in November 1983 with the King of Bhutan as its President, with its headquarters in Thimphu. Following this recognition, Bhutan participated for the first time in the 1984 Olympic Games held in Los Angeles when three men and three women archers represented Bhutan.[114][115] For each Olympic Summer Games since 1984, Bhutan has fielded male and female archers. They have never competed in the Winter Games or the other events of the Summer Games; they also have never won an Olympic medal.[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. Archery is central to the cultural identity of the nation and as a result all tournaments are started with a ceremony. Women come to witness the sports in their colourful best attire and cheer their favorite teams. Men stand close to the target and taunt the players, if targets are missed. The targets are spaced at 140-metre (460 ft) intervals. Teams which win the tournaments celebrate with their supporters by singing and performing a dance jig.[118] Archery is organized nationally within the Bhutan Archery Federation.[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
Many modern sports are also played in the national stadium in Thimphu, in addition to locally popular sports mentioned earlier. The sports activities in vogue are football, basketball, golf, Kwon do (Bhutan earned a gold medal in this game in the South Asia Federation Games in 2004),[120] squash, golf (popular among the elite middle class) and in recent years cricket. Thimphu has 12 cricket teams and two small golf courses; one near the India House and the other between the Tashichhoe Dzong and the National Library, known as the Royal Thimphu Golf Course (a nine-hole course), established at the initiative of King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk in 1971.[120]
- Changlimithang Stadium
Media
The
Kuensel was first started in Thimphu as a government bulletin in 1965, and then became a national weekly in 1986 and was the only newspaper in Bhutan until 2006 when two other newspapers, namely the Bhutan Times and Bhutan Observer, were introduced. Kuensel, which was initially government-owned, became an autonomous corporation incorporating the Royal Government Press, in 1992. It publishes the newspaper Kuensel in English, Nepali and Dzongkha (Bhutanese) languages.[105][124]
Radio Valley FM. 99.9, a new private radio station, has started broadcasting in Thimphu. This is in addition to the older stations of BBS and Kuzoo FM.[123]
See also
- Mountain Echoes: a Literary Festival (20–23 May 2011) Tarayana Centre.[125]
- Punakha, the former capital of Bhutan
- Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck
References
- ^ Dema, Chhimi. "Thimphu votes for change". Kuensel.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r "Thimphu Dzongkhag". Government of Bhutan. Archived from the original on 2010-09-08. Retrieved 2010-06-08.
- ^ "Bhutan". Tourism Council of Bhutan:Government of Bhutan. Archived from the original on 2018-04-09. Retrieved 2010-06-07.
- ^ a b c d e "Introduction: Understanding Natural Systems". Government of Bhutan. Archived from the original on 2012-12-03. Retrieved 2010-06-07.
- ^ a b c d e Brown, p. 97
- ^ Palin, p. 245
- ^ "Economy". Tourism Government of Bhutan. Archived from the original on 2014-06-14.
- ^ a b Pommaret, p. 163
- ^ a b c d e Pommaret, p. 173
- ^ a b c Brown, pp. 39–42
- ^ a b c "Government". Bhutan Tourism Corporation Ltd. Retrieved 2010-06-09.
- ^ a b c "Bhutan: Political-system". Tourism Council of Bhutan:Government of Bhutan. Archived from the original on 2009-04-17. Retrieved 2010-06-07.
- ^ a b c d e f g "Thimphu 2020: Alternative Visions for Bhutan's Capital City" (PDF). Thimpu City Corporation, MIW and World Bank. 2001. Retrieved 2010-06-05.
- ^ a b c d Brown, p. 98
- ^ "Climate Data Book of Bhutan, 2018" (PDF). National Center for Hydrology and Meteorology. Retrieved July 13, 2021.
- ^ "Results of Population & Housing Census of Bhutan". Office of the Census Commissioner, Royal Government of Bhutan. 2005. Archived from the original on 2010-05-14. Retrieved 2010-06-07.
{{cite web}}
: CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link) - ^ "Thimphu city's pilot project aims to segregate waste | Bhutan Observer". Archived from the original on 2015-12-08. Retrieved 2015-12-02.
