Bhutan Thimphu Tourism

Thimphu Bhutan Tourism

Thimphu is the capital city of Bhutan and 3rd highest capital city in the world. With population over 100000 thimphu from all walks of life. Sprawled over a valley in western central Bhutan, the capital city of Thimphu is famous for its numerous Buddhist sites, mountainous Himalayan landscape, rich culture, and pious locales. In Thimpu, you can explore blue alpine forests and peaceful lakes up to Jili Dzong via Druk Path Trek, admire cave murals at the 800-year old Changangkha Lhakhang Temple, and buy kukri knives and traditional garments at Weekend Handicrafts Market.

Thimphu is the stronghold of Bhutanese art, history and architecture. Tashichho Dzong, Thimphu’s most massive monastery, government palace and fortress, is blessed with ancient Ta-dzong architecture and gold-leaf roofs. National Memorial Chorten, devoted to World Peace, is a whitewashed monument with a gold spire. Another masterpiece is Thimphu’s 51-metre-tall gold-plated Buddha Dordenma statue. Thimphu’s other important attractions include Gangtey Monastery, National Bhutan Library, Royal Botanical Garden, Simtokha Dzong, and National Folk Heritage Museum.

On your Thimphu tour, you can also climb the 9,400-feet-tall Bhutan Broadcasting Service Tower for panoramic city views, visit Jungshi Paper Factory to learn how paper is made traditionally, go on exciting safaris of Motithang Takin Reserve Forest and Tango Goemba and Deer Park, relish beef noodles at Norling Market’s eateries, and cruise along the scenic Wang Chu river.

The Best Time to Visit Thimphu

October and November are months of autumn which are closely followed by a chilly winter. September to November: The month of September marks the beginning of autumn in Thimphu and is considered one of the best times to visit the city. Visitors are greeted with clear skies and pleasant weather. Thimphu is usually cold in winter and warm in summer but spring and Autumn is the best time to explore the city.

Top Places to visit in Thimphu

Thimphu is the capital city of Bhutan and the most populated in the country with about 100000 living in the city, Thimphu has many interesting places to visit. Here we have listed the 30 best places to visit while in Thimphu.

Tashichhodzong Fortess

Tashichho Dzong is a Buddhist Monastery and fortress on the northern edge of the city of Thimphu in Bhutan, on the western bank of the Wang Chu. It has traditionally been the seat of the Druk Desi (or “Deb Raja”), the head of Bhutan’s civil government, an office which has been combined with the kingship since the creation of the monarchy in 1907, and summer capital of the country. In old British documents, it is known as Tassisudon.

It was built by the first Dharma Raja, who also founded the Lho-drukpa sect of Buddhism, which has remained the distinctive sect of Bhutan. The correct transliteration of the vernacular name—Bkrashis-chhos-rdzong, meaning “the fortress of auspicious doctrine”—is, according to Graham Sandberg, Tashichhoidzong.

The main structure of the whitewashed building is two-storied with three-storied towers at each of the four corners topped by triple-tiered golden roofs. There is also a large central tower or utse. This is a massive Fortress in Thimphu with a beautiful paddy field around the Dzongs.

Folk Heritage Museam

Welcome to the Folk Heritage Museum located in Kawajangsa, in the heart of the capital city, Thimphu. The Folk Heritage Museum is within the walking distance of the National Library of Bhutan and the National Institute for zorig choesum (13 Traditional Arts). The Folk Heritage Museum dedicates itself to connecting people with the rich Bhutanese Folk heritage and rural history through exhibits, demonstrations, educational programs, and documentation of Bhutanese rural life. The Museum will strive to disseminate the rich cultural heritage across generations by preserving it in different forms. Read More    

Folk Heritage Museam in Thimphu. Living museam
Folk Heritage Museam in Thimphu

Simply Bhutan Museam

Simply Bhutan is an interactive ‘living’ museum that gives a quick introduction to various aspects of traditional life in Bhutan. Visitors are greeted with a shot of local arra (rice spirit), before being guided through mocked-up village scenes. Along the way, you can dress up in traditional clothes, try out archery and hear songs sung by Bhutanese women as they build houses out of rammed earth. It’s touristy, but a good family experience.

