At the entrance of Thimphu valley stands the SIMTHOKA DZONG, consecrated in 1929.

This massive building is the oldest of the fortresses built by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal.

TASHICHHOEDZONG "The fort of the glorious religion", arises on the bank of the Wanchu, ...

... amongst roses, weeping willows and terraces of paddy fields. It houses the Royal Government ministries, the offices of His Majesty the King, the throne room and in summer, the nation's largest monk body's residence and also of the Je Khenpo, the religious chief.

MEMORIAL CHOETEN Prominently standing out of Thimphu, is the stupa styled monument dedicated to the late king, His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuk, who is the father of modern Bhutan.

The paintings and statues inside the stupa provide a very rare insight into Buddhist philosophy.

The town of THIMPHU is nothing like what a capital city is imagined to be. But nevertheless for Bhutan it is a fitting and lively place.

The wooden houses stand side by side with the concrete buildings, all painted and constructed in traditional Bhutanese architectural styles.

Government Handicraft Emporium displays a wide assortment of beautifully hand woven and crafted products. Great Souvenirs.