Bhutan’s capital city Thimphu is the meeting ground of traditional and modern Bhutan. Thimphu is among the world’s highest capitals. Slowly outgrowing the small valley it lies in, the city has expanded by creeping up the slopes, transforming itself from a village to city in a few decades. The city centre is a pleasure to explore on foot.
Thimphu’s unique market is a great place to view a slice of contemporary Bhutanese life, a delight for photographers and people watching.
The market attracts farmers from all over the district and beyond. Shiny red chillies, purple banana flowers, freshly shelled peas, edible ferns, rice, mushrooms, garlic and tropical fruit compete for colour in the fresh produce section while across the cantilever bridge lies the tourist market selling temple horns, prayer flags and wheels, ceremonial masks, wind chimes and textiles.
