The Thimphu river valley and the sprawling southern suburbs of the capital city of Bhutan - Thimphu. The city lies at an elevation of 2,320 meters and in 2005 had a population of about 99,000. Thimphu was established as the capital of Bhutan in 1955. In addition to being the home of the King and the seat of government, the city is also the headquarters of the Je Khenpo, the supreme religious leader of Bhutan.
Downtown Thimphu. Key landmarks include the massive Tashichho Dzong or the 'Fortress of the Glorious Religion' in the distant center, the golden spire of the National Memorial Chorten in the foreground on the far left and the Taj Tashi Hotel - the orange-brown tower in the center of the image. Much of Thimphu was built in the last 20 years.
The Taj Tashi hotel - our home for two nights. A modern hotel that showcases Bhutanese architecture and design. The staff were exceptionally well trained and the service standard impeccable.
Looking into the National Memorial Chorten. The shrine was built in 1974 in memory of the father of modern Bhutan, the King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk - the third Druk Gyalpo who reigned from 1952 until 1972.
Young and old Bhutanese alike come to the chorten at all times of the day to perform the kora or circumambulation ritual. We completed three circuits in respect.
A special building next to the chorten used to house butter lamps. These lamps are commonly burnt in temples, monasteries, chortens and the home as offerings to gain merit. The flames of these lamps have been responsible for starting many tragic fires that have destroyed ancient buildings, priceless artwork and historical documents. In a more safety conscious world the lamps are now ceremoniously burnt in isolation.
Three fine slate carvings above the main gate to the Memorial Chorten - from right to left, Guru Rinpoche, the historical Budhha and Shabdrung Ngawang Namygal, the unifier of Bhutan in the 17th century.
The Fortress of the Glorious Religion dating from 1641 but largely rebuilt in 1965. The Dzong houses the King's throne room, the government ministries, the country's largest monastery and the offices of the Buddhist monk body. To the right of the Dzong is the National Assembly.
'Times Square' Thimphu!
The traffic policeman standing on the covered pedestal vigorously directed the traffic with a variety of somewhat difficult to comprehend but entertaining gestures.
Bhutan has 28,000 vehicles of which about 17,000 are registered in Thimphu. Outside of the city all roads are single lane in each direction and never straight for a distance that is much longer than about 20 meters!
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