Thimphu, << THIHM poo >> (pop. 114,551), also spelled Thimbu, is the capital of Bhutan. Thimphu lies on the Wong Chu, a river in western Bhutan. The city is 7,950 feet (2,423 meters) above sea level, but it is close enough to the equator to have mild temperatures.
A remodeled monastery called Tashichhodzong, built in the 1200’s, houses most government offices. It is also the residence of a group of Buddhist monks. The royal Dechenchholing Palace lies north of the city. By law, buildings must fit in with traditional styles.
Shops sell Bhutanese textiles, jewelry, and other handicrafts. The central post office displays books of commemorative stamps (postage stamps honoring special people, places, and events), a principal export of Bhutan. Thimphu is also a trading center for lumber, rice, corn, and wheat. A highway connects Thimphu to India and to an airport in nearby Paro.
