Holiday in Thimphu

About Thimphu

Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan, is the only capital in the world without a single traffic light — instead, a policeman in an ornate pavilion directs traffic. This small city in the Himalayas at an altitude of 2,334 meters is the center of a country that prioritizes its Gross National Happiness over Gross Domestic Product. The Tashichho Dzong is the impressive seat of government and monastery at the same time: a white-red fortress in traditional Bhutanese architectural style that houses the king, the parliament, and the country's abbot. The Buddha Dordenma is a 51-meter tall gilded Buddha statue on a hill above the city — inside, there are 125,000 smaller Buddha statues. Thimphu uniquely combines tradition and modernity: men wear the Gho (knee-length garment), women the Kira (floor-length wrap skirt) — by law, traditional clothing is mandatory in public buildings. At the same time, there are cafes, bars, and a small but vibrant nightlife scene. The weekend market by the riverside is Thimphu's social hub: chili in all varieties, yak butter, red rice, and handcrafted textiles. From Thimphu, the Tiger's Nest Monastery (Taktsang) in Paro is only 1.5 hours away — Bhutan's most iconic building, clinging to a 900-meter high cliff.