Thimphu

Thimphu was established in the 1950’s to replace the former capital of Punakha. Situated in western Bhutan at an altitude of 2400m (7874ft) on the bank of the Wang Chu it is the country’s largest town but its population is still less than 100 000. There’s not a traffic light in sight, the atmosphere is relaxed and friendly and most of the places of interest can be enjoyed in just a day or two.

Dominating the town is the impressive Trashi Chhoe Dzong which houses the Central Secretariat, summer residence of the central monk body and the meeting place of the National Assembly. There is also the throne room and King’s headquarters. Nearby lies the world’s highest golf course.

Other places of interest include the Buddhist Painting School to see novices learning the 13 traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan, National Library housing an extensive collection of Buddhist literature mostly in block-printed format, Folk Heritage and National Textile Museums. Leave time to wander the local streets to discover small shops bursting at the seams with imported goods from India and China and religious paraphernalia. The weekend the market is not to be missed for its sales of local delicacies such as jellied cow skin and fried fern, dried chillies and yak butter as well as gorgeous hand-woven textiles.