There are also souvenir stalls, and a restaurant serving Bhutanese set meals for Nu 700.

Largest Bhudha Statue

Places to visit in Thimphu
Largest Budha Statue over looking Thimphu valley

ATOP A HILL IN THIMPHU, the capital and largest city of Bhutan, is a massive, golden Buddha sitting atop a gilded meditation hall. But the monument holds an invisible secret: Unbeknownst to many people viewing the statue, they aren’t actually looking at one Buddha, they’re looking at 125,000 of them.

Inside of Thimphu’s 169 foot Buddha Dordenma statue, there are 125,000 miniature Buddhas encapsulated inside of its enlightened bronze chest, ranging from 8 to 12 inches tall. This means that in Thimphu, which has a population of around 100,000, there are more Buddhas than there are human beings. Like the large Buddha, these thousands of miniature Buddhas are also gilded and made of bronze, a major reason that the statue cost almost $100 million to build when it was constructed in 2015 to honor the 60th birthday of Jigme Singye Wangchuck, the fourth king of Bhutan.

The statue also fulfils two prophecies. The first, foreseen by yogi Sonam Sangpo, is that a Buddhist statue would be built in the region to “bestow blessings, peace, and happiness to the whole world.” In addition, the statue is said to have been mentioned by Guru Padmasambhava, widely referred to as the “second Buddha,” in the eighth century. This statue kills two birds with one stone by fulfilling both prophecies in a glimmering fashion.

Simtokha Dzong

Simtokha Dzong (‘dzong’ means “castle-monastery”) also known as Sangak Zabdhon Phodrang (Bhutanese language meaning: “Palace of the Profound Meaning of Secret Mantras”) is a small dzong. It was built in 1629 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, who unified Bhutan. It is the first of its kind built in Bhutan. An important historical monument and former Buddhist monastery, today it houses one of the premier Dzongkha language learning institutes. It recently underwent renovation.>The dzong is at a strategic security location on a prominent ridge vis-a-vis the Thimphu valley and approach roads to the Dochula Pass and eastern Bhutan. The Simtokha is located about 5 kilometers (3.1 mi) south of the Bhutanese capital of Thimphu. The dzong is at a strategic security location on a prominent ridge vis-a-vis the Thimphu valley and approach roads to the Dochula Pass and eastern Bhutan. The Simtokha is located about 5 kilometers (3.1 mi) south of the Bhutanese capital of Thimphu.

Simtokha dzong in Thimphu
Simtokha Dzong is the oldest Dzong in Bhutan

Royal Textile Museam

Royal Textile Museam: The Bhutan Textile Museum or the National Textile Museum is a national textiles museum in Thimphu, Bhutan, located near the National Library of Bhutan. It is operated by the National Commission for Cultural Affairs. The royal textile academy of bhutan is one of the nation’s first institutions dedicated to the conservation and exhibition of textiles, and the various international techniques used to create them. The academy serves as an educational space by which trainees learn weaving traditions and techniques, how to dye their yarn, and basic business practices such as bookkeeping. It’s also a conservation center used to restore precious artifacts from monasteries all over Bhutan, and a museum that hosts a rotating program of exhibitions relating to the textile arts.

Since its inception, the Royal Textile Academy has since expanded to include offices and partnered with the Smithsonian Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage to further the organization’s mission to preserve this vital element of Bhutanese art and history.

Changangkha Lhakhang

Changangkha Lhakhang is a compact temple complex located on the tip of a ridge that juts towards central Thimphu from the hills to the east. Founded in the 13th or 14th centuries, it is probably the oldest surviving temple in Thimphu. The main components and foundations of the monastery are extremely old, long predating the unification of Bhutan in the 17th century by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. The temple is often frequented by parents with small children seeking to obtain blessings from the protective deity of the temple, Genyen Domtsangpa, who is considered to be the birth deity and protector of children born in JDWNRH national referral hospital in Thimphu.

