One of the largest cities of the Kingdom of Bhutan, Thimphu is a mix of culture and heritage from the old and the new generations. The language of Thimphu as well as Bhutan is Dzongkha. Thimphu has become an important tourist destination and part of many Bhutan tour packages. Thimphu in Bhutan easily has one of the world’s most fascinating and jaw-dropping destinations.
Subscribe to our newsletter to receive exclusive offers, latest news and updates.
Bhutan’s only airport is in Paro, west of Thimphu. Paro airport is connected to Kolkata, Delhi, Bodh Gaya, Guwahati, and Bangkok. There are no direct flights from other major cities in India therefore you have to get connecting flights. Once you reach Paro airport you can avail of taxi services to Thimphu in Bhutan.
There are no train services to Thimphu in Bhutan, the easiest way how to reach Thimphu by train is to take a train from Kolkata to Hasimara, which is 17 km from the Indo-Bhutan border. Then via road, you go to Phuntsholing and then move on to Thimphu, Bhutan.
The best time to visit Bhutan, Thimphu would be wintertime, but when do you see nature in its full bloom? Spring. There is no proper season or time for a fun-filled traveling experience. Any time of the year would be perfect for visiting this beautiful nation as tourists are crowding the streets at all times, all year long. So let us dive into some of the best places to visit in Thimphu, Bhutan, and why these places are fascinating and rich in culture.
The National Memorial Chorten was built in memory of the 3rd of Bhutan and is a structure devoted to World Peace. The Chorten was first built in the year 1974 and thereafter received an extensive renovation in the year 2008. The beautiful monument reflects the heritage and history of Buddhist culture. The Chorten also attracts tourists traveling from all around the world due to its significance to Buddhist and Bhutanese culture.
The best time to visit Thimphu, Bhutan is during the spring and autumn. Bhutan in autumn is magical especially since the wind is calmer and the weather brightens the valley and the flora around it.
Summertime sees the land reach 22 degrees Celsius with mild rain showers and the routes will be moderately difficult to traverse (especially if you are going hiking or trekking).
Wintertime has harsh weather conditions and temperate goes down quite a lot, especially in higher altitude areas. If you do not like extreme cold weather conditions, it is advised not to visit this time of the year.
The National Memorial Chorten is located on Deoboom Lam in the souther-central part of the city near the Indian Military Hospital.
When the capital was moved to Thimphu by King Jigme Dorjee Wangchuk in the year 1962, there was a five-year project plan was laid out to renovate the dzong and make it larger and grander. Some of the structures were left untouched including the imposing chapel and the assemble hall in the courtyard. However, most of the dzong in the compound was rebuilt traditionally, without nails and architectural plans.
The Trashi Choo Dzong earlier used to house the National Assembly but now it houses the secretariat, the throne room, and offices of the king and the ministries of home affairs and finance. The northern part of the compound is the area where the visitors are free to explore.
You will undergo a security check when you enter the Dzong. When you enter the Dzong from the northern entrance visitors will get to see the depictions of the four guardian kings, and the walls of the steps are adorned with images of and who are the founders of the Phajoding monastery (another amazing monastery and place to visit in Bhutan)
There is a sense of peace and tranquility in the area especially when the sounds are only being emitted from the flight of pigeons, the rustling of the autumn leaves, and the prayer wheels decorated all around the architecture.
The Trashi Chho is located in Chhagchen Lam, Thimphu, Bhutan.
The monastery was established in the 12th century and holds the Tshechu festival in the courtyard on the 12th, 13th, and 14th days of the ninth Bhutanese lunar month.
The monastery offers a profound sense of tranquility and peace with serene surroundings and a spiritual ambiance. The ornate architecture beaming with intricate wall carvings and colorful prayer flags showcases the rich cultural and historical traditions of Thimphu in Bhutan.
The central courtyard holds a shrine to the (mermaid) and then you get an excellent panoramic view of Thimphu from the circumambulation path around the compound. Whether to admire its beauty or just to find peace and solace, Changangkha Lhakhang is quite simply marvelous and shows why Buddhism is such a peaceful and revered religion.
The monastery is open from 6 in the morning till 6 in the evening. The best time to visit Changangkha Lhakhang is from 6 am to 8 am and 5 pm and 6 pm especially if they want to be a part and witness the morning and evening prayer ritual.
Changangkha Lhakhang Footpath, Street Sevina Lam, Thimphu in Bhutan.
The history of the Goemba goes as such – during the year 1616 visited a nearby cave and started meditating. Then the head lama made a gift of the entire complex. as a show of appreciation carved a statue of made of sandalwood, and installed it in the monastery.
The three-storeyed Goemba holds many chapels that you can visit. One of which includes the living quarters of the fourth on the 3rd floor. Here you can receive a blessing from him.
Restoration work is done on the Goemba and the surrounding compound is adorned with fine carvings of the Buddhist eight auspicious signs. The meditation cave of can be visited at the top of the monastery on a rock outcrop looking out over the valley.
The best time to visit Tango Goemba, Thimphu in Bhutan is in April or May during the memorial of death, also known as
The Tango Goemba is located in Dotanang, Thimphu in Bhutan near the scenic mountains of Cheri in the northern part of Thimphu district.
The library was shifted under a newly constructed building as there was a need for better preservation of the sacred texts and the collection of books.
The text preserved in the library comprises handmade paper that is either preserved within wrapped paper or wrapped in silk. Instruments that were used to print the books can also be found in the library. There is no entry fee charged for visiting the library.
The Archives section has preserved important documents both past and present on Bhutan to ensure their safe-keeping and preservation of culture and prosperity. The library currently houses more than 10,000 woodblocks on 37 different titles of religious text.
The National Library is located in the Kawajangsta area of Thimphu, above the royal Thimphu golf course.
The scenes from the Dechen monastery are breathtaking as you get an amazing view of Thimphu in Bhutan. If you love to mingle with children, Dechen Phodrang will have you swarmed by the little monks, especially during their break. Those curious faces and the green surroundings make for an amazing and memorable trip to this monastery.
You can get to view several important Buddhist artifacts in this monastery, including 12th-century paintings and a statue of The main chapel is adorned with intricate murals which date back to the 13th century. The chapel on the lower level of the two-story building holds a Sakyamuni Buddha.
The Dechen Phodrang monastery is located at the top of a hill in the northern area of Thimphu.
The garden has a collection of over 800 species of native plants. The best time to visit Thimphu is during the spring season and the flowers in this garden get that extra glow with the flowers at full bloom.
If you are an anthophile, be sure to add this establishment as one of the things to do in Thimphu. Probably one of the best things to see in Thimphu is the rhododendron flower and its various types are found in this garden.
The Royal Botanical Garden is located in Serbithang, on the Babesa-Thimphu expressway.
The food in Thimphu is simple and tasty and you should visit the restaurants in Thimphu that