Thimphu is the capital of Bhutan with area of 2,067sq.km. Thimphu is also the name of the surrounding valley district. With a population of 104,214(2010), Thimphu Bhutan’s largest city. Thimphu is located at an altitude of 2320 m. / 7656 ft.
Thimphu – The Capital of Bhutan
- Population: 104,214
- Altitude: 2320 m. / 7656 ft.
- Location: Western Bhutan
- Airport: Paro International Airport, 60 km / Drive time: 1 hr
- Traffic lights: 0 (none)
- McDonald’s: 0 (none)
A man feeds pigeons at the Thimphu National Memorial Chorten.
Thimphu, just a very small town in 1961 and grew on to be the capital of Bhutan. Before 1960, Thimphu was a small village which was developed by the third King Jigme Dorje Wangchuk to replace the ancient capital in Punakha. Today the city sprawls across the western slopes of the Wang Chu river valley, with several important government offices located around Tashichhodzong. Rapid expansion following the pattern of rural exodus has resulted in considerable rebuilding in the city centre and mushrooming suburban development elsewhere.
Elsewhere, there is a mix of apartment blocks, small family homes and family-owned stores. By regulation, all buildings are required to be designed in traditional style with Buddhist paintings and motifs. A lively weekend market near the river supplies meat, vegetables and tourist items. Most of the city’s limited light industry is located south of the main bridge. Thimphu has a growing number of commercial services and offices which provide for ever-growing local needs.
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