Memorial Chorten

Places to visit in Thimphu
Memorial Chorten in Thimphu City
>The Memorial Stupa, Thimphu, also known as the Thimphu Chorten, is a stupa (Dzongkha chöten, cheten) in Thimphu, Bhutan, located on Doeboom Lam in the southern-central part of the city near the main roundabout and Indian military hospital. The stupa, built in 1974 to honor the third Druk Gyalpo, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck

The Memorial Chorten of Thimphu was conceived by Thinley Norbu Rinpoche (1931–2011),according to the Nyingma tradition of Tibetan Buddhism. It was erected in 1974 in memory of Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, 3rd Druk Gyalpo, who had died in 1972. The main patron was the Druk Gyalpo’s mother, Phuntsho Choden.

Takin Preservation Center

Takin Preservation Center: STRANGE MUSKOX-LOOKING CREATURES ROAM WITHIN the trees in Bhutan s capital city. The hoofed beasts, which look like a mishmash of cows and goats, are held in extremely high esteem.The takin is a rare type of goat-antelope living in the Eastern Himalayas. The four subspecies of the takin live in high altitudes throughout Bhutan, Northeast India, Northwest Myanmar, and the Chinese section of the Himalaya.>The takin found at the Motithang Takin Preserve were once part of a small zoo. But when the King of Bhutan declared it was improper for Buddhist country to keep animals in such confinement, the big beasts were set free. Yet they didn’t wander far.The freed takin, which at this point were used to humans, preferred to converge within Thimphu. The Motithang Takin Preserve was created to shelter the capital city’s four-legged residents. Now, the takin lives within 8.4 acres of carefully managed forest. The Bhutanese authorities are particularly attentive to the health and well-being of the takin due to its status as the national animal. Read More

Takin Preservation centre in Thimphu
Takin Zoo in Thimphu

Jungshina Handmade Paper Facotory

Jungshina Handmade paper Factory: The Jungshi handmade paper factory uses traditional methods to produce the authentic Bhutanese paper known as Deh-sho. The Jungshi paper factory continues to preserve and promote this age-old Bhutanese tradition. It also produces various other products, such as stationery and greeting cards.It is located approximately 1 km from Thimphu City. The factory uses the bark of two tree species, the Daphne tree and Dhekap tree in the manufacture of traditional paper. Visitors can observe the entire process of producing handmade paper using ancient traditional methods that have been practiced for generations. You can even try your hand at this ancient craft and make some paper of your very own as a souvenir.Facts: Deh-sho paper was originally used by monasteries for woodblock and manuscript books and also for writing prayer books.

Tango Monastery

Tango Monastery: Tango Monastery is a Buddhist monastery located 14 kilometers (8.7mi) north of Bhutan’s capital city, near Cheri Mountain. It was founded by Phajo Drugom Zhigpo (1184? – 1251?) in the 13th century and built in its present form by Tenzin Rabgye, the 4th Temporal Ruler in 1688. In 1616, the Tibetan lama Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal meditated in its cave. The self-emanated form of the wrathful Hayagriva is deified in the monastery. It belongs to the Drukpa Kagyu School of Buddhism in Bhutan. Tango Monastery is built in the dzong fashion and has a characteristic curved (semi-circular) outside wall and a prominent central tower with recesses. It covers the caves where originally meditation and miracles were performed by saints from the 12th century onwards. Behind the series of prayer wheels are engraved slates. Inside the courtyard is a gallery, illustrating the leaders of the Drukpa Kagyupa lineage. Read More

National Institute of Zorig Chusum

National Institude of Zorig Chusum: This institute, commonly known as ‘the painting school’, operates four- to six-year courses that provide instruction in Bhutan’s 13 traditional arts. Students specialise in painting (of both furniture and thangkas – painted religious pictures, usually on canvas), woodcarving (masks, statues, bowls), embroidery (hangings, boots, clothes) or statue-making (clay). Students are well used to having visitors while they work and it’s fine to take photos.It’s hard not to be impressed by the skill and discipline of the young students, and their work is sold at fair prices in the school showroom. National Institute for Zorig Chusum or as it is commonly called “the painting school” teaches students the 13 tradititonal arts of Bhutan.

