Top places to visit in Thimphu

• Buddha Dordenma (Buddha Point)

  statue · 4.7 rating · about 1 h · check the fee at the gate

  One of the world's largest seated Buddha statues (51.5 m), gilded in gold and housing over 100,000 smaller Buddhas, on a hill with sweeping views over the Thimphu valley.

• National Library of Bhutan

  Cultural · about 0.8 h · check the fee at the gate

  Repository of Bhutanese religious and cultural manuscripts in traditional architecture.

• National Institute of Traditional Medicine Services

  Cultural · about 0.5 h · check the fee at the gate

  Institute researching and dispensing traditional Bhutanese (Sowa Rigpa) medicine.

• Pangri Zampa Monastery

  Monastery · about 0.8 h · check the fee at the gate

  16th-century riverside monastery that is the seat of Bhutan's astrology college.

• Royal Takin Preserve

  nature_preserve · 3.9 rating · about 0.8 h · check the fee at the gate

  Forest wildlife reserve in Motithang dedicated to the takin, Bhutan's unusual national animal, alongside sambar, goral and barking deer.

• National Memorial Chorten

  stupa · 4.5 rating · about 0.8 h · check the fee at the gate

  White Tibetan-style stupa built in 1974 in memory of the Third King; a living centre of daily worship with kora paths, prayer wheels and elderly devotees.

• Simply Bhutan

  culture · 4.4 rating · about 1.3 h · check the fee at the gate

  Interactive living museum near Kawajangsa showcasing Bhutanese culture, with folk dance, archery, ara tasting and traditional building demos.

• Folk Heritage Museum

  heritage_museum · 4.2 rating · about 1 h · check the fee at the gate

  Restored 19th-century rammed-earth farmhouse recreating traditional Bhutanese rural life, with demonstrations, a garden and a local-cuisine restaurant.

• Centenary Farmers' Market

  farmers_market · 4.5 rating · about 1 h · check the fee at the gate

  Thimphu's large two-storey produce market on the river; busiest Friday to Sunday when farmers bring organic vegetables, chillies, cheeses, incense and handicrafts.

• Simtokha Dzong

  dzong · 4.5 rating · about 0.8 h · check the fee at the gate

  Built in 1629, the oldest surviving dzong in Bhutan, guarding the southern entrance to the Thimphu valley; now a school for Buddhist and language studies.

• Royal Textile Academy

  culture · 4.3 rating · about 1 h · check the fee at the gate

  Museum and institute near the centre preserving Bhutan's weaving heritage, with displays of traditional textiles, royal garments and jewellery.

• Dochula Pass

  mountain_pass · 4.8 rating · about 0.8 h · check the fee at the gate

  Mountain pass at 3,100 m on the Thimphu–Punakha highway, with the 108 Druk Wangyal Chortens and, on clear days, a panorama of the eastern Himalaya.

Things to do

• Traditional Archery Experience Cultural · 1.5 h
• Simply Bhutan Cultural Experience Cultural · 1.3 h · from BTN 1,000 per person
• Phajoding Day Hike Hiking · 6 h
• Choki Traditional Art School Visit Cultural · 1.5 h · from BTN 1,000 per person
• Wangditse Nature Trail Hiking · 1.5 h
• Buddha Point Nature Trail Hiking · 2 h
• Pumola Day Hike Hiking · 7 h

Where to stay in Thimphu

• City Centre (Norzin Lam)

  Central Thimphu around the main street, walkable to restaurants, shops, the clock tower square and the weekend market.

• Motithang

  Quiet, leafy upper-hill residential area with several upscale hotels and forest views, a short drive from the centre.

Hotels

• Yarkay Thimphu - IHCL SeleQtions 4-star
• Jambayang Resort 3-star · BTN 3,695 to BTN 4,800 per night
• Six Senses Thimphu 5-star
• Hotel Bhutan Kubera 3-star
• Amankora Thimphu 5-star
• The Postcard Dewa, Thimphu 5-star

Where to eat

• Ambient Cafe Cafe, International, Bhutanese · about BTN 650 per person
• Babesa Village Restaurant Bhutanese, Traditional · about BTN 650 per person
• Coffee Culture Cafe, Coffee, Bakery · about BTN 650 per person
• San Maru Restaurant Korean, BBQ · about BTN 650 per person
• Mountain Cafe - Thimphu Cafe, Coffee, Bakery · about BTN 650 per person
• Aroma Fine Dine & Bar International, Continental, Bar · about BTN 1,500 per person
• Kalden Restaurant Bhutanese · about BTN 650 per person
• Thimphu Courtyard Bhutanese, Asian · about BTN 650 per person

Getting to Thimphu

Nearest airport: Paro (PBH), about 23 km away in a straight line. The road or rail journey is longer.

How visitors arrive in Thimphu

• Fly to Paro, then road to Thimphu By air from Paro · common · unconfirmed

  Thimphu has no airport of its own; international arrivals land at Paro and continue by road (car or taxi arranged by the tour operator). Source: koryogroup.com

• Overland via Phuentsholing border By road from Phuentsholing · possible · unconfirmed

  Land entry from India through Phuentsholing is possible for those who qualify, followed by car, taxi or bus. Source: koryogroup.com

Getting around

• Car With Driver
• Taxi

  Taxis queue at ranks along Norzin Lam in Thimphu and can also be hailed on the street around the city.

• Walking

Safety and scams to avoid

• Taxi fare overcharging

  Taxis without meters

  Some taxis quote inflated fares to tourists instead of using the meter, especially from the bus station or for intercity trips.

  How to avoid it: Agree the fare before boarding or ask your guide/hotel for the typical rate. Most trips are arranged through your tour operator anyway.

Best time to visit Thimphu

• Jan 15°C
• Feb 17°C
• Mar 19°C
• Apr 22°C
• May 25°C
• Jun 27°C
• Jul 27°C
• Aug 27°C
• Sep 26°C
• Oct 24°C
• Nov 20°C
• Dec 17°C

More in Bhutan

• Paro
• Punakha
• Gangtey
• Jakar
• Haa
• Wangdue Phodrang

Frequently asked questions about Thimphu

How many days do you need in Thimphu?

A typical trip to Thimphu is 2-3 days.

What are the top-rated places to visit in Thimphu?

The highest-rated places in our Thimphu guide are Dochula Pass, Buddha Dordenma (Buddha Point), National Memorial Chorten, Centenary Farmers' Market, Simtokha Dzong.

Where should I stay in Thimphu?

Our guide covers these areas to stay in Thimphu: City Centre (Norzin Lam), Motithang.

How do I get around Thimphu?

Ways to get around Thimphu covered in our guide: Car with driver, Taxi, Walking.

What scams should I watch out for in Thimphu?

Scams reported to us for Thimphu include Taxi fare overcharging. Each is explained in the guide, with how to avoid it.

What is the weather like in Thimphu?

Average daytime highs in Thimphu run from 15°C in Jan to 27°C in Aug.

Which airport is nearest to Thimphu?

The nearest airport to Thimphu has the code PBH.