Exquisitely beautiful and brimming with traditional Bhutanese art, architecture, and culture, Thimphu is the tiny capital of Bhutan and described as Shangri-La by all who see it for the first time. As we spend the day exploring, we will see touches of modernity…each one introduced thoughtfully and gradually to protect the environment.
Our morning tour is geared to provide insight into Bhutan’s unique culture. We will begin with a visit to the National Library, which holds a vast collection of ancient Buddhist manuscripts as well as the world’s largest book. Then we will stop at the Arts and Crafts School, also known as “Zorig Chusum,” a traditional school that teaches 13 different arts and crafts. Then on to the TextileMuseum to catch rare glimpses of Bhutan’s finest textiles and watch demonstrations of production techniques such as weaving, dyeing, and spinning. Then on to a factory that produces hand-made paper before stopping for lunch at a local restaurant.
This afternoon we’ll visit the Handicrafts Emporium to see the exquisite artistry of traditional crafts and textiles, then drive to the Memorial Chorten, which was built in 1974 in memory of King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, the ‘Father of Modern Bhutan.’ This multi-storied monument displays numerous paintings and statues that provide a rare insight into Buddhist philosophy.
We will also visit the Takin Reserve where we will see the national animal of Bhutan—an odd beast that confounds experts, who haven’t managed to directly relate it to any other animal. A Bhutanese myth suggest that the takin is a cow-goat hybrid, but its strong resemblance to the North American moose is difficult to ignore. We will continue climbing to get a bird’s eye view of Thimphu and hike beyond the road to enjoy a stunning view of the entire valley. Snap, Snap!
We’re going to be ready for dinner at your hotel after all that!
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