1. Buddha
Point
The newly
constructed Buddha point which is the largest in the world measuring 169feet
stands on top of the hill overviewing the whole Thimphu City. It is a 10
minutes’ drive from the main town and the road passes through green passages up
hill. Once in Buddha point, one can view every part of Thimphu city. It is a
heavenly cloister, a place where every individual visits very often. Along the
way to Buddha point, it is a place where everyone comes to relax after a day’s
hard work. It welcomes with fresh air, greeneries and a clear view over the
Thimphu valley below. Just before reaching the Buddha point, there is another
interesting place called Kuensel Phodrang which is like a park overviewing the
Thimphu valley. It is a place of rejoice, a perfect spot for family picnic and
to get away from all emotions in life. Visit Buddha point and near areas if you
happen to visit Thimphu.
2. Memorial
Chorten
The Memorial
Chorten is located in the town. Before entering into the main town, it lies magnificently
at the side of the road. As the name suggest, it was built in the memory of the
third King of Bhutan. It is a place of worship for many all, both young and
old. It is a three storied structure which are being held firm by the four
lions in four directions with the help of an iron chains. Everybody starting form
morning till late night, people go there to pray and receive blessings. It is a
place where many old people from all walks of life come there to pray and spend
time with their old buddies talking of old times.
3. Dzongs/Fortress
The Dzongs in
Bhutan are mostly built by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in the 16th
Century who came to Bhutan from Tibet. There are two important Dzongs in
Thimphu City. One is the oldest Dzong in Bhutan, the Simtokha Dzong which was
built in 1629. It is located south of Thimphu City at about 4.5 Kms. The other
Dzong is the seat of His Majesty and the Je Khenpo (Secular Head), Tashichho
Dzong. The Dzong was rebuilt several times and the current Dzong was renovated
and enlarged at the time of His Majesty the Second of Bhutan. The huge magnificent
Dzong was built without using a single nail or without having drawn a single
line on paper. It was built by the Bhutanese Architects.
4. Monasteries
There are many monasteries
within and at the extremity of Thimphu Thromde. The Changangkha Monastery lies within
the city, about 5-10 minutes’ drive from the main town. It is also located over
viewing the Thimphu City below. The Tandin Ney (sacred place) is located at the
top of the hill facing Thimphu City. There is no settlement nearby and it also overlooks
the most of the part of the city. Dechenphodrang Monastery lies above Tashi
Chhodzong. It is a monastic school; many small monks are being trained there.
Going above Dechenphodrang monastery are Wangdue Tse and Chhoekhor Tse which
lies high up in the woods. Towards north is Tango and Chari Monastery which is
a seat of Desi Tenzin Rabgay. Towards south we have Thada goenpa and Talakha
Monastery located high in the hills. These monasteries and very significant and
are considered very holy. People during the auspicious day visit these
monasteries to pray and receive blessings.
5. Coronation
Park
The coronation
park is located within Thimphu City along the Wangchhu River. It was
constructed to commemorate the coronation of the 5th King of Bhutan.
This is a place of rejoice and many people young and old go there to relax with
the clear view of the stream flowing nearby. It is decorated with beautiful
flowers and also there is a statue of a 45 feet standing Budhha on a lotus
facing the city. The place is green and lively.
6. Sangaygang
Sangaygang point
is located about 5-6Kms away from Thimphu main city. It is located on the way
to Wangduetse and Chhoekhortse monasteries discussed above. The point is
located above with a clear view over Thimphu valley, especially the northern
part of the city. The point is a place where many people visit during holidays.
The place is decorated with colorful prayer flags.
7. Takin
Zoo
Takin is a
National animal of Bhutan. The Zoo is located on the way to Sangay point some
5KMs from the main town. The story says the Takin is a combination of goat and
cow. It has a goat head and a body of a cow. The biography of Lam Drukpa Kuenly
(The divine mad man) says that the lama after having the meat of a goat and
cow, he snapped his finger and said “go and graze” and the animal stood and
went to graze. It so happened that, the animal has a goat head and a body of a
cow. This story is clearly narrated on the sign. The zoo is open to all unless
we disturb the animals in any way.
8. Botanical
Garden
The Royal
Botanical Garden is located about 15 Kms south of Thimphu city. The garden contain
all kinds if flora and fauna which are native to Bhutan. The place is also a
lovely picnic spot for Bhutanese and tourist. The place is green with beautiful
flower and trees and other animals. It gives the true beauty of nature where by
the people go on leave and camping.
9. Dochula
Dochula is a
pass just before entering Thimphu valley if we dive form east. It is 30 Km drive
uphill from Thimphu town at about 3000m above sea level. It experiences early
snowfall and lies in the think forest. The place also has 108 chortens built in
the middle of the road. The travellers make a round around the chortens as it
is believed that they are being blessed. It is also a famous tourist destiny.
10. Phajoding
Phajoding is
located quite far away from Thimphu City but it is a famous hiking place for
both local men and the tourist. It is located high above the hill and a perfect
destiny for trekking. There are also monasteries and lakes in the Phajoding. It
is a three hour hike up hill. People during holidays go for camping and it is the
also the perfect spot for early snow fall.