The foothills are tropical and home to deer, lion, leopards and the rare golden monkey. It resembles a large, widely dispersed village rather than a capital. The yearly religious Thimphu Festival is held in the courtyard directly in front of the National Assembly Hall.
Restaurants are scarce and most tourists eat vegetarian food served buffet-style in their hotels.
Rice is ubiquitous and is sometimes flavoured with saffron. Terms and Conditions apply.