Thimphu means "sinking", derived from a legend and today one can still see a rock corvered with silk and offerings in front of Dechenphu temple. Before the arrival of the great Shabdrung Rinpoche in Bhutan 1616, the valley of Thimphu came to exist after the arrival of the great Boddhisatawa Phajo Drukgum Shipo, who married to a local girl and settled in Thimphu valley. Almost all the historical sites as well as temples in Thimphu are connected to Phajo Drukgum Shipo family.

The valley of Thimphu is directly connected with the guardian Deity known as Ap Ge-Nyen, believed to be the protector of the valley and before that he was one of the deity, who wel comed Shabdrung Rinpoche. here are numerous religious festivals and they have different names, but the best known are the Tsechus. These are held to honour Guru Rimpoche, who brought Vajrayana Buddhism to Bhutan. The festival is closely connected to his birth anniversary and his promise to return to the world on the tenth day of the month. Tsechu festivals celebrate his deeds and the events in his life.

The religious festivals are usually the main tourist attractions for visitors and the Thimphu and Paro festivals account for over 50 per cent of all arrivals. However, the Thimphu and Wangdi festivals are similar to the Paro festival. The Wangdi festival takes place in Wangdi Dzong and is a smaller, cosier event. During the festival period, many religious mask dances and dramas are performed based on the visions of various Buddhist saints. The festival culminates in the morning of the fourth day when the immense embroidered thangka, or thongdroel, of Guru Rimpoche is raised.

SLIDE SHOW OF THE AERIAL VIEWS