-| Thimpu, Bhutan |-

altitude - 2350 mts

temperature - 11 deg / 5 deg

The capital of Bhutan is approached from Paro by following the Thimpu Chhu river. The scale of the city is much different from Paro with its share of flyovers,  4 storey high-rises, crowd and of course the mountains.

We had to choose from a variety of options of site seeing and decided on places of our common interests.

National Institute for Zorig Chusum gave us a glimpse of all the 13 arts it teaches - wood  carving (masks, statues, bowls), sculpture,  metallurgy, ceramics, painting (furniture, thangka's),  embroidery (hangings, boots, clothes). It was fantastic to see young boys and girls bring various materials to life. How I wish even India would start having such institutions to make sure all our beautiful arts are preserved and carried ahead to next generations.

National Textile museum  We learned about the various weaves and patterns from all across the country. How terrain affects the attire and material and how the royals are distinguished from the commoners. We weren't allowed to click photos inside the museum.

Craft street

Just like we have our colaba causeway,  they have their craft street - Authentic Bhutanese Crafts. Only we could stroll leisurely without stepping on others feet!

It was a haven of arts and crafts - people creating and selling all in one place. 

We had food at Yunling Inn amidst stares and smiles - yup we had street food in Bhutan!

Our next stop was Junghi paper factory, and there is so much to describe that it needs another blog. (see Junghi paper factory, Thimpu) An evening walk was filled with sights of people relaxing, getting ready to attend the concert and of course food. 

 And yes, Jamyang took us to the highest point in the city to watch the Dechencholing Palace (Royal Palace). 

Street images from our hotel room 

Royal college of Thimpu is the project which Yashashree has worked on. It was a pure pleasure to watch her watch her work! Beautiful building with good sensible use of slopes. All the local stencils used in a modern palette.

Our next visit made us connect with the locals in their arena. Local market which is on every Friday,  Saturday and Sunday. We walked through aisles and aisles with displays of fruits,  vegetables, dried fish, cereals, local farm produces, incense and spices.

(random picture of signage  on road) 

(school kids on street cleaning program - outside the market)

(local cheese)

And after having a sumptuous meal, we got ready for another town.