- ^ a b c d e f g Pommaret, p. 162
- ^ Pommaret (2006), p.181
- ^ a b Brown, p. 106
- ^ a b c d Pommaret, p. 181
- ^ a b c d Pommaret, pp. 166–167
- ^ Pommaret, p. 167
- ^ a b c Brown, p. 105
- ^ Brown, p. 214
- ^ ISBN 81-7022-887-5. Retrieved 2010-06-07.
- ^ a b c d e Palin, p. 253-254
- ^ a b "Thimphu Structure Plan". Bhutannica. Archived from the original on 2011-05-22. Retrieved 2010-08-02.
- ^ "Thimphu_Structure_Plan". Bhutannica. Archived from the original on 2013-05-17. Retrieved 2010-06-08.
- ^ a b c d e "Foreword". Government of Bhutan. Archived from the original on 2010-06-23. Retrieved 2010-06-08.
- ^ "The City Of Our Dreams". Government of Bhutan. Archived from the original on 2010-06-23. Retrieved 2010-06-08.
- ^ "Thimphu by 2027 | Bhutan Observer". Archived from the original on 2015-12-08. Retrieved 2015-11-11.
- ^ "Bhutan: History". Tourism Council of Bhutan:Government of Bhutan. Archived from the original on 2010-06-21. Retrieved 2010-06-07.
- ^ a b "Bhutan: Architecture". Tourism Council of Bhutan:Government of Bhutan. Archived from the original on 2010-06-20. Retrieved 2010-06-07. alternate URL Archived 2010-06-12 at the Wayback Machine
- ^ a b c d Brown, p. 104
- ^ Brown, p. 101-103
- ^ a b "Simtokha Dzong". windhorsetours. Archived from the original on 2010-01-03. Retrieved 2010-06-07.
- ^ a b "Thimphu: Sights". Lonely Planet. Archived from the original on January 28, 2013. Retrieved November 4, 2008.
- ^ a b "Motithang Takin Preserve". Lonely Planet review. Retrieved 2010-04-19.
- ^ "Dechen Phodrang". Windhorsetours.com. 2008. Archived from the original on January 3, 2010. Retrieved November 4, 2008.
- ISBN 1-900949-33-4. Retrieved 2008-11-14.
- ^ Holmes, Amy. "The Making of a Bhutanese Buddha: Preliminary Remarks on the Biography of Tenzin Gyatso, a Bhutanese Scholar-Yogi" (PDF). Centre for Bhutan Studies. Archived from the original (PDF) on August 11, 2010. Retrieved 2008-11-14.
- ^ a b Tshenyid Lopen Kuenleg. "Tango Monastery" (PDF). Retrieved 2010-04-17.
- ^ a b c Pommaret, Françoise (2006). Bhutan Himalayan Mountains Kingdom (5th ed.). Odyssey Books and Guides. p. 179.
- ^ "Bhutan 2008: Celebrating 100 years of Monarchy". Government of Bhutan. Archived from the original on 2010-02-05. Retrieved 2010-04-17.
- ^ "8 Days Cultural tour". Swan Tours. Retrieved 2010-04-17.
- ^ Lama Dhampa. "A Brief history of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel". kinlayg, Paro College of Education. Retrieved 2010-04-17.[permanent dead link]
- ^ a b Brown, pp. 115–116
- ISBN 0-670-99901-6.
- ^ "His Holiness the Je Khenpo begins tour of southern and eastern dzongkhags". Kuensel Newspaper. March 6, 2004. Archived from the original on June 10, 2011. Retrieved 2008-09-05.
- ^ "Consecration of the 169-foot bronze statue of Buddha Dordenma, overlooking the capital city". Keunsel. Archived from the original on 2010-03-25. Retrieved 2010-06-07.
- ^ "169 ft (52 m) Buddha Dordenma & Other Projects". Buddha Dordenma Image Foundation. Archived from the original on 2011-07-26. Retrieved 2010-06-07.
- ^ "Kuensel article". Kuensel. Archived from the original on October 29, 2005. Retrieved 2010-06-07.
- ^ Pommaret, p. 171-172
- ^ a b "National Memorial Chorten – Thimphu". Bhutan360.com. Archived from the original on 2011-07-07. Retrieved 2010-04-05.
- ^ ISBN 978-1-59311-734-4. Retrieved 2010-04-05.