Zorig Chusum- 13 arts ands Crafts School in Thimphu Bhutan
13th Arts and Craft School in Thimphu

Cheri Goenpa

Chagri Dorjeden Monastery also called “Cheri Monastery” is a Buddhist monastery in Bhutan established in 1620, by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the founder of the Bhutanese state.The monastery, which is now a major teaching and retreat center of the Southern Drukpa Kagyu order, is located at the northern end of Thimphu Valley about fifteen kilometers from the capital. It sits on a hill above the end of the road at Dodeyna and it takes about an hour to walk up the steep hill to reach the monastery from there.

Voluntary Artist Studio

VAST Bhutan is a torch-bearer for contemporary art in this slowly-modernizing country. Voluntary Artists’ Studio Thimphu, popularly known as VAST, was established in 1998 by a group of professional artists. The artist volunteers shared a passion for art and a deep sense of social obligation to provide an opportunity to Bhutanese youth to develop their potential talents, as well as to share social responsibility through artistic explorations and other social useful and productive work. In addition to encouraging participation in the national and international art realm, VAST also provides young people with vocational skills and a positive way to use their free time..

Phajoding Monastery

The Phajoding Monastery Hike will take you along a well-worn track, peppered with locals, horse teams, and a few other tourists, to the monastery. In 2010, the once-prosperous, adorned monastery was declared an “endangered monument.” If you have energy after reaching the monastery, you can opt to trek higher into the mountains for more vistas. Phajoding Monastery is a Buddhist monastery near Thimpu in Bhutan. It was one of the richest and most decorated monasteries in the country however due to neglect, it was listed in 2010 by the World Monuments Fund as an endangered cultural monument.Phajoding Monastery was founded in the 13th century by Phajo Drugom Zhigpo (1184-1251), a Tibetan lama who spread the Drukpa Kagyu teachings of Buddhism in Bhutan.Most of the buildings at Phajoding however were constructed in 1748 by Gyelwa Shakya Rinchen (1710-1759), the 9th Je Khenpo (rje mkhan po). Today, the monastery currently houses 80 young monks.

Changlimithang Archery Ground

Most days of the week you’ll find arrows flying at the city’s most important archery ground, just down from Changlimithang Stadium. Teams compete to hit targets over a distance of 145m, while their competitors pass comment on misses, and sing and dance to celebrate shots on target. Traditional bamboo or high-tech carbon-fibre compound bows are used, and a tournament is quite a spectacle, with lots of good-natured ribbing and camaraderie.It’s a miracle that more archers don’t get injured considering how close they stand to the targets. An on-site shop sells traditional bamboo bows.The national sport of Bhutan is archery. Serious archery. These gentlemen (the Prince was a competitor before he became King) are so good they hit targets we couldn’t even see from the competitors end of the grounds. When they did well they would all do a little jig in celebration. Their equipment was extremely high tech in this tournament but we saw others with what looked like regular gym class style bows and arrows. When in Bhutan you will have no problem finding a tournament to watch – the archery grounds are near the center of town usually near the river.

Zilukha Nunnery

Thangthong Dewachen Nunnery is a Buddhist monastery in the small Himalayan country of Bhutan. The nunnery is located in Zilukha (Thimphu District) overlooking Tashichodzong and is a few minutes’ drive from the town. It is popularly known as the Zilukha Anim Dratshang. It was built in 1976 by the 16th emanation of Thangtong Gyalpo, Drubthob Rikey Jadrel. Currently, the nunnery is home to about 60 nuns.Note: The spelling of “Thangthong” might alternatively appear as “Thangtong” in different articles and websites

Pangri Zampa

The people of Bhutan are great believers of Astrology. Even today, the inhabitants of the Kingdom of Bhutan cannot imagine making an important decision without consulting an astrologer – be it building a house, setting up a business or choosing a life partner. Even the royalty did not dare to ignore it. The coronation of the present king was postponed for nearly two years because the court astrologers advised it. They all waited for the most auspicious time to start a new journey that would lead to a happy and prosperous kingdom. And while talking about Astrology in Bhutan, Bhutan’s most important landmark is the Pangri Zampa Monastery. It is also the Royal College of Astrology in the Kingdom, where students come to learn astrology in a 6-year course. The head astrologer of the kingdom also resides here.

