Capital and the largest city of Bhutan – Thimphu, a blend of contemporary and ancient traditions is the fourth highest city in the world in terms of altitude.
Suggested Read : Guide to Bhutan
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How to reach Thimphu
Thimphu is just an hour and a quarter drive from Paro. You can go for private and shared taxis in case you haven’t booked a taxi for the entire trip. Shared taxi costs 300-500 Nu per person depending on the season you are visiting.
Things to do in Thimphu
There are many spectacular places to visit in Thimphu.
Clock Tower Square
A clock tower with Bhutanese carvings surrounded by cafes and market – One of the most happening places in Thimphu. You can savor the cuisines of Bhutan here.
Concerts are also organized here every now and then and you may have the luck of attending one.
Sunrise at Buddha Dordenma
“Every day a million miracles begin at sunrise!”
– Eric Jerome Dickey
And to experience one such, we woke up before sunrise (I know it’s difficult but trust me it’s worth) and made our way (via cab) to one of the largest statues of Buddha atop a hill overlooking Thimphu valley.
It was around 6:00 in the morning, chilling cold outside, complete quiet. Along the way, Memorial Chorten looked as pretty as a picture.
It took 15 minutes to reach here. Only the face of Buddha is visible from the parking area and as you climb the stairs and reach the top, you see Buddha seated on a golden meditation hall looking magnanimous.
From this point the entire Thimphu Valley was beneath us.
Note : There is an alternative route to avoid stairs.
Still there being some time in sunrise, we exercised there. While exercising, I saw the sun making its way from behind the mountains and its rays making the world’s largest statue of Buddha shine like gold.
—How to reach—
Around 6-7 km from Thimphu town, it is situated on the top of mount Kuenselphodrang Nature Park. If you plan to go for sunrise, we suggest you booking a taxi beforehand.
Simply Bhutan
Warmly welcome with ‘ara’ (a traditional drink of Bhutan made with rice, wheat or maize), guide here acquaint you with Bhutanese culture, narrate stories of mud houses in Bhutan, show their traditional kitchen and garden of Fertility, familiarize you with their ancient history – the weapons used and spices of Bhutan.
These friendly people sing songs, dance and make you one of them joyfully. Lastly, they will take you to their restaurant area to kindle your taste buds with delicious butter tea and muri. There once again you are involved in their dance performance.
We made them dance too on Indian songs.
You can try your hand at the Archery as well.
—Location–
2.5 km from clock tower square
—Entry Fee—
300 Nu and extra 150 Nu for Bhutanese dress if you would like to try.
Semtokha Dzong – Dzong on top of the demon’s stomach
It is the oldest Dzong in Bhutan which is believed to have built to subdue an evil spirit. This Dzong overlooking Thimphu valley protects this valley. You will get a panoramic view of the valley from here.
Dzong also houses Buddhist school of Linguistics.
—How to reach–
Its 5 km from Thimpu valley towards Paro. Visit it on the way while going from Paro to Thimphu
—Timings—
9 am to 5 pm
No entry fees
Memorial Chorten
Memorial Chorten is a stupa (white) with golden spires and bells is one of the religious structures in Thimphu built in the memory of the third king of Bhutan.
You will surely admire this prominent landmark in the center of the city for its extraordinary architecture.
Approached through a small garden, It’s a place where you can sit, relax and feel the stillness of your mind.
—Location—
3 km from clock tower square. You will encounter it while entering Thimphu or going to Buddha Dordenma
—Timings—
9 AM – 5 PM
—Entry Fees–
300 Nu
Thimphu Dzong/ Tashichho Dzong
Surrounded by beautiful and well-maintained lawns, is the secretariat building with unique interior and exterior.
It houses Bhutanese government, the throne room of the King of Bhutan and Bhutan’s largest Monastery.
Some km from the dzong is a point from where you can get Bird’s eye view of the Dzong and surrounding area.
—Location–
5 km from City tower square
—Timings—
5 pm – 6 pm Mon-Fri, 8 am – 6 pm Sat & Sun, 9 am – 5 pm winter (Nov to March)
—Entry fee–
300 Nu
Tango Buddhist Institute hike
There is a Buddhist institute at a secluded location and to reach there, you have to hike.
As they say
“Its about a Journey not the destination”
– This saying befits in this case.
The location is secluded and quiet, well-defined path amid a lush green forest of oak trees and view of snow-capped mountains, you will love the nature walk here. It’s steep at times and may become strenuous but thanks to the shade of trees and a breathtaking view of snow-capped mountains.
We reached at top and found this –
A group of monks was giggling outside the Monastery. We talked to them and came to know that they study English, IT and other subjects along with teachings of Buddha.
A monk at the institute showed us the museum where we were surprised to see the old guns – very big and huge.
