Location: Thimphu
Top Things to do in Thimphu
Countries
Top 10 Sights & Landmarks in Thimphu, Thimphu District
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. Mysterious Bhutan Tours and Adventures
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 7 reviews
Our one day private tour will cover some of the most important places like Kuensel Phodrang where you can get blessed from the gigantic bronze Buddha standing at the height of 169 feet and one of the largest Buddha in the world. After that visit the Takin Reserve the national animal of Bhutan which is said to be found only in the Himalayas. Visit the Trashi Chhodzong and National Memorial Chorten.
2. Tashichho Dzong (Thimpu Dzong)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 828 reviews
Reviewed By kersya - Mumbai, India
A beautiful fortress now converted into a administrative building, and a temple. The Temple is outstanding, the paintings, frescos on the walls are very colourful and have deep meaning. There is a big courtyard behind the temple that holds dance festivals
3. Buddha Dordenma
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,234 reviews
Great Buddha Dordenma is a gigantic Shakyamuni Buddha statue in the mountains of Bhutan celebrating the 60th anniversary of fourth king Jigme Singye Wangchuck. The statue houses over one hundred thousand smaller Buddha statues, each of which, like the Great Buddha Dordenma itself, are made of bronze and gilded in gold. The Great Buddha Dordenma is sited amidst the ruins of Kuensel Phodrang, the palace of Sherab Wangchuck, the thirteenth Desi Druk, overlooking the southern approach to Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan. Construction began in 2006 and was planned to finish in October 2010, however construction did not conclude until 25 September 2015. The completed work is one of the largest Buddha rupas in the world, at 169 feet (52 m) and contains 100,000 8-inch-tall and 25,000 12-inch-tall gilded bronze Buddhas.
Reviewed By Journey2shangrila - Thimphu, Bhutan
A slow drive up the hill towards the statue opens up panoramic view of Thimphu Valley.. Once up there, the scenic spot engulfs you and the astonishing enormous statue of Buddha, gently staring down, evokes a feeling of calmness and peace. The short hike from Kuenselphodrang is beautiful.
4. National Institute for Zorig Chusum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 100 reviews
Reviewed By AZCasualTraveler - Mesa, United States
The National Institute for Zorig Chusum in Thimphu was created by the government to promote Bhutan's traditional contemporary art forms. I have read that the words "Zorig Chusum" literally means "Thirteen Crafts." The thirteen Bhutan art forms are: Traditional Painting, Sculpturing, Wood Carving, Calligraphy, Paper making, Bronze Casting, Embroidery, Weaving, Carpentry, Masonry, Bamboo and cane weaving, Gold/Silver Smithy, Black smithy. The Institute has various classrooms with instructors who teach students these 13 art forms. After the students are taught these various art forms, they are then tested to determine their knowledge of these art forms. When our small group tour was visiting the Institute, there were several classrooms that were "Closed for Testing" with a sign on the door(s) indicating that testing was in progress. The items or goods that are made in the classrooms are being sold at the Institute's gift shop or "Showroom", and at various gift shops throughout Thimphu city. In summary, the National Institute for Zorig Chusum was quite interesting - knowing that Bhutan's government is genuinely interested in keeping Bhutan's rich history in it's 13 art forms.
5. Tango Buddhist Institute
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 117 reviews
Reviewed By PamelaSS888 - Canberra, Australia
When you visit Bhutan, one of the first places you may be taken to is the Tango Buddhist Institute, not far out of the capital Thimpu. It was founded in the 13th century and built in its present form in 1688. Make sure your guide and driver are as well prepared as ours were as they served lovely hot tea, coffee and snacks by a huge golden prayer wheel before the start of the hike up to the monastery. Everywhere in Bhutan is up or down and this well made path takes a good hour to walk up but you can get there one step at a time. It is worth the hike with spectacular views across the valleys and ancient temple buildings too see. Also make sure your guide takes you down the hill a bit to the ancient caves and a smaller temple - more stairs to climb up into the cave area but well worth a visit. When you go to the cave area, it is best not to walk around the outside in a clockwise direction in case you slip off. So return the way you entered back up the path. The trees and shrubs around the area are lovely and it is a very good place to start your visit to Bhutan as it gives you a good feel of the ancient monasteries and scenery.
6. Dochula Pass
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,256 reviews
Reviewed By ParulG21 - Navi Mumbai, India
The Dochu La, also called Dochu Pass, is a mountain pass which is a destination in itself and not just a mere stop-over point that is located between Thimphu and Punakha Districts in Bhutan. I witnessed this scenic beauty in the month of February 2020 and believe me this place has its own charm in the winters. Here are a few reasons why I loved Dochu La in the winters and I am sure you too would fall in love when you see this place in real. *Himalayan Ranges – Dochu La is a spot to get the best panoramic view of the Gorgeous Eastern Himalayas with the snow-capped peaks. *108 Stupas – This place is also known for its War Memorial made to honor the soldiers who perished in the Bhutanese War. These 108 Stupas are made in the memory of those soldiers. In winters these stupas are covered with snow making it a beauty to admire. *60th Café – It is one of the most amazingly positioned cafeterias of Bhutan. Sipping a hot coffee with some freshly baked pastries in a very warm, cosy, comfortable and perfect Himalayan setting is quite an experience. *Picturesque Spot! – This place transforms into a winter wonderland with snow all around making it undeniably a beautiful spot to take an Instagram worthy pictures. Reminiscing only Happy Memories!! Bhutan is surely "the place of great happiness" ????
7. Choki Traditional Art School
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 130 reviews
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 mbboening - Durham, United States
Visiting the Choki school was an amazing opportunity to see first hand some of the traditional art that is unique to Bhutan. We walked through the classrooms while students were painting, weaving, carving, and sewing and watched as they learned and practiced. Some of the students answered questions or let us see their work close up. Some classes had 7or 8 students while others had just 1 or 2. A gift shop carries all original work from the students ( beautiful hand weaved scarves, paintings of Buddha and the surrounding mountains of Bhutan, purses and bags as well as various wood carvings). It was a wonderful place to find special gifts or mementos from Bhutan and the purchases go toward supporting the school. Our guide introduced us to the daughter of the founder who spent time explaining the mission and purpose of the school. Her father was a traditional painter who felt passionate about preserving the arts that are unique to Bhutan by providing a place to teach students while also giving those who don’t continue on to conventional school an opportunity to learn traditional skill that would serve them as a career and also persevere the history and rich culture of the Bhutanese arts and crafts. As with many European countries the children of Bhutan experience a selection process via examination that leads to some of them continuing conventional education via university. For the other children, private school or opportunity in the trades are also available. It’s impressive that some people have dedicated their lives to providing opportunities for those who have neither the academic background or economic ability for continued education. Choki is the only school in Bhutan that offers free education, food and lodging to students in the traditional arts of drawing, painting, weaving, embroidery, tailoring, wood carving and computer. The school is funded by donations and student sponsorships. It was clear that the school benefits from visitors who admire and support their mission as they have donors from around the world - now including Durham NC!