- ^ "The National Memorial Chorten". Archived from the original on 2012-12-15. Retrieved 2010-04-05.
{{cite web}}
: CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link) - ISBN 1-86450-145-6. Retrieved 2010-04-05.
- ISBN 0-8248-2679-5. Retrieved 2010-04-05.
- ^ a b Brown, p. 114
- ^ "SAARC Car Rally completes Bhutan leg on day six". Press Information Bureau< Government of India.
- ^ Brown, p.87
- ^ "A Dream come true" (PDF). Panda Quarterly: Bhutan Program. 2005. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2007-01-08. Retrieved 2015-07-29.
- ^ "Tourism". Bhutan Tourism Corporation Ltd. Retrieved 2010-06-09.
- ^ a b Pommaret, p. 164
- ^ Pommaret, p. 165
- ^ Pommaret, p. 168
- ^ Pommaret, p. 169
- ^ Majumdar, Bappa (March 27, 2008). "CORRECTED: Bhutan corrects poll results, opposition shrinks". Reuters. Retrieved 2009-05-10.
- ^ "Bhutan votes for status quo" Archived 2011-04-29 at the Wayback Machine, France 24, March 24, 2008
- ^ "Thimpu City corporation: Background". Government of Bhutan. Archived from the original on 2011-07-06. Retrieved 2010-06-11.
- ^ a b "Thimphu Municipal Corporation". bhutannica.org. Archived from the original on 2011-09-05. Retrieved 2010-06-11.
- ^ a b "Thimphu City Development Strategy" (PDF). Annex IV: Thimphu City Corporation and its Capacities. Government of Bhutan. pp. 110–113. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2011-07-06. Retrieved 2010-06-01.
- ^ a b c "Country Paper for South Asian Conference on Sanitation (Sacosan III)". Government of Bhutan. Archived from the original on 2011-07-21. Retrieved 2010-06-08.
- ^ a b c "Bhutan: State of the Environment". South Asia Youth for Environment Education (SAYEN). Archived from the original on 2005-02-15. Retrieved 2010-06-08.
- ^ "Article 27 - The Constitution of the Kingdom of Bhutan". Archived from the original on 2012-01-08. Retrieved 2010-06-11.
- ^ Wangchuk, Rinzin (2005-01-06). "RBP Inducts 295 Recruits". Kuensel. Archived from the original on 2011-06-10. Retrieved 2010-06-11.
- ^ Dorji, Kinley Y. (2005-10-05). "Interpol will increase RBP's reach". Kuensel. Archived from the original on 2011-07-13. Retrieved 2010-06-11.
- ^ a b c "Police Profile, Background and Demographics". World Police Encyclopedia. Vol. 1. Taylor & Francis. 2006. p. 99.
- ISBN 0-8444-0777-1.
- ^ a b c d Brown, p. 269
- ^ "Bhutan tour". Sushant Travels. Feb 2020. Retrieved 2020-02-14.
- ^ "National Referral Hospita:Introduction". Government of Bhutan. Retrieved 2010-06-09.[permanent dead link]
- ^ "International Elective - Bhutan: Washington University in St. Louis" (PDF). Washington University. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2010-06-01. Retrieved 2010-06-09.
- ^ "Medical Waste In Thimphu, Bhutan" (PDF). Department of Medical Services, Government of Bhutan. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2011-07-23. Retrieved 2010-06-09.
- ^ Palin, pp. 255–256
- ^ a b "National Order of Merit, Gold awarded". The Bhutanese. Retrieved 2023-10-18.
- ^ a b Newspaper, Bhutan's Daily. "Addiction is not the end". Kuensel Online. Retrieved 2023-10-18.
- ^ Newspaper, Bhutan's Daily. "Beating a habit". Kuensel Online. Retrieved 2023-10-18.
- ^ Brown, pp. 59, 104–106
- ^ a b c Brown, p. 59
- ^ a b c d e "Thimphu is the center for various educational institutions". Bhutan Explore. Archived from the original on 2011-07-07. Retrieved 2010-06-09.
- ^ a b Brown, p. 104-105
- ^ "Tour of the National Library of Bhutan". National Library of Bhutan. Archived from the original on 2010-03-04. Retrieved 2010-08-03.
