Thimphu: Sights and Discoveries of Bhutan's Capital

Getting There and Start of Bhutan Travel

Bhutan has always been on my 'to visit' list of countries, but somehow I mistakenly thought that it would be rather cumbersome to plan and apply for visa. While looking for a short trip for the year-end holiday, I looked up on Bhutan anyway. Since DrukAir flies to Singapore, I decided to visit the Drukasia office in Singapore to get more details.

Bhutan from the Air

Surprisingly(to me), Drukasia was able to arrange the entire trip. Apparently, the only way for foreigners (except a few nationalities) to visit the country is via a conducted tour. We booked a 6 days 5 nights trip involving a transit at Bangkok. We paid US$2045 per person (my guess: US200 x 5, US$855 for the flight and US190 for others?). The tour included all accommodation (3-4 stars), entrance fees, food, transport(A SUV), a guide and a driver. Drukair staff said the difference in airfare between economy and business class was US90, and we need not waitlist for the economy class ticket. So we paid for the business class seat.

Via Bangkok

The flight from Bangkok to Paro was 5:30am. We flew to Bangkok the day before and booked into the airport hotel. Then, we took the air-rail to Siam Square to have a late lunch (at Inter Restaurant),  shopped at Paragon and Platinum, had a massage at Chiang, and then had dinner before heading back to the hotel.
( https://mytravelbooket.blogspot.sg/2017/10/bangkok-short-trip.html )
When checking-in in Bangkok, do request for the seat at the left side for the Eastern Himalayas View before the plane lands in Paro.

Arriving in Paro - Bhutan

From the left side of the plane, the mountain range of the Eastern Himalayas came into view. After a 4 hour flight with a stopover in Badgodra, we landed in Paro.

View of the Eastern Himalayas

View from right seat of the plane

We were met by our guide, Chentuo and the driver Sonam once we exited the arrival hall. We drove from Paro to Thimpju, the capital of Bhutan

Thimphu (3 days 2 night)

The population of Thimphu is about 100000. We found that there are no big shopping centers there. Instead, the main road was lined with many small shops. There is no traffic light in Bhutan. Since Thimphu has more vehicle, a traffic policeman is stationed in the main traffic circle to direct traffic. (Hotel at far-end of picture ↓)

'Traffic Light' by a policeman

There are a few main roads, with one passing by the Clock Tower and shops complex.

http://www.tourism.gov.bt/map/thimphu

Achog Lhakhang Dzong and the iron bridge (on highway from Paro to Thimphu)

On the way from the airport, we stopped at the fortress Tachog Lhakhang Dzong to view the iron suspension bridge (under repair) and a separate bridge. Both bridges have many colourful prayer flags tied to them, which was an interesting sight.

The iron Bridge and Dzong at the far side

Separate bridge beside the iron bridge

http://www.tourism.gov.bt/about-bhutan/Gar-zo

Tashichhodzong (Thimphu Dzong)

This place houses the seat of the head of Bhutan's civil government and the King's office. It is open after 4:30pm. All local males must wear the scarf(or Kabney) when they visit the Dzong.
Festivals are usually held in the courtyard and huge silk applique thangkha (painting) are displayed at the front of the buildings.

Every evening at 5pm, there is a flag-lowering ceremony.

http://www.tourism.gov.bt/western-bhutan/tashichho-dzong
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tashichho_Dzong

Bhutan Archery

Archery is the national sport in Bhutan.
The target is 140 meter (archery range) away from the archer. The target seems so small and far away, yet the archers are able to hit them.

Archer aiming at target

Walking to the target board

Tango Monastery

The Tango Monastery is a Buddhist monastery located 14 kilometers to the north of the Thimphu.
We took about 1 hour to walk to the monastery located in the mountain. The path is slightly steep but well maintained.

Other than the mountain view and steps, there are prayer wheels, Stupa and bins along the path. Soon,

Estimated floors to the Monastery?

I find it interesting that there were so many bins with Buddhist scriptures written on them. They did distract me from the arduous climb and made for interesting checkpoints!

http://tangouniversity.org.bt

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tango_Monastery

Other places of interest that we visited
We also visited the Institute of Zorig Chusum, Simply Bhutan, National Memorial Chorten, Buddha Dordenma Statue and Takin Enclosure.

Food:
The food is surprisingly good. There were usually 3-4 vegetarian dishes, 1 meat dish and the local red rice. Most of the vegetables were organically and locally grown, while the meat came from licensed butchers; being a Buddhist country means you need to be certified to be one!

Hotel
We stayed at the Namgay Heritage Hotel. It is located in the town centre, a short walk from the main road. The room (a living room and a bedroom) was huge, and portable heaters are provided in the toilet, bedroom and the living room.

Some Interesting Discoveries (at least to me)

(1) Wide use of English
Education is free and all subjects are taught in English, with Bhutanese language lessons to complement. Hindi is also widely spoken because of the accessibility of Hindi TV programs.

(2) Bhutanese overseas Shopping
It is common for the Bhutanese to visit Bangkok to buy TVs and electronic goods. It seems like prices there are less than half that of prices in Bhutan. Case in point: If you are flying from Bangkok, observe how TV sets are one of the most common check-in items! India is also a popular shopping destination for the locals, as they border each other. The town of Phuntsholing (Bhutan) borders the Indian town of Jaigaon.

  "A pleasant surprise colors the day"

On the same trip
Bhutan : Thimphu
Bhutan : Punakha
Bhutan : Paro - Climbing the Tiger Nest
Bhutan : Paro, Hot Stone Bath, Weekend Market
Bhutan's Common Sights and Final Note