Thimphu

Thimphu, situated at an elevation of 2,350 is the capital of the country and a widespread township. It is around 2 hrs drive from Paro and it has several attractive monuments and is the single most rewarding place to spend time in Bhutan.

Trashi Chhode Dzong:- It was initially built in the 17th century and was rebuilt in early 1960s by the third King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk. It is the main secretariat building which houses the throne room of his majesty and a summer residence of the central monk body. The outer structure is two storeys high with three storey's towers at the four corners. It has two main entrances one leads to administrative section at the south, and another to monastic quarter. It is open to visitor during Thimpu festival.

National Library:- It was established in 1967 to preserve many ancient Dzongkha and Tibetan texts. It contains collection of English-language books, modern academic texts, small collection of books about Bhutan etc.

National Institute for Zorig Chumsum:- It is commonly known as 'the painting school'. It offers a six years course that provides instruction in many of the Bhutan's traditional arts to the students.

SAARC Building:- This large traditional Bhutanese-style building was built in 1990s to provide a venue for meeting of the heads of the state and government from the South Asia Association for Regional Co-operation (SAARC).

National Memorial Chorten:- This large Tibetan-style chorten was built in 1974 to honour the third king, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. There are numerous religious paintings and statues reflecting aspects of Buddhist deities. it is one of the most visible religious structures in Thimphu.