BBS Tower

Bhutan Broadcasting Service Tower or BBS Tower is at an elevation of 2,865 metres which offers an exquisite view of the whole town of Thimphu. Also known as Sangaygang Viewpoint, this is very popular among visitors because of the beautiful panorama of the lush valleys that it provides. The route to the Wangditse Goemba starting from this point is a hiker’s and mountain bikers’ favorite trail. The Tower is a 10 mins drive from Takin Preserve It has many photogenic spots, but make sure you don’t click pictures of the telecommunication installations.

Bhutan Postal Museam

The Bhutan Postal Museum was established in 2015 on 7th November to celebrate the 60th Birth Anniversary of The Fourth King of Bhutan His Majesty Jigme Singye Wangchuck. The attainment of the sixty is auspicious in Bhutan, and it is referred to as the completion of one Rabjung.The postal museum narrates the story of the evolution of communication, transportation and postal services in Bhutan through different phase of the changing time. The story is told through the collection of various anecdotes, artifacts and the rich assortment of stamps the country has produced over the years.The museum comprises of five galleries. There is also an area for multimedia where documentaries related to postal system are screened.Adjacent to the Postal Museum is the Philately shop, which specializes in personalized stamps. This shop will develop the stamp with your own photos, and one can literally send post cards using these photo stamps of yours. There are traditional Bhutanese handmade souvenirs in this shop too.The museum is located on the ground floor of the Bhutan Postal Corporation Limited Head Quarter Building in the heart of Thimphu City. The museum is rich in wisdom, and walking the galleries will have us shower with ultimate coverage of entire Bhutan History.

Royal Botanical Garden

The Royal Botanical Garden, Serbithang was established in 1999 under National Biodiversity Centre, Ministry of Agriculture and Forests, Serbitang as an ex-situ plant conservation area and to commemorate the Silver Jubilee Celebration of the 4th King of Bhutan, His Majesty Jigme Singye Wangchuck.The primary functions of the Royal Botanical Garden are to:

i. Serve as the living repository of plant genetic diversity for ex situ conservation and research.
ii. Serve as a rescue centre for rare and threatened native floral species (prioritized native floral species).
iii. Promote propagation of prioritized native plants species to reduce pressures on collection from the wild and to ensure their sustainable use.
iv. Implement mass propagation of prioritized native flora for restorations programs and commercialization to encourage house hold cultivation and conservation.
v. Provide technical services and training in plant propagation techniques to community-based groups and other interested stakeholders.
vi. Provide technical service in community beautification and greening projects.
vii. Implement targeted biodiversity education programs.
viii. Promote and manage garden volunteer programs.
ix. Participate in floral diversity documentation programs.
x. Promote regional and international linkages for effective conservation and management of native plant species.

Coronation Park

In 2005, King Jigme Singye Wangchuck stepped down from the throne to make way for his Son Jigme Khesar Namgyal Wangchuck to lead the kingdom of Bhutan. The new king studied in Britain and various universities in the US.The Coronation and Centenary Park was built to honour our new king. Ashi Chimi Yangzom Wangchuck inaugurated the Centenary and Coronation Park on 26 September 2006. It is positioned in the middle of Changlimithang ground and Wangchu River. It is built on an area of 5.6 acre of land running along the banks of river Wangchu. The park was formed by footpaths made of stones, canopies and benches. There are small swings and slides, a miniature basketball court and a small sand football ground. Not only that the park is filled with gardens of more than sixty species of flower and trees. During the evening the lights are lit up by the Thimphu Power Corporation of Bhutan.

