century. Sir Ugyen Wangchuk became the first hereditary king of the country and its first reference to modernity. Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, father of the present king, is considered as the “father of modern Bhutan”since most of the developments that led the country towards modernity started during his reign. The present king Jigme Singye Wangchuck became the fourth monarch in 1974 and his coronation ceremony saw the entry of foreign media for the first time in the country. The first foreign tourist group entered the country very next year and started the process of restricted entry of tourists to save the culture and environment.

WEATHER AND BEST SEASON TO VISIT

Bhutan experiences four distinct seasons: Spring (between March and May), Summer (June to August), Autumn (September to mid – December), and Winter (late December to Mid – February). Most of the rainfall takes place in the summer. Winters are severely cold while spring and autumn are mild. Regional variations are immense and probably you will not be able to see that much of variance in a small region anywhere on earth. On the whole, October and November are the best months to visit Bhutan as the sky remains clear and mountains are visible, weather is mild, and most of the festivals take place during this period only.

ATTRACTIONS

Tashichho Dzong (Fortress of the Glorious Religion)
First built in 1661, the Dzong dominates the town of Thimphu. Except the central keep, the entire structure was rebuilt in 1961-62 and now houses the main government departments, the National Assembly, the throne room of the king, and summer headquarters of the Central Monastic Body.

Simtokha Dzong
Built in 1627, this Dzong is oldest in Thimphu and gateway to the Thimphu Valley. The Dzong houses Rigney School for Dzongkha and monastic studies. There are beautiful frescos and slate carvings in Simtokha.

Streets of Thimphu

The most enjoyable experience of being in Thimphu is to taking strolls around the streets here. Weekend markets of Thimphu sell everything under the sun that is being created in Bhutan. Hordes of villagers sell vegetables, newspapers, red chillies, traditional Bhutanese masks, and carpets.

Other Attractions
Other important attractions in the city include the new National Library, the High Court, the Royal Bhutan Golf Course, and Convention Centre.

IMPORTANT FESTIVALS AND EXHIBITIONS

Most of the festivals (tsechus) in Bhutan have some or other connection with Buddhism. These festivals are celebrated in the Dzongs with dances, music, and religious allegorical plays. Some of the important festivals include Bhutanese New Year in January/February, Buddha Parinirvana and birthday of Guru Padmasambhava in May/June, first sermon of Buddha and Yar Nyidlok in June/July, Blessed Rainy Day, Thimphu Domchey, and Tsechhu, and Nine Evils’ Day.

SHOPPING

Thimphu offers a wide range of products to the tourists to take back home as souvenirs. Handicrafts Emporium in Thimphu has the best range of handicraft products in town though the prices are somewhat higher