Places to Visit in Thimphu

Far removed from rapid urbanisation, Thimphu, the capital and largest city of Bhutan, is surrounded by a Himalayan landscape complete with valleys, rivers and mountains.

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Things To See & Do

Buddha Dordenma

Buddha Dordenma

Revered Buddha Statue
At a height of 52 metres, Buddha Dordenma is a Buddha statue made of bronze and plated in gold with 125,000 miniature Buddha statues encapsulated inside it.

2 hours

Suggested Time

Tango Goemba

Tango Goemba

12th Century Monastery
Belonging to the Drukpa Kagyu School of Buddhism, Tango Goemba displays traditional Bhutanese architecture with a semi-circular outer wall and a main tower with recesses.

1 to 2 hours

Suggested Time

Tashichho Dzong

Tashichho Dzong

Seat of the Government
Housing the throne room of His Majesty the King of Bhutan along with major government departmental offices, the Tashichho Dzong complex also has temples and shrines.

1 to 2 hours

Suggested Time

National Memorial Chorten

National Memorial Chorten

Prominent Religious Landmark
Built to honour the third king of Bhutan, the National Memorial Chorten is a white structure with a golden finial and four inner sanctums each facing the four cardinal directions.

2 hours

Suggested Time

Folk Heritage Museum

Folk Heritage Museum

Bhutanese Folk Museum
Showcasing the heritage and rural history of Bhutan through artefacts and works of art, the Folk Heritage Museum houses exhibits, and hosts educational workshops and programs.

1 hour

Suggested Time

Simtokha Dzong

Simtokha Dzong

Oldest Bhutanese Monastery
The oldest Buddhist monastery in Bhutan, Simtokha Dzong was built in 1629 across three storeys with the main sanctum housing a Sakyamuni Buddha statue flanked by eight bodhisattvas.

2 hours

Suggested Time

Zangto Pelri Lhakhang

Zangto Pelri Lhakhang

Popular Religious Chapel
A private chapel built by Dasho Aku Tongmi—the composer of the national anthem of Bhutan—Zangto Pelri Lhakhang is a replica of the heavenly abode of Guru Rinpoche.

30 minutes

Suggested Time

Best Time To Visit Thimphu

Exhilarating all year round

  • MAR-MAY

    Peak Season

  • SEP-NOV

    Moderate Season

  • DEC-FEB

    Off-season

  • What To Expect:Pleasant climate.
  • Things You'll Love:Mountain views and sightseeing.

Book Your Trip to Thimphu

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3 STAR HOTELS

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₹6,101

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Tara Phendeyling Hotel

Tara Phendeyling Hotel

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₹8,716

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Thimphu Central Hotel

Thimphu Central Hotel

Thimphu City Center

₹5,715

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Hotel Amodhara

Hotel Amodhara

Thimphu City Center

₹3,872

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₹8,557

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The Capital Hotel Thimphu

The Capital Hotel Thimphu

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₹7,899

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Hotel DRUK

Hotel DRUK

Thimphu City Center

4.4/5

₹10,441

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Norkhil Boutique Hotel and Spa

Norkhil Boutique Hotel and Spa

4.5/5

₹7,331

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5 STAR HOTELS

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₹41,688

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Yarkay, Thimphu - IHCL SeleQtions

Yarkay, Thimphu - IHCL SeleQtions

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₹21,705

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Terma Linca Resort and Spa

Terma Linca Resort and Spa

Babesa

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₹16,301

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The Postcard Dewa

The Postcard Dewa

Mewang

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Places to Visit in Thimphu for a Relaxing Vacation


A peaceful land, Thimphudraws hundreds of tourists every year for its heavenly ambience and spiritual vibes. From exploring the most scenic places to visit in Thimphu to taking part in activities like trekking and trying the delicious mountainous dishes, you can have a wholesome experience at Thimphu. The best tourist places in Thimphu perfectly blend ancient wisdom with the contemporary architectural designs of the land.