Weekend Market

The weekend market Thimphu is a permanent space on the western bank of the Wang Chu River. Located to the north of Changlimithang Stadium, the Thimphu weekend market runs every Friday to Sunday. The vendors start reaching the market from Thursday, and the market remains alive till late Sunday night.They sell the local vegetable and fruit product from all over Bhutan.
Thimphu Weekend Market is the place to visit while in Bhutan
Weekend Market in Thimphu

Terton Gallery

Terton Gallery, Thimphu Terton Gallery is one of the premier art spaces, run by Bhutanese artist Kelly Dorji. Founded in 2001, it has several mind-blowing artifacts and antiques well preserved and displayed most impeccably. It is situated at the heart of Thimphu, promoting contemporary art style also boasting traditional crafts and antiques. Here, not just the national works of famous personalities are displayed, but also that of huge international celebrities, which makes it different from other art galleries. Illustrations of the Thunder Dragon and Lord Buddha are the highlights of Grey Area – Terton Gallery Lounge.

High Quality Handicraft Emporium

High quality Thangka Painting handicraft is privately owned shop located 10 minute drive from the Thimphu town. You can witness the live painting by the employees there and it is alos one way of preserving the local culture of painting. You get varieties of Thangka painting from cheap to most expensive painting.

Dechencholing Palace

Dechencholing Palace: is located in Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan, 4 kilometres (2.5 mi) to the north of the Tashichho Dzong and 7 kilometres (4.3 mi) north of the city centreIt was built in 1953 by the third king of Bhutan  Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. The palace lies at the northern end of the Thimphu Valley, on the west bank of the Thimphu River. The palace is accessed via the Dechhen Lam (road) which runs along the eastern bank of the Thimphu river from the district of Yangchenphug, through Langjupakha for several kilometres before approaching the palace. On the way to the palace the road passes the Royal Banquet Hall, the Centre for Bhutan Studies, the Woodcraft Centre and then passes the Indian Estate on the other side of the river. Just south of the palace on the other side of the river is the suburb of Taba. The palace is surrounded by forest to the east and west; the eastern forest is denser and is said to be the only leafy forest in the city.Opposite on a slope in the forest high above Taba is the Wangchuck Resort, used as a meditation retreat (the retreat has no connection to the palace).

Kuenselphodrang

Kuensel Phodrang marks your entry in the quaint town of Thimphu. It is also known as the Buddha Point which was the palace of the thirteenth Druk, Sherab Wangchuck that houses the Shakyamuni Buddha. In the centre, a grand statue of Buddha called Buddha Dordenma is placed, which is considered sacred and often visited by tourists. The hundreds of small statues are also a mesmerizing sight to watch and appreciate Buddhism. This glorious Buddha statue can be seen from any corner of the city and is one of the most significant attractions in Thimphu.

Craft Bazar

ABC, the Authentic Bhutanese Crafts Bazaar also known as the handicraft market of Thimphu is a perfect place to get a glimpse inside the art and craft of Bhutan. As you will enter the place, the ever smiling Bhutanese people will welcome you, who are mostly the youngsters. The shops are made using the eco-friendly bamboo, and you will definitely get mesmerised with the vibrant colors on display. While strolling through the market one can simply not ignore the display of pictures, images, royal clothes or batches of king and queen of Bhutan in almost every shop, which clearly denotes the respect that people have for their king. There are few miniatures of symbolic statues including the Buddha, which can be bought from here apart from local produced purses and other fabrics.

Thimphu Weather and Climate

Thimphu weather and Climatic Condition.Thimphus weather is very favorable during spring and Autumn. Summer is hot with temperature ranging from 25 degree to 30 degree and winter from 15 degree to minus 4 degree. The best time to visit Thimphu as a tourist is from March to April (Spring ) and from September to November (Autumn) season. Thimphu are in the northern hemisphere. Summer starts here at the end of June and ends in September. There are the months of summer: June, July, August, September The month with the highest relative humidity is July (90.38 %). The month with the lowest relative humidity is January (71.84 %).The month with the highest number of rainy days is July (28.87 days). The month with the lowest number of rainy days is December (19.80 days).

