Thimphu has the total area of about 1,809 sq. kms with elevations from 1,300 meters to over 7,300 meters above the sea level. The district has one Dungkhag and eight blocks. Besides its position as the seat of government, the district’s many glittering monuments, temple, monasteries and dzongs as well as premier museums, the National Library, and other key attractions make it an important stop for tourists and visiting heads of state.
 
The capital town of Bhutan and the centre of government, religion and commerce, Thimphu is a lively place, an interesting combination of tradition and modernity. Home to civil servants, expatriates and the monk body, Thimphu maintains a strong national character in its architectural style.
 
In 1567, a renowned Buddhist master called Lama Tenzin Dendup built the present dzong the present site of Wangdue Tse monastery which stands on a picturesque knoll overlooking the Thimphu Valley
 
NATIONAL MEMORIAL CHORTEN:
The building of this chorten was originally the idea of Bhutan’s third king, H.M Jigme Dorji Wangchuk (“the father of modern Bhutan”), who had wished to erect a monument to world peace and prosperity, but was unable to give shape to his ides in his lifetime due to pressures of state. After His majesty’s untimely death in 1972, the Royal Family and Cabinet resolved to fulfill his wishes and erect a memorial that would perpetuate his memory and also serve as a monument to peace. The National Memorial Chorten was consecrated on July 28, 1974. The finely executed wall paintings and delicately fashioned statues within the monument provide a deep insight into Buddhist philosophy.
 

The “fortress of the glorious religion” was initially erected in 16 41 and rebuilt by King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk in the 1960s. Tashichhodzong houses the government offices, His Majesty’s secretariat, and the central monk body. It is open to visitors during the while the monk body is resident in its winter quarters at Punakha Dzong.
 
SEMTOKHA NDZONG:
This dzong, built in 1627 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, atands on a low ridge 8 km down the valley from Thimphu. The Institute for Language and Cultural Studies is located here. The most noteworthy artistic feature of this dzong is the series of over 300 finely worked slate carvings behind the prayer wheels in the courtyard.
 
CHANGANGKHA TEMPLE:
This temple is founded by the illustrious Lama Phajo Drugom Zhigpo in the 13^th century, and was later enlarged and established by his son, Nyima. Today the temple is considered the spiritual home of children born in the Chang Valley, which include the areas surrounding this ancient temple.
 
PANGRIZAMPA LHAKHANG:
This Lhakhang was built in 1529 by Lam Ngawang Chogyal who visited Bhutan with his son who came from Ralung in Tibet. It was first called Druk Phodrangding “The Castle of the Dragon” after the name of an important monastery in Tibet. Today it is the main school for the astrologer in the country.

PHAJODING 

This place up in the mountain was first visited by Lam Phajo Dugom Zhigpo who established Thujidrak on one of the four distinct cliffs overlooking Thimphu Valley. Later on the site was visited by eminent religious saints. One of the main temple that is visible on the cliff was built by the 9^th Chief Abbot of Bhutan Sakya Rinchen (1744-55) and the 13^th DesiChogyalSherab Wangchuck (1744-63). In 1749, corresponding to the 13^th Rabjung, other monasteries that today make up the Phajoding complex was built by the Chief Abbot of Bhutan Sherab Singye (1784-91) and the 19^th Desi Druk Tenzin (1789-92) in 1789.
 

The 108 chortens at Dochula was built by her queen mother Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck as a tribute to His Majesty the Druk Gyelpo, Jigme Singye Wangchuck.
 
NATIONAL LIBRARY:
The National Library was established in the late 1960s primarily to conserve the literary treasures which form a significant part of Bhutan’s cultural heritage. It now houses an extensive collection of Buddhist literature mostly in block-printed format, with some works several hundred years old. This collection, know as the Choekey Collection, mainly in Choekey, the religious script of northern Buddhism, but also includes works written in Tibetan and in Dzongkha, Bhutan’s national language. There is also a small Foreign Books Collection, stock of which mainly comprises works written in English, with subject interest on Buddhist studies, Bhutan, the Himalayan region and neighboring countries.
 
INSTITUTE FOR ZORIG CHUSUM:
Commonly known as the Painting School, the Institute offers a six-year course on the 13 traditional arts and craft of Bhutan. On a visit one can see students learning the various skills taught at the school.
 
NATIONAL INSTITUE OF TRADITIONAL MEDICINE:
In Bhutan, equal emphasis is given to both allopathic and traditional medicines. The rice herbal medicines made up from medicinal plants abundant in the kingdom are prepared and dispensed here. The Institute is also a training school for traditional medicine practitioners. The complex is closed to visitors due to considerations of hygiene, but one can still walk around and visit the showroom.
 
FOLK HEERITAGE AND NATIONAL TEXTILE MUSEUMS:
These museums, both of which opened in 2001, provide fascinating insights into Bhutanese material culture and way of life.
 
HANDICRAFTS SHOPS:
A wide assortment of colourful, hand woven textiles and other craft products is available for purchase at the government-run Handicrafts Emporium and many smaller crafts shops around the town.
 
WEEKEND MARKET:
Most of the Thimphu’s population and many valley dwellers converge on the bustling weekend market, held down by the river. A wide range of foodstuffs and local arts and crafts are sold at the market, which runs from Friday afternoon to Sunday. A visit to the market provides great photo opportunities, as well as the chance to mingle with local people and perhaps buy souvenirs.