- ^ "The National Library & Archives of Bhutan". Library: Government Of Bhutan. Retrieved 2010-06-05.
- ^ "Sounds of the Thunder Dragon". Rhythm Divine: Radio National. Archived from the original on 2005-05-24. Retrieved 2010-06-08.
- ^ "Kilu Music School". Kilu Music School. Archived from the original on November 24, 2009. Retrieved 2010-06-09.
- ^ "Bhutan Music School". Kilu Music School. Archived from the original on 2009-11-21. Retrieved 2010-06-08.
- ^ "Music of Bhutan". Music of Bhutan. Archived from the original on 2009-09-27. Retrieved 2010-06-09.
- ^ "Thimpu Entertainment". Lonely Planet. Retrieved 2010-06-08.
- ^ a b "Introduction: Tsechus" (PDF). Bhutan Travel Bureau. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2011-07-07. Retrieved 2010-06-08.
- ^ a b Palin, p. 264
- ^ "Nightlife in Bhutan". 11 June 2013.
- ^ "Bhutan:Arts & Crafts". Tourism Council of Bhutan:Government of Bhutan. Archived from the original on 2014-06-14. Retrieved 2010-06-07. alternate URL Archived 2010-06-12 at the Wayback Machine
- ^ ISBN 1-85743-254-1. Retrieved 2010-06-09.
- ^ a b Taylor, p.795
- ^ Brown, p. 47
- ^ "Environmental Impact Assessment and Environmental Management Plan – Thimphu Tech Park, Bhutan" (PDF). Government of Bhutan. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2010-10-09. Retrieved 2010-06-08.
- ^ "A walk in the clouds". Indian Express. 2009-06-21. Retrieved 2010-06-07.
- Airline Business. Retrieved 2008-07-15.
- ^ a b Tashi, Tshering (2008-06-13). "Bhutan, Land of Happiness". Bhutan Observer. Archived from the original on 2010-08-12. Retrieved 2015-07-29.
- ^ Choden, Phuntsho (12 September 2009). "250,000 tourists a year?". Kuensel. Archived from the original on 5 March 2012. Retrieved 1 October 2009.
- ISSN 0970-1710. Archived from the originalon 2010-01-01. Retrieved 2009-10-01.
- ^ "Bhutan". Olympic.org. Retrieved 2010-04-20.
- ^ "The Athens Olympiad: Bhutan to compete in archery". Rao Online. Retrieved 2010-04-20.
- ^ "Archery: the Real Game is Played Elsewhere". Kuensel, Bhutan's national newspaper. Retrieved 2010-04-20.
- ^ a b "Bhutanese Archery". Interesting Things of the day. Archived from the original on 2010-04-02. Retrieved 2010-04-20.
- ^ a b c d Brown, p.62
- ^ Prince Claus Fund, Bhutan Archery Federation profile
- ^ a b Brown, p.62, 107
- ^ "Historic Changlimithang stadium inaugurated". Bhutan Broadcasting Service. Archived from the original on 2013-05-20. Retrieved 2010-06-07.
- ^ "Changlimithang Stadium & Archery Ground". Archived from the original on 2010-04-21. Retrieved 2010-06-07.
{{cite web}}
: CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link) - ^ a b Brown, p. 53
- ^ Brown, pp. 53, 275
- ^ Mountainechoes.org
rtpslot.vegas
Further reading
- Brown, Lindsey; Bradley Mayhew; Stan Armington; Richard Whitecross (2009). Bhutan. Penguin. ISBN 978-1-74059-529-2.
- Palin, Michael (2009). Himalaya. Penguin. ISBN 978-0-7538-1990-6.
- Pommaret, Françoise (2006). Bhutan Himalayan Mountains Kingdom (5th ed.). Odyssey Books and Guides.
External links
- Thimphu on Bhutannica
- Department of Tourism, Bhutan
- City map RAO online
- Thimphu Dzongkhag Archived 2011-05-03 at the Wayback Machine
- Five year plan 2002-2007
- 'A Walk in the Clouds', Thimphu in the rains, Travelogue in The Indian Express, 21-06-2009, by Arjun Razdan
- Attractions in Thimphu
- Thimphu Sightseeing Places