Thimphu (Tibetan script: ཐིམ་ཕུག།) is the capital of Bhutan, and also the name of the surrounding valley and dzongkhag, the Thimphu District. With a population of 98,676 (2005 PHCB), it is also Bhutan's largest city. Thimphu is located at 27°28′00″N 89°38′30″ECoordinates: 27°28′00″N 89°38′30″E, altitude of 2320m/7656ft.
Overview
Central Thimphu
Thimphu became a town in 1961 and grew as the capital of Bhutan. Before 1960, Thimphu was a small settlement but was developed by the King Jigme Dorje Wangchuk to replace the ancient capital of Punakha.
Today the city sprawls across the western slopes of the Wang Chuu river valley, with several government offices located around Tashichoe dzong.
Rapid expansion following the pattern of rural exodus has resulted in considerable rebuilding in the city centre and mushrooming suburban development elsewhere. Norzin Lam, the recently upgraded main thoroughfare, is lined with shops, restaurants, retail arcades and public buildings.
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. With on going preparations for the 2008 celebrations of 100 years of Monarchy and Bhutan's transition to Parliamentary Democracy, numerous construction projects are visible throughout the city.
Dechen Phrodrang Monastery, Tango Monastery, Cheri Monastery and Dechencholing Palace, the official residence of the King, are located to the north of the city.
Climate
Thimphu features a monsoon-influenced subtropical highland climate with mild summers and relatively cool winters. Primarily due to its high elevation, summers are not nearly as warm as other cities at similar latitudes such as Delhi. Thimphu features a wet season which runs from May through September and a dry season that covers the remainder of the year. Thimphu averages about 1400 mm of precipitation per year[1], the bulk of which is received during the monsoonal wet season.
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