Kuzuzangpola (Hello) everyone! Autumn has well and truly begun in September. The month also marks the beginning of one of the high seasons for tourism. In commemoration of the season we will be focusing on the capital city Thimphu! The Kingdom’s capital city is home to approximately 100,000 inhabitants including the Royal family. This bustling little city is the main center of commerce, religion and government in the country. Thimphu is the most modern city in Bhutan with an abundance of restaurants, internet cafes, nightclubs and shopping centers, however it still retains its’ cultural identity and values amidst the signs of modernization. This month we will step into the living heart of the Thunder Dragon.

WHAT TO SEE The District of Thimphu (Thimphu Dzongkhag) Druk Wangyal Lhakhang and Chortens: Set high atop the mist-wreathed Dochula pass is the 108 Druk Wangyal Chortens and Lhakhang (temple). This site is a popular location among tourists as it offers a stunning 360 degree panoramic view of Himalayan mountain range. The view is especially scenic on clear, winter days with snowcapped mountains forming a majestic backdrop to the tranquility of the 108 chortens gracing the mountain pass. Known as the Druk Wangyal Chortens - the construction of these 108 chortens was commissioned by the eldest Queen Mother, Her Majesty Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuk. The Druk Wangyal Festival Ground is located close to the temple and is the site for the annual Dochula Tshechu which takes place every December 13th. The Tshechu is one of the newest religious festivals that has been organized in the country and features fantastic religious dances. Memorial Chorten: TheNational Memorial Chorten was consecrated on July 28, 1974 in memory of the Third King. It is a monument to the Third Druk Gyalpo and to World Peace. Visitors will always find elderly Bhutanese people circumambulating the Chorten throughout the day. Chorten literally means 'Seat of Faith' and Buddhists often call such monuments, the 'Mind of Buddha'. The chorten is an extraordinary example of Buddhist architecture and artwork with its gorgeous paintings and intricate sculptures. Folk Heritage Museum:Located in the capital city Thimphu, this museum was established in 2001 and provides visitors and tourists with fascinating insights into the Bhutanese material culture and way of life. The Folk Heritage Museum is set inside a three storied, 19th century traditional house. It gives you a glimpse of the traditional Bhutanese lifestyle, in addition to artifacts from rural households. It also displays an impressive collection of typical household objects, tools and equipment. The museum organizes regular demonstrations of rural traditions, skills, habits and customs as well as hosting educational programs for children. The museum also organizes an open air buffet lunch and dinner offering visitors a taste of traditional cuisine. The menu for such arrangements is available at the Museum and consists of a variety of traditional dishes from every region of the Kingdom. Learn more at: http://www.tourism.gov.bt/western-bhutan/folk-heritage-museum WHAT TO DO Thimphu Tshechu: One of the biggest festivals in the country is the Thimphu Tshechu. This festival is held in the capital city for three days beginning on 10th day of the 8th month of lunar calendar. This Tshechu is witnessed by thousands of people many of which travel from neighboring Dzongkhags (districts) to attend the festivities. The actual Tshechu is preceded by days and nights of prayer and rituals to invoke the gods. See more at: http://www.tourism.gov.bt/activities/thimphu-tshechu#sthash.ddOMyCq9.dpuf To farmers, the Tshechu is also seen as a break from farm life. It's an occasion to celebrate, receive blessings and pray for health and happiness. For more information on the Thimphu Tshechu visit our website at: http://www.tourism.gov.bt/activities/thimphu-tshechu Thimphu Dromchoe: Besides the annual three day Tshechu, Thimphu also celebrates a one day festival known as heThimphu Dromchoe. The day long festival dates back to the 17th century. It was first introduced by Kuenga Gyeltshen in 1710, who was recognized as the reincarnation of Jampel Dorji, son of Zhabdrung Nawang Namgyel. The dromchoe is celebrated 3 days prior to the Thimphu Tshechu. The Dromchoe showcases the sacred dances dedicated to the chief protective deity of Bhutan, Palden Lhamo. Legend has it, that the deity Pelden Lhamo appeared before Kuenga Gyeltshen and performed the dances while he was in meditation. Based on these dances, Kuenga Gyaltshen initiated the Dromchoe. UPCOMING EVENTS IN BHUTAN Dochula Tshechu (December 13th 2013):The annual Dochula Tshechu is one of the newest Tshechus in the country. It was inaugurated on December 13th, 2011 and takes place every year on the same date. The festival is unique in that it features newly developed dances that draw inspiration from numerous sources all over the world. The dances are performed on a specially crafted stage that slopes up towards the center to form a high mound. This unique shape takes full advantage of the dramatic backdrop of the Himalayan mountain range and allows the dancers to loom larger than life. The Takin Festival (February 2014): The Takin Festival is your once in a lifetime opportunity to get an up close look at Bhutan's national animal, the Takin (Budorcas taxicolor) in their native summer grazing grounds. Despite being a rare and endangered species around the world, there are still thriving populations of this majestic animal in Bhutan. You won't want to miss this chance to admire their unique physique and natural agility. The festival is set in Jigme Dorji National Park, the second largest national preserve in the country. The festival offers visitors numerous attractions including trekking, medicinal hot spring baths and local handicrafts. DID YOU KNOW? Bhutan is a paradise for bird lovers and ornithologists. Over 670 species of birds have been recorded and many more are yet to be discovered. Around 50 species of the known birds are winter migrants. These include ducks, waders, birds of prey, thrushes, finches and buntings. Learn more at: http://www.tourism.gov.bt/activities/bird-watching