Thimphu

Thimphu

Attraction Introduction

Walking along the streets of Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan, I saw Bhutanese women wearing “kira” dresses that reach the ankles; men wear loose, wide-sleeved traditional robes called “gho,” with neatly folded snow-white cuffs and knee-length skirts with long socks. According to locals, the loose sleeves can double as pockets, where you can stash things inside and hold the cuff to keep them from falling out.

Men’s clothing has neither buttons nor pockets, relying solely on a wide belt to keep the garment secure, thus creating the Bhutanese man’s “open-hearted” style — items that don’t fit in the sleeves can be tucked into the bosom. Adults pile all their “miscellany” in their chest area. Students don’t use backpacks; they carry all their stationery and books in their bosoms, making their clothes puff out.

Features

Known as the “last Shangri-La” by the world, the Kingdom of Bhutan is located on the southwestern border of China, on the southern slopes of the eastern Himalayas. For centuries, the towering mountains have cut off contact with the outside world, preserving Bhutan’s simple customs and way of life, making it seem rather “peculiar” to many foreigners.

 Thimphu, Bhutan