Best Things to do in Thimphu

Sightseeing in Thimphu Bhutan

Sightseeing: Sightseeing in Thimphu is not complete without visiting the magnificent site of ‘Buddha Dordenma’. Sitting atop a hill overlooking the beautiful city of Thimphu, it is considered the world’s largest seating gilded Buddha and attracts uncountable visitors seeking peace and spirituality. ‘National Memorial Chorten’ is yet another place must visit when in the capital city. Focus of daily worship for the Bhutanese, it is always abuzz with religious activity. Early morning is the best time to visit here and see the elderly people do kora and light butter lamps.

Historical tours: Some of the historical and heritage tours you can do in thimphu are visit to Textile museam to know about Thimphus cloth culture, Visit Simtokha Dzong and Tashichhodzong to know about Architecture and Farm house for heritage tours. Visiting museams and Famr house will give you authentic Bhutanese experience.

Spiritual tours: Thimphu is full of monastery and among all Tango and Cheri is best for spiritual tours. If you are Lucky you will get the opportunity to meet the head of lama and receive blessings. If time permits the lama may give you sermon to the guest as well.

Enjoy the nightlife at Mojo Park: There are many nightlife centre and among them, Mojo Park is popular with tourists. Here they play western music to meet the need of the clients. The location is perfect for those living in the city.

Try archery at Simply Bhutan: If you visit simply Bhutan Museam you can try archery with local bow and arrow. Its the best opportunity to experience.

Attend concerts at Clock Tower Square: This is the happening place in Thimphu. All major concerts and activities happens here at clocktower.

Where to eat in Thimphu?

There are many good restaurant in Thimphu to spend your time in eating. It depends upon whether you are vegetarian or Non veg. Though restaurant provide both veg and Non veg items here are few good restaurant we recommend for you to visit while in Thimphu.

Zombola: Awesome food, serves local cuisine and local alcohol. The staff is great and service is fast. You would be surprised with the bill which wouldn’t hurt your wallets. The potato momos are very good here

 

Ambient Café: Located right in the middle of town ambient café is one of the popular restaurant visited by the tourist. The restaurant offer coffee and selection of cookies, desserts Prices: 1-2 USD for coffee with nice Ambience: Best part of it, really cosy and nice place, especially if you want to come and read sth, work on your laptop or have a convo with your friend. Not recommended for big groups, a bit of quiet place, no need to spoil the ambience.

Russian Café: Its just in the middle of town. The café offers the best of Russian coffee and quick snacks.

Babesa Village Restaurant: The restaurant is beautiful designed in authentic Bhutanese style. The traditional building was renovated into modern amenities without changing the exterior giving you perfect sense of Bhutanese essence. They offer all kinds of Bhutanese delicacies from all around the country.

Chig-Ja-Gya at Taj Tashi: This is the restaurant inside Taj tashi Hotel. They offer best of Bhutanese delicaies, Indian cuisine and all continental foods.

Burgers Point: This is the cheap and the best way to fill your hungry belly with yummy burgers. Its located right beside the hongkong market in the city.

Chula for special Indian Dish: For indian food lovers Chula is the best option. You get all kinds of Indian Cuisine.

The Spice for Pure vegetarian dish: If you are the lover of spicy Indian foods, The spice is right place for you. They have absolutely tasty Dosa, Samocha chat and chat available in their menu.

Yangkee Restaurant for authentic Bhutanese Dish: People from all walks of life gather here for authentic Bhutanese taste. It is own by the locals and specialized in local dishes. The restautant is best for meat lovers.

How to reach Thimphu?

Thimphu travel by Air

Thimphu is the fourth highest capital in the world. Surrounded by lush green valleys, it is the mini-metropolis of Bhutan. In order to reach Thimphu, one can either travel via road or take a flight. Flying to Paro from India is the most convenient way to reach Thimphu, while people seeking adventure can do a road trip via Sikkim, West Bengal and Assam.

By Air: Only two local airlines operates in Bhutan and they are Druk Air and Bhutanairlines. If you plan to tour Thimphu you need to land at Paro International airport.

However, since this airport has some rigid guidelines and limitations, you can take a flight to this only international Bhutanese airport from a selected range of Indian airports.

