3. Semtokha dzong:
The foundation of this dzong was laid in 1627 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal and was completed in the year 1631. It was the first dzong ever built in Bhutan. It was re-built in 2008 with great emphasis on retaining the original architectural structure intact. At present, it is used as the Royal Institute of Dzongkha Language.
It nestles on a lofty ridge about six kilometers south of Thimphu. The dzong has the series of over 300 finely worked slate carvings behind the prayer wheels in the courtyard.
4. National library:
It was established in the year 1976 in order to preserve ancient texts both in Dzongkha and Tibetan. The national library is a good resource for books about Bhutan.
Scriptures from all religious schools are represented here, including that from Bon tradition. Most of the books are printed on long strips of handmade paper stacked between pieces of wood and wrapped in silk cloth. Also on display are ancient photographs. A copy of the 1783 letter sent by the Desi (Secular ruler) to Samuel Turner, a British army officer and surveyor is also on found here.
5. Institute for Zorig Chusum:
This institute imparts courses in 13 traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan. It is also popularly known as “The painting school” and is a photographers’ dream. The students learn various skills like paintings, wood carving, embroidery and statue making. The course ranges from 4 to 6 years. The institute also houses a showroom that sells their work at a reasonable price.
6. National institute of traditional medicines):
The institute of traditional medicines, also called “Indigenous Hospital” was started in 1979 at Kawajangsa. In the institute, patients are treated using the various traditional medicines and age old methods. The institute also imparts the art of herbal medicines to students.
7. The folk heritage museum:
This old and restored building actually replicates a Bhutanese farm house from about a century ago. This life like museum provides a glimpse into rural Bhutanese life. You can also enjoy an authentic Bhutanese lunch with butter tea, chilies, dried meat and the lot at the restaurant there.
The folk heritage museum is dedicated to the traditions and lifestyle of Bhutanese. This museum portrays the daily life of the rural folk and also allows you to examine a traditional Bhutanese home.
8. National textile museum:
To learn firsthand about this tiny Himalayan Kingdom’s art of weaving, the national textile museum is worth a trip. A visit will introduce you to the major weaving techniques, styles and the type of textiles made by both women and men. If you are lucky, you may even come across a group of weavers operating their looms inside the museum.
9. Tashichho dzong:
The dzong (fortress), along the bank of the Wang chu river, is an architectural delight. It houses the Throne room, offices of His Majesty the King and the Ministries of Home Affairs and Finance. It also is the summer residence of the monk body.
Destroyed by fires in the 1700s and by an earthquake in the year 1897, it was rebuilt in 1902. Today, surrounded by well kept lawns and beautiful gardens, the massive structure provides a majestic grandeur to the city. Visitors can marvel at Bhutanese architecture and craftsmanship at its finest. The entire fortress was built without the use of any nails. Its courtyards are a place of gathering for the locals, dressed in their best attires, during the religious festivals.
10. The centenary farmers’ market:
The centenary farmers’ market, also called “The weekend market” is situated along the bank of Wang chu river. Come thursday, and vendors from all over the country start pouring in and remain until sunday night to sell their wares.
Walk around this market and you’ll find the air go from pungent to sweet to aromatic depending on the produce that is on display, from dried-fish to Dachi (Cheese) balls, seasonal vegetables and fruits and spices. Across the market and the footbridge, one can find a collection of clothing and handicraft stalls. While there are wooden bowls, prayer beads, amulets, prayer wheels and the lot on offer. If you look carefully you could find some treasure amid the heap.
11. Changangkha lhakhang:
This temple perched on a hilltop just above the valley constantly buzzes with pilgrim activity. Tibetan lama, Phajo Drugom Shigpo established it in the 12th century. The protective deity of the temple, Tamdrin, is supposed to bless newborns. Hence parents from near and far come here to bless their children and get auspicious names for them. Only a few minutes of walk up from the road, the monastery offers a magnificent view of the city below.
12. Craft bazaar:
The Centenary Farmer’s market is under the patronage of Department of Cottage & Small industry. It is in collaboration with the Department of Culture, Department of Tourism, Bhutan and the Department of agriculture marketing and co-operatives. This market offers genuine Bhutanese arts & crafts thus contributing in promotion, protection and preservation of traditional arts.
13. Jungshi hand-made paper factory:
Jungshi paper factory produces traditional handmade paper from natural plants mainly from ‘Daphne’ plant species. These papers are widely used for religious scripts, packing materials, hand carry bags, envelopes, calendars and many more. The paper looks a lot like Japanese “Washi” and in fact a lot of these papers are exported to Japan also.
14. Simply Bhutan museum:
Simply Bhutan museum is an exclusive project under the simply Bhutan museum Bhutan Youth Development Fund (YDF), built to offer a unique experience to its visitors. It is a living museum and studio encapsulating the cultural heritage of the Bhutanese people. A distinctive feature of Simply Bhutan is that it fully operated by young people and job seekers, who receive here on the job training in basic business & management skills, customer care and other spheres of life. The fund generated through Simply Bhutan is utilized to run many of the youth development programs for vulnerable and disadvantaged youth under YDF. Hence as a visitor, while you get to experience and enjoy this special place, you are also helping to ‘make a better today’, ‘a brighter tomorrow’, for the youth of Bhutan.
15. Zilukha nunnery:
Located in Zilukha on a high hill above Tashichho dzong, it houses over 70 nuns. The name Drupthob is of Thang Tong Gyalpo, popularly known for building iron bridges during the 15th century. One of his later re-incarnations founded the nunnery.
16. Changlimithang stadium & the archery range:
The national stadium in 1885 was the site of the famous battle of Changlimithang. The various sporting events like soccer are held here.
What is fun and exciting is the archery ground next door. Traditional bamboo or carbon fiber bows really don’t matter. The archers show off their skills and camaraderie with jabs and jibes thrown at the opponent. Songs, alcohol and victory dances are all part of the game.
17. Takin preserve:
This unique animal, with an appearance between a cow and a goat, is the national animal of Bhutan. There are a number of Takins in the zoo, which is located in a serene, natural environment in upper Motithang. The walking pavement all around the area offers a tranquil leisurely walk. Legend has it that the great Buddhist yogi, Drukpa Kuenley, created the animal.
18. Zangto Pelri lhakhang:
This temple is located next to the national stadium. It is thought of as one of the sacred passes to heaven according to the sacred books of Guru Rinpoche. It was renovated in the 1960s and possesses some impressive murals and art treasures.
This site was a former battle ground in the year 1885 that was crucial in proving the political supremacy of Sir Ugyen Wangchuck, the first hereditary King of Bhutan. Therefore, the temple was built on this spot to appease all kinds of evil spirits.