We had a beautiful experience of snowfall while descending and felt as if nature was blessing both of us.
–How to reach–
Around 50 mins drive from Thimphu, it’s a 1:30 – 2 hour hike
Jigmorjee National Park
Its 2nd largest National Park of Bhutan, a stroll through the quiet jungle of this National Park takes you to a beautiful river stream.
—How to reach—
It’s near the Tango Institute Hike Starting point.
Changangkha Lhakhang : Oldest Temple in Thimphu
Perched on a ridge above Thimphu, is a 12th-century fortress-like temple and monastic school.
You can see people praying and taking rounds around the temple. Very interactive, smiling and welcoming ones.
Go to the back side of the temple, and view of Thimpu Valley will unfold in front of you. Sit there, watch the valley, sunset and experience tranquility.
—How to reach–
2.5 km for clock tower
—Timings–
8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
No Entry Fees
Handicraft Market – Authentic Bhutanese Crafts Bazaar
For Colorful hand weaved textiles, bags, mats, clothes (made of Yak wool), handmade soaps, fragrances and other decorative items you can visit this cute market (a bunch of small bamboo huts). These items being native to this place are cheaper than any other place in Bhutan.
—Location–
Located at the center of Thimphu below Norzin Lam. Around 1.2 km from clock tower square.
—Timings–
10 AM to 7 PM
Post Office
Have you ever heard of personalized stamps that are legally valid and can be used for sending letters? I had never!!! Until I visited Thimphu postal office. In 360 Nu, they make 12 personalized stamps.
There is a Museum as well which you can visit at an entry fees of 150 Nu.
National Zoo Motithang Takin Preserve
Takin is the national animal of Bhutan and looks like having the head of a goat and body of a cow. It’s a rare type of goat-antelope living in the Himalayas.
Only Takins are kept in this preserve.
Legend: A 15th-century saint concocted the curious creature after he agreed to conjure up a miracle in exchange for lunch. He then slapped the head of a goat atop a cow’s skeleton and brought this new animal to life.
—Location–
5.3 km from city tower square
—Timings–
9 am – 4 pm from Tuesday to Sunday, closed on Monday
—Entry Fee–
300 Nu
Dochula pass (3100 m)
Feel the chill at a mountain pass surrounded by the Himalayas and a place where 108 stupas were built in a symmetrical creation in the memory of soldiers who lost their lives fighting for Bhutan.
This beautiful mountain pass provides you a mesmerizing view of surrounding snow-laden peaks if weather permits.
Druk Wangyal Lhakhang Temple at Dochula Pass
You can visit nearby Druk Wangyal Lhakhang temple to have an unforgettable experience and for bird’s eye view of the place. The Intricate design of the temple is a marvelous example of Bhutanese art and architecture.
Druk Wangyal Cafe
If you are at Dochula pass, do try this cafe. Coziness in cold, Coffee/tea in hand and view of Himalayas – what can be more enthralling than this.
As we could not get the complete view of surrounding peaks due to fog, we settled ourselves with a pic of these peaks placed outside this cafe. ;-))
—How to reach–
20 km from Thimphu. You can take a shared cab from Thimphu to Dochula or stop over at Dochula while going from Thimphu to Punakha, booking a full day cab.
Accommodation in Thimphu
Hotel Kisa
Overlooking the national stadium and beautiful mountains peaks, Hotel Kisa is situated right at the heart of Thimphu from where most of the locations are accessible on foot.
This hotel with a very hospitable staff is super clean with spacious rooms, hygienic bathrooms with all amenities, comfortable and cozy beds and an amazing restaurant.
To enjoy the mountain view, go for rooms at the front side of the hotel.
With such facilities, it didn’t feel like a budget hotel and we booked it just for Rs. 1800 per night (including breakfast).
Places to eat in Thimphu
Most of the cafes and restaurants in Thimphu are at Clock Tower Square. The ones we tried are:-
Zambola 2 Restaurant
Located in the town square market of Bhutan, this vegetarian restaurant is accessible walking from hotel Kisa. It serves Asian, Tibetan, Chinese, Indian Thai cuisines. Here, we enjoyed one of the best momos of Bhutan. Cheese Momos are a must try.
Tower Café
Overlooking clock tower, this pretty nice café with cheerful staff is a famous hangout place among Bhutanese youngsters. We had Koka noodles and it was a delicacy. Nothing could have been better than them on a chilly breezy rainy evening.
Laphing
A small restaurant a few meters from the clock tower. We went there in the hope of having some soupy noodles. But they told us that they serve only cold noodles – a Korean dish. Though we were reluctant to have them, we ordered it and once we started, we stopped only when the bowl was empty.
Thimphu is a very lively place. You would definitely love visiting here for a day or two.
Happy Exploring!!!