The Most Significant Religious Landmarks in Thimphu


A magical destination in its own right, there are numerous places to visit in Thimphu where you can have a spiritual awakening. The following are some of the unmissable ones:

  • Tashichho Dzong:A highly popular Buddhist monastery, Tashichho Dzong is also a fortress which lies around 2 km from the city centre, on the bank of the Wang Chu River. This tall structure with a beautiful golden roof reflects the mind-blowing Buddhist architecture and the spot becomes one of the most popular places to visit in Thimphu with family, especially during the annual Thimphu Tsechu Festival.
  • The National Memorial Chorten:Dedicated to World Peace and constructed in the loving memory of the third Druk Gyalpo, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, who was the Head of Bhutan, this structure is an important aspect of Bhutanese culture. You can explore the intense artwork and the detailed wall carvings in this structure and also observe and interact with the locals who visit this space to practice daily spiritual routines.
  • Changangkha Lhakhang:This 800-year-old temple built during the 12th century is a traditional Bhutanese monastery that locals visit daily to engage in prayers and experience the peaceful atmosphere. As one of the gorgeous places to visit in Thimphu for couples, the temple has large prayer wheels, fine interior murals and delicately inscribed Tibetan texts - all of which conjure up to offer the perfect location where you can seek a moment of solitude and mindfulness with your loved one.

The Most Incredible Museums to Visit in Thimphu


Travelling to any place remains incomplete if you stay aloof from its history and culture. The following are some of the finest places to visit in Thimphu for 2 days to gather an insight into the Bhutanese culture:

  • National Folk Heritage Museum:Promoting the age-old folk tradition through clothes and textiles, this interesting museum is home to ancient artefacts and valuable documents that reflect the Bhutanese rural culture. If you want to know about the advent and the modernisation of Bhutanese textiles, style of weaving, etc., this is one of the most authentic places to visit in Thimphu.
  • Simply Bhutan:This is a living museum that beautifully showcases the culture, traditions, customs, rituals and the overall Bhutanese lifestyle through the perfect concoction of folk music and dance along with some traditional dishes. Some of the most interesting aspects of this place are that you can put on a traditional Bhutanese attire, take part in archery and also join the local women to sing some classic songs.
  • Postal Museum:Take a break from the digital world of today and travel back to the times when letters were a thing! Dive into the communication style of ancient Bhutan as you explore the Bhutanese stamps and learn more about the postal services which were prevalent in ancient Bhutan. This place is not only a philatelist’s heaven but also a paradise for all those who love and appreciate discovering items from the past and are in search of the top places to visit in Thimphu with friends to unearth some cultural heritage.

The Most Unforgettable Experiences in Thimphu


Thimphu offers a variety of unforgettable experiences that immerse you in the local culture and traditions. Here are some must-visit attractions:

  • Thimphu Weekend Market:Delve deeper into Bhutanese culture as you interact with the locals at this bustling market which is one of the most popular places to visit in Thimphu at night. Be a part of a vibrant atmosphere while getting your hands on a wide variety of food items, jewellery, religious items, etc.
  • Changlimithang Archery Ground:This is one of the most exciting places to visit in Thimphu for 3 days where you can try your luck in archery and gain some practical knowledge while practising a few sessions under professionals.
  • Choki Traditional Art School:Embark on an excursion at this traditional art school aimed towards keeping the interests of art alive in the younger generation. From wood carving to painting and clay art - you can learn the different aspects of the traditional artistic skills in this art school which is definitely one of the most interesting places to visit in Thimphu.

Tourist Places in Thimphu

Zangto Pelri Lhakhang, Tashichho Dzong, Buddha Dordenma, Folk Heritage Museum, Simtokha Dzong

Country

Bhutan

Best Time to Visit in Thimphu

March to May

Things to Do in Thimphu

National Memorial Chorten, Tango Goemba, Trek through Jigme Dorji National Park, Hang out at Mojo Park, Explore Motithang Takin Preserve

Places to visit in Thimphu with Family

Savour Bhutanese Food, Watch a Show at Royal Academy of Performing Arts, Stroll through Royal Botanical Garden, Clock Tower Square, Royal Thimphu Golf Course

FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions about Thimphu

What are the best places to visit in Thimphu?

Thimphu has loads of places that you can visit on your vacation. Our recommendation of the best places to visit in Thimphu include - Buddha Dordenma, Tango Goemba, and Tashichho Dzong. Apart from these, there are multiple other places to visit that you can explore if you are on a longer trip!

What are the things that you should not miss out on when you are in Thimphu?

If you are a true traveller, you should definitely not miss out on Buddha Dordenma, Tango Goemba, and Tashichho Dzong when you are in Thimphu to make a funfilled vacay.

Which are the best heritage places to explore in Thimphu?

The best heritage places in Thimphu are Tango Goemba, Folk Heritage Museum and Simtokha Dzong. You will have an amazing time exploring these heritage places in Thimphu and will definitely come back home with a bag full of lovely memories.