Thimphu

Thimphu is where modern Bhutan meets tradition. Office workers in gho and kira stroll past cafés, a white-gloved policeman directs traffic at the main roundabout, and the gleaming Tashichho Dzong houses both the throne room of His Majesty the King and the summer residence of the Je Khenpo, Bhutan’s chief abbot.

Visit the National Memorial Chorten, where elderly Thimphu residents circle the stupa from dawn, then climb to Kuensel Phodrang to stand beneath the Buddha Dordenma, one of the largest seated Buddha statues in the world. The Royal Takin Preserve introduces Bhutan’s curious national animal.

Thimphu is also the best place to understand Bhutan’s living crafts: watch students at the Institute for Zorig Chusum learn the 13 traditional arts, visit the Textile Museum, and wander the Centenary Farmers Market for red rice, chillies and dried yak cheese.