THIMPHU (ALTITUDE: 1,800 - 5,400M APPROX.)​

Thimphu, the capital city, is a bustling town on the banks of the river Wang Chhu. It is home to the Bhutanese Royal Family, the Royal Government, and several foreign missions and development projects. The shape of the valley is likened to that of the deep skull with a winding crystal river that descends into Thimphu valley from the high mountain above. It is said that eight auspicious signs can be witnessed in the features of the valley.

Top 11 Interesting Facts about THIMPHU, Bhutan

  1. Thimphu is the Capital city of Bhutan. The nickname is “Palace in the sky”
  2. The city extends in a north-south direction on the west bank of the Thimphu river, which is known as the Wang Chuu
  3. Thimphu is home to approximately 100,000 inhabitants including the Royal family.
  4. It’s the only capital in the world without any traffic lights
  5. Thimphu is the storehouse of traditional Bhutanese art
  6. The Grand Thimphu Festival is held at Tashichodzong
  7. The stroll through the city is an opportunity to experience full ethnic diversity.
  8. It is an excellent place for sightseeing and hiking
  9. Traditional mud-rammed homes & modern architecture coexist in Thimphu.
  10. Thimphu Offers Bhutan’s best dining and nightlife
  11. Thimphu offers a variety of souvenirs to take back home

Here are the most popular tourist places to plan for while you are in Thimphu

Tashichho Dzong

Tashichho Dzong reflects the history of Bhutan. It is located on the northern edge of Thimphu and river Wang Chu flowing along its bank. Tashichho Dzong means ‘the fortress of the glorious religion” and is home to both religious and administrative activities. As located in the vicinity of the mountains and lakes, Tashichho Dzong is the reflection of Bhutanese fine architecture with detailed artistic woodwork.

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Memorial Chorten​

The stupa was built in 1974 in memory of the Third King, His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuk . It was his dream to erect the monument to honor world peace and prosperity.

It is centrally located. Devotees flock to the temple throughout the day to turn the prayer wheels or for circumambulation.It is a beautiful place where you can capture the sight of pigeons being fed mostly by old citizens in the morning hours. You will see the locals from all the walk of life engaged in Spiritual activities.

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National Institute Of Zorig Chusum​

The National Institute of Zorig Chusum is a place where students learn the 13 traditional Arts and Crafts. This is a great place to checkout the work of Bhutanese Art.

These 13 arts are drawn from Buddhist culture and defines the overall spectrum of Bhutanese Art Culture & Heritage. You will come across students actively engaged in painting, embroidery, woodcraft ,masonry, sculptor and carpentry and architecture. They are used to working while the visitors are there and this is also a few place where you can take your camera for photograph.

Witness the magic of the traditional arts and crafts come to life at National Institute of Zorig Chusum.

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Buddha Dordenma

The Buddha Dordenma Statue which is 169ft is the world’s tallest Buddha statue and it is located about 6 km from Thimphu city. The statue is surrounded by 943 acres of forest area that comprises the Kuenselphodrang Nature Park. The place also has walking and biking trails.

You can also get the grand view of Thimphu Valley from here.

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Simtokha Dzong​

Five miles from Thimphu, on a lofty ridge, stands Simtokha Dzong thae oldest fortress in the Kingdom. Simtokha’s strategic position overlooks the entire Thimphu Valley. The central tower has 12 sides, unlike any other Fortress in Bhutan. It also contains the bed chambers of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel and Jigme Namgyel, the father of first king of Bhutan

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Changangkha Lhakhang​

Perched on a small mountain lies the Changangkha lhakhang overlooking the Thimphu Valley. It was established in the 12th century on the site chosen by Phajo Drugom Zhigpo. Devotees flock to the temple throughout the day to turn the prayer wheels.

The local people visit Changangkha Lhakhang to get the names for their newborn babies and also to seek protection from the Local deity namely Tamdrin.

The place has a calming effect. You can get a good view of Thimphu valley from here. There are many things that you can do here. You can offer the wine to the deity, light a butter lamp or offer milk to the Naga Goddess.

The inner sanctum of the temple is dedicated to Avolokiteshvara , the god of compassion. The statue of Avalokiteshvara is supposed to be self emanating. It also contains beautiful wall paintings and hundreds of religious scriptures written in gold.

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National Library​

Visit to National Library, which houses an extensive collection of Buddhist literature, with some works dating back several hundred years. It was opened in 1967 to preserve the ancient Dzongkha texts and act as a repository for thousands of old religious books and manuscripts as well as the wooden blog used for printing. An altar located in the entrance lobby has statues of some of the most important historic figures- Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel, Pema Lingpa & Guru Padmasambhava.

They are dedicated fully to the preservation and promotion of the rich literary, cultural and religious heritage of our country.

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Tachog Lhakhang​

Located on the way to Thimphu from Paro. One need to cross the iron bridge in order to get to this lhakhang. The iron bridge was constructed by Drupthop Thangtong Gyalpo. It is amazing to note that iron bridge chain bridge was constructed on 13th century and it is durable and strong.

It is a fun crossing the bridge

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Centenary Farmers Market​

Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday the weekend market is held in the capital. Here   villagers   from   the   valley   and   other nearby places come to sell their agriculture products. Another great place to meet the locals and purchase organic foods like honey, mushrooms etc

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Royal Textile Academy Of Bhutan​

The Royal Textile Academy of Bhutan was instituted in May 2005 under the patronage of Her Majesty Ashi Sangay Choden Wangchuck with the textile arts of Bhutan. 

You can witness the beauty and diversity of the living textile arts of Bhutan.

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Dochula Pass​

Dochula Pass is one of the greatest sightseeing places in Thimphu. The journey from Thimphu to Punakha en routes via Dochula Pass which is a high mountain pass situated 3,100 meters above sea level. 

It is located about 23 kilometers from Thimphu and the beginning of the drive passes via Simtokha Dzong and the road ascends to a good view of Simtokha Dzong before passing the village of Hongtsho and reaching Dochula Pass. 

 

Dochula Pass is marked by a magnificent cluster of 108 Chortens (stupas) known as the Druk Wangyal Chorten. Besides the amazing setting festooned with hundreds of colorful prayer flags, you will be able to see some of the great Himalayan peaks framed by the lazuline sky. 

If skies are clear, the high Himalayan peaks towards the northeast will be revealed in all their glory. On a clear day, the following peaks can be seen from this pass (left to right): Masagang (7,158m), Tsendegang (6,960m), Terigang (7,060m), Jejegangphugang (7,158m), Kangphugang (7,170m), Zongaphugang (7,060m) a table mountain that dominates the isolated region of Lunana, and finally, Gangkar Puensum, the highest peak in Bhutan at 7,497m.

 

Enjoy a cup of hot coffee at the Dochula cafeteria while admiring the amazing view of the snow-capped peaks. 

The Druk Wangyal Lhakhang is located next to the Druk Wangyal Chorten.

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Thangthong Dewachen Zilukha Nunnery​

The nunnery is located in Zilukha overlooking Tashicho Dzong. The monastery is located few minutes away from the town.The monastery was constructed in 1976 by the emanation of Drupthop Thangtong Gyelpo who is famour for building iron bridges

The Nunnery also represents the merging of Bhutan’s spiritual past, the evolving present, and the challenges of the future.

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Bhutan Postal Museum​

The Bhutan Postal Museum enables you to see the replica story of Bhutan’s progress and development through the lens of the evolution of communications and postal system in the country. The story is told through anecdotes, artifacts and the rich assortment of stamps the country has produced over the years.

You can also create your own stamps which can be posted within Bhutan.

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Motithang Takin Preserve

Motithang Takin Preserve, located in the Motithang district of Thimphu, Bhutan is a wildlife reserve area for Bhutan takin, the national animal of Bhutan. Originally a mini-zoo, it was converted into a preserve when it was discovered that the animals refrained from inhabiting the surrounding forest even when set free. The reason for declaring takin as a national animal of Bhutan on 25 November 2005 (Budorcas taxicolor) is attributed to a legend of the animal’s creation in Bhutan in the 15th century by Lama Drukpa Kunley

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Jungshi Paper Factory

The paper factory in Thimphu produces traditional paper known as the Deh-sho. The Jungshi paper factory is located approximately 1 km from Thimphu City, opposite the Centenary farmers market. It uses the bark of the Daphne tree and the Dekap tree to manufacture the handmade papers.
Tourists can observe the complete ancient process of papermaking at the factory. Traditionally the papers were used by the monks to write prayer texts and manuscripts. Later the factory was set up in 1990 to preserve the tradition of paper making and commercialize it. The handmade paper is currently exported to the US, Europe, Japan, India, and Nepal. The factory also has a small shop that sells handmade papers and other products such as books, greeting cards, paper bags, and lamp shades, all made from the paper.

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Town Tour

Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan, is a captivating town that offers a blend of traditional charm and modern vibrancy. Unlike many bustling cities around the world, Thimphu maintains a unique, laid-back atmosphere that reflects Bhutan’s commitment to preserving its cultural heritage while embracing gradual modernization.

The town is characterized by its distinctive architecture, where traditional Bhutanese style meets contemporary influences. You’ll find buildings with intricately carved wooden facades and colorful murals juxtaposed with modern structures. This harmonious blend creates a picturesque setting that’s both inviting and reflective of Bhutan’s values.

Central to the town’s daily life is the Thimphu Weekend Market, an energetic and bustling hub where locals and visitors converge to experience the heart of Bhutanese commerce. Held every weekend, this market is a vibrant showcase of local produce, handicrafts, and textiles. Stalls overflow with fresh vegetables, fruits, and spices, providing a sensory feast of colors and aromas. Handwoven rugs, traditional clothing, and intricate jewelry can be found, offering a glimpse into Bhutanese artistry and craftsmanship.

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