Photos

I took this frame from the principal main square of Thimpu. It was a little bit stormy day but I got it in the exact time during the pause between two rainy period.

Thimphu is the capital of Bhutan, and also the name of the surrounding valley and dzongkhag, the Thimphu District. With a population of 98,676, it is the largest population centre in the country. Thimphu is located at 27°28′00″N 89°38′30″E and altitude of 2320m/7656ft.

Thimpu became a town in 1961 and grew as the capital of Bhutan. Before 1960, Thimpu was a small settlement but was developed by the King Jigme Dorje Wangchuk to replace the ancient capital of Punakha.

Today the city sprawls across the western slopes of the Wang Chhu river valley, with several government offices located around Tashichoe dzong.

Rapid expansion following the pattern of rural exodus has resulted in considerable rebuilding in the city centre and mushrooming suburban development elsewhere. Norzin Lam, the recently upgraded main thoroughfare, is lined with shops, restaurants, retail arcades and public building.

Elsewhere, 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. With on going preparations for the 2008 celebrations of 100 years of Monarchy and Bhutan's transition to Parliamentary Democracy, numerous construction projects are visible throughout the city.

Dechen Phrodrang Monastery, Tango Monastery, Cheri Monastery and Dechenchoeling Palace, the official residence of the King, are located to the north of the city.
Thimphu is the only national capital in Asia that does not have traffic lights. Local authorities had installed a set of lights but before they became operational the lights were removed. Instead of traffic lights, the city takes pride in its traffic police that directs the oncoming traffic with their dance-like movement of their arms and hands...