Have you ever dreamt of being to Shangri La? If yes! then this is your chance to visit a place which may not have any relations with the above, but has all the qualities at the same time. Capital to the tiny Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan, Thimphu is perhaps the smallest capital in the world. Thimphu is a gallery of traditional Bhutanese art, architecture, culture, and tradition and above all still so ethnic and pure. For most part of its history, Bhutan has tried consciously to save its culture from the blunt influences of the western world. It is not that modernity has not reached this region, but they are being introduced in a phased and balanced manner that is unheard of at any place in the world. All these make Thimphu and other parts of the country a unique destination.

Come to the land of peaceful Dragon and enjoy the cultural vibrancy and natural splendor that Thimphu offers to its guests.

WHAT TO DO

Most important aspect Thimphu is its culture and its natural beauty, both of them giving it a unique advantage. Make sure that you have visited all the important attractions in Thimphu in the first place. Shopping for exotic items in the local markets and handicrafts emporiums is an experience in itself and shows you many aspects of local culture that is religiously protected from outside influences. Spicy cousins of Bhutan have no parallel on earth and dining in some ethnic restaurant is an unforgettable experience. Entire region around Thimphu has excellent trekking routes of different levels giving you ample opportunities for hiking, trekking, river rafting, and wildlife excursions.

HISTORY

Not much is known about the history of Bhutan because of its long seclusion from rest of the world. New explorations have suggested about the presence of men around this region in 2000 BC, but written history dates back to 2nd century AD only. Buddhism as the supreme religion and a way of life was introduced in Bhutan in 8th century when Indian Buddhist monk Padmasambhava (Guru Rimpoche) came to Bhutan and established many monasteries. The Drukpa sub – sect of Kagyud school of Mahayan Buddhism was established as orthodoxy by scholar Padmalingpa in the 15th/16th century. The rise of Drukpa sect also led to establishment of the theocracy of Druk – yul by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1616. Shabdrung is considered as the person who unified the country and constructed most of the remarkable temple – fortresses known as dzongs. He also started the dual system of spiritual and temporal leaders that was ended by Sir Ugyen Wangchuk in the late 19th