You can reach Thimphu from Singapore(Changi airport), Delhi Airport, Kathamndu, Bangkok, Bagdogra, and Kolkatta. These places have a direct flights to Paro International airport from where you can reach Thimphu Bhutan. Upon arrival at the airport, you can take a roadway journey from Paro to reach Thimphu and takes about 1 hour.

Can we travel Thimphu by Train?

Thimphu don’t have train service and nearest train is in New Jalpaiguri, New Alipurduar, Siliguri, and Hasimara. This are some of the nearest railway stations to reach Thimphu by train. From these stations, you can take a drive to Jaigaon town in Alipurduar district, and enter Bhutan via Phuentsholing town. From Phuentsholing, you can further drive to reach Thimphu. This route is very long and takes about 6 hours to reach Thimphu from Phuntsholing. You need to stay over night at Phuntsholing.

Travelling By Road to reach Thimphu.

Thimphu can be reached by road only from India. You can either enter via Jaigoan(West Bengal), Assam from Gaylegphu or from Guwahati in Samdrupjongkhar.

The town of Jaigaon (West Bengal) shares its border with Phuentsholing town of Bhutan and this is the most popular route if you are travelling by road. Once you acquire your Bhutanese Visa, you can make your way to Thimphu via Phuentsholing by local Bhutanese buses or by hiring a private cab.

 

 

Shopping in Thimphu

Thimphu has an excellent selection of handicraft shops selling high-quality traditional paintings, textiles, jewelry, masks, and carpets. Several shops on Norzin Lam have good selections of the textiles, both ready-made and handmade kiras and Ghos. The philatelic shop at the post office has a fine display of stamps in vibrant colors and vivid images ranging from holographic images, to Walt Disney, to First Day Issues. Even if you’re not a collector, it’s still well worth the visit. Weekend market offers you best handicraft at cheap price. If you want to buy soveniors to take home than we recommend Craft bazar near Taj Hotel. It is just about 15 minutes walk from the main city.

Weekend Market

Weekend Market: The weekly market rakes place every Saturday and Sunday. Come rain or shine. This is where local residents come to catch up on the weekly gossip and buy fresh fruit and vegetables for the coming week. If your itinerary allows you to be in Thimphu on the weekend, the market should not be missed. Bhutanese travel from all over including remote areas, to sell their products. Under roofed stalls, farmers preside over piles of chilies, potatoes, red and white rice, buckwheat, flour, mushrooms, cauliflower, and a wide variety of unidentifiable roots. Fresh fruit comes from local orchards and the southern flatlands. Colorful bananas, oranges, plums, peaches, mangoes, and pineapples overflow the erected platforms. Pungent odors lurk in the air from the assortment of dried cheeses, fish. At one end of the market is the meat department, with several carcasses waiting to be split. Strips of flesh hang on hooks, while of innards lie nearby At the northern corner is the handicraft section, where you will find carpets, religious items, bamboo basket musical horns, brass bowls, and textiles. The folks who sell their goods here are very friendly and don’t be surprised if one of the local monks assist you with your purchase. Chhogyal Lam, North of Chan-limithang Stadium, Thimphu. 6 AM—sunset. Specialty Stores.

FAQ about Thimphu

Why is Thimphu Famouse?

What is Thimphu famous for? Thimphu is the capital city of Bhutan and is known for its spectacular scenery and rich culture. It is also the largest city in the country. The spectacular 15th-century Tango Gompa is also the most sought-after site in all Bhutan.

Is Thimphu worth visiting?

It is quite expensive for tourist. But it is very nice small country with unique and amazing nature, rich national heritage and deep Buddhist culture. It can’t afford to have mass tourism. So even Bhutan is expensive let come there and at least in this way donate to the sustainable development of this small country.

What Is Thimphu famouse for?

Thimphu is the capital city of Bhutan and is known for its spectacular scenery and rich culture. It is also the largest city in the country. The spectacular 15th century Tango Gompa is also the most sought after site in all of Bhutan.

Thimphu Tourism Guide

Thimphu Tour Packages

Bhutan Destination

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