« Previous post: Into the heart of Bhutan | Next post: World’s biggest book »
When I went to Bhutan in November-December 2008, they were celebrating 100 years of monarchy. We were impressed to see how lovingly the Bhutanese decorated their houses and streets in honor of their King.
After getting off at the bus station in Thimpu, we still didn’t know what to expect of the city. It was late and the wind was cold, our bodies were not used to spending 8 hours on the bus traversing treacherous mountain roads, but still we declared that it would be wise to walk to the city center than take a taxi. My Lonely Planet guidebook had a little map and a listing of cheap sleeping options.
Main traffic intersection
Thimpu is located on the west side of the river Wang Chhu and no sooner than you cross the bridge (the bus station is on the east), you are welcomed by the city. I had expected yaks, huts, farms and fire-torches, but there were foreign cars, buildings, smooth roads and street lights. hmmph. So much for an exotic experience. Right before us was a huge fuel station run by our own Bharat Petroleum (an Indian Public Sector Utility) wonderfully decorated in Bhutanese style.
Lavishly decorated Clock Tower square (with a tilt effect)
We walked further ahead towards the main square in search of milk and honey, rather a cheap place with delicious food, a nice bed, a warm shower and…. I spent a moment of guilt realizing how materialistic we have got. Being a low season, accommodation was fairly affordable and we rented a two-bed room for Rs. 800 ($20). In addition of all the features described above, we also got extremely cheerful hosts – wow. But eating and sleeping was the last thing on my mind.
Clock tower square
After sufficiently motivating my buddy, we went for a walk around the town in the midst of crisp cold wind. The main square (Clock Tower square) was elaborately decorated and so were all the streets, almost looked like Diwali. There were few lifeforms on the street that night, most of them being street dogs, proudly proclaiming their control of the territory by peeing at random places or barking at random instances or both.
Sleep was quick thanks to the soft bed and warm room heater. Regardless of how much locals complain, I’m proud of the fact that Bhutanese dogs are silent compared to their counterparts in Mumbai. 
« Previous post: Into the heart of Bhutan | Next post: World’s biggest book »
Follow me on Twitter
Subscribe in a RSS reader
The first picture is lovely, can I have a copy please?
I came to see what you had to say abt the 26 Jan and found this instead, the pictures looked ambient enough to make me think Delhi would look like this tonight, the Rajbhavan looks lovely after its all lighted up…milk and honey? why? keeps you warm? Is that what you learned having lived thru the Western winters? INR 800 is fair price and normal I guess. It is usu 800-1200 for a double bedroom for a night, even in Ahmdbd or Abu.
Trisha, I will send you the picture by email.
Oh milk and honey, nahhh… I was using it as a metaphor for the luxuries described in the next sentence. INR 800 is a good price in Bhutan, where the tourist infrastructure is quite expensive otherwise!
Somehow your pictures of Thimphu remind me of Cusco. Simple road, two-storey buildings on either side, not modern buildings with respect to architecture. You could probably put a tricycle (tuktuk, something similar) and it will be fine. And I think being able to wander the streets of one of the most hermetical countries in the world is exotic enough, don’t you think?
Cusco! Wow, yes how could I not see that! And yes I agree, it was an exotic experience!
Very nice pictures, mate! I’ve always wanted to go to Buthan, but never really had the money. Do you still need to spend a certain amount of dollars every day?
Thanks Bo. Yes, they ask you to pay some fixed amount per day. Fortunately for me, Indian citizens are exempt from this! You can read more about entry rules to Bhutan in my previous post. Cheers.
You have an interesting blog here, and I’ll be back to read more about Bhutan. Great pictures. Thanks for stopping by my blog and leaving a comment! I’ll see if I can improve on how things are arranged there … some time soon!
Hi Bindu,
Thanks for the comment and see you here soon!
It seems to be quite deserted. And where are the hills? I thought that even in night, some faded lights are visible in the background which are actually lights of houses on far off hills.
Amit:
The lights on hills do look like stars on a night sky. They were visible once we went outside Thimpu, perhaps in later posts! It looks beautiful!
Excellent night images Priyank, the top one is too cool.
Thanks Bob!
The place seems to be good for a nice holiday. The special occasion may have lent a festive mood to your visit. You could think they were celebrating the visit of Your Highness!
awwww, thats too much Gopi…
You can make anyone chuckle!
Priyank, is there traffic signal lights in Thimpu? Or is it a policeman manning the main intersection?
Celine, that’s an interesting story. This is the most important junction in Thimpu and they installed traffic lights here. However, before they could function, they were removed and replaced with traffic police
i quite liked the main intersection pics..would love to walk down such a solitary road here in delhi at night..if only it were so safe!!!
SS: Indeed, it is a special experience to walk on the main street of the capital of a country and find it empty around midnight
//I’m proud of the fact that Bhutanese dogs are silent compared to their counterparts in Mumbai.//
Hey, has this India-born, living-in-Canada person become Bhutanese?!
[...] Me ← Welcome to Bhutan! : Older post Newer post : Thimpu at night [...]
Hi Priyank, yes its true the nights in Thimpu are amazing. Whn I first reached there, it was at 10:30 at night and the lights were looking like small shinng pearls tht the peaceful dragon holds….