The 10 Best Things to Do in Thimphu, Bhutan

November 20, 2017 Timmy Ribble

Thimphu (/tɪmˈpuː/; Dzongkha: ཐིམ་ཕུ [tʰimpʰu]; formerly spelled as Thimbu or Thimpu) is the capital and largest city of the Kingdom of Bhutan. It is situated in the western central part of Bhutan and the surrounding valley is one of Bhutan's dzongkhags, the Thimphu District. The ancient capital city of Punakha was replaced by Thimphu when it was established as capital in 1955, and in 1961 Thimphu was declared as the capital of the Kingdom of Bhutan by His Majesty the 3rd Druk Gyalpo Jigme Dorji Wangchuck.
Restaurants in Thimphu

1. Dochula Pass

Thimphu, Bhutan
Excellent
62%
Good
31%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1 reviews

Dochula Pass

Reviewed By atwin90frames - Mumbai, India

One of he highest passes in Bhutan and one that has a spectacular view on a clear day. The pictures are of flowers that grow there, this pass has a lot written on it which can be read on google. I will suggest one must eat rice, potato and cheese and daal at the restaurant which is situated at this pass

2. Buddha Dordenma

Viewing Point, Thimphu, Bhutan +975 17 47 42 24
Excellent
55%
Good
34%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1 reviews

Buddha Dordenma

Reviewed By Laeeq A

Must visit if you are in Bhutan. The sheer size of the Buddha blows you away. And then if you are believer in Buddha, then even more better.

3. Tashichho Dzong (Thimpu Dzong)

Chhagchhen Lam, Thimphu, Bhutan
Excellent
56%
Good
36%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 631 reviews

Tashichho Dzong (Thimpu Dzong)

Reviewed By Tom H - Minneapolis, Minnesota

This fortress is still in use today, with half being a monastery and the other half being government administration areas. There were almost no other tourists and very quiet and peaceful walking around the courtyards. My guide found out from a monk that there was special prayer ceremony happening, so we were able to observe it for a while and get a blessing. This is a must-see site.

4. Tango Buddhist Institute

Thimphu, Bhutan
Excellent
63%
Good
35%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 89 reviews

Tango Buddhist Institute

Reviewed By Vivek V

An old Buddhist monastery in the hills
Proper trail provided
Spectacular view from the top
Requires an hour's walk from base (people with breathing problems not advised to walk)
It's a Buddhist belief that a walk to Tango has to also be done with a walk to Cheri Gompa
The monastery itself is quite serene and simple, the Lamas open the sanctum sanctorum if you request.

5. Simtokha Dzong

5 kms south of Thimphu, Thimphu, Bhutan +975 17 11 10 48
Excellent
53%
Good
39%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 96 reviews

Simtokha Dzong

Reviewed By Dimitar G - Sofia, Bulgaria

this is a place which must be visited as it represents part of the historical heritage of Bhutan, an old monastery with tremendous spiritual power, pity that it is not in all tourist guides

6. Bhutan Post Office Headquarters

GPO Building | Chang Lam, Thimphu, Bhutan 322281
Excellent
47%
Good
35%
Satisfactory
16%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 366 reviews

Bhutan Post Office Headquarters

Reviewed By Carla A - Salem, Oregon

I really enjoyed visiting this interesting post office. There is a small museum and I enjoyed looking inside and learning about the history of the postal system in Bhutan. Also, it is very fascinating because you can use your photo to make a real stamp!! Great souvenir!!

7. Royal Textile Academy of Bhutan

Norzin Lam, Thimphu 11001, Bhutan +975 2 335 117
Excellent
38%
Good
44%
Satisfactory
16%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 279 reviews

Royal Textile Academy of Bhutan

Discover the beauty and diversity of the living textile arts of Bhutan. We have the finest examples of woven, embroidered and appliqued textiles on display alongside relevant production techniques in our Textile Museum. Visitors can also observe weavers and embroiderers at work at our Weaving Center on the premises of the Royal Textile Academy. Opening times: Monday – Saturday 9:00 – 17:00

Reviewed By Bhattarai B - Thimphu, Bhutan

Royal Textile Academy of Bhutan was founded to preserve and promote the living art of weaving which is an important part of the culture and tradition of Bhutan. Under the patronage of Her Majesty Ashi Sangay Choden Wangchuck, it is a non-government, non-profit organization established as an educational center for the training of individuals in traditional Bhutanese weaving where you can see how our national dress are weave locally and also many local costume .This is the only nearest place where we can witness live weaving of our Bhutanese dress and also displays of all 20 deistic dress .we can also get chance to see the history and technology of beautiful art work of land of thunder Dragon Bhutan.
A great place to see the history and technology behind beautiful artwork of Bhutan. It offers nice displays of variety of clothing .

8. Thimphu Chorten (Memorial Chorten)

Thimphu, Bhutan +975 17 85 33 55
Excellent
32%
Good
47%
Satisfactory
19%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 781 reviews

Thimphu Chorten (Memorial Chorten)

Reviewed By Lee_family_219053 - Singapore, Singapore

This was a place where it was said was built to allow people in future to come visit easily. True enough Thimphu was elevated to the capital of Bhutan and now a memorial for all people to come visit and pay their respects. Situated in the middle of the road like a roundabout. Colorful paintings around the compound and the traditional spinning wheels where many elderly sit by to offer their prayers and meditation. LIke most attractions in Bhutan the entrance fees are really expensive for tourists. If this is a put off ne can easily take photographs from outside.

9. National Folk Heritage Museum

Thimphu, Thimphu 11001, Bhutan +975 2 322 215
Excellent
32%
Good
43%
Satisfactory
23%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 173 reviews

National Folk Heritage Museum

Reviewed By Dimitar G - Sofia, Bulgaria

this is an amazing place -like a time machine, well preserved, well explained and excellent for tourist adoring such Exhibitions. Amazing similarities with corresponding Exhibitions around the world - apparently people in ancient times achieved similar knowledge independently

10. Choki Traditional Art School

Kabesa, Thimphu, Bhutan +975 17 60 31 35
Excellent
57%
Good
32%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 103 reviews

Choki Traditional Art School

Choki Traditional Art School is the only privately run charitable institute that provides traditional arts & crafts training to the underprivileged youths of Bhutan. The school provides free tuition, food and lodging facility and promotes the rich cultural heritage of Bhutan.

Reviewed By Nigel H - Harrogate, United Kingdom

Free education is important so full marks to the Bhutanese government for recognising this and the value of artistic and technical education. It was interesting to see how Bhutan helps ensure it has the skills for the future for what is important to it, namely, it's Buddhist and cultural heritage. I wish Britain had done the same with it's education system. The School needs, however, to rewrite it's Vision, displayed on the walk, in language that is not western management speak. It will have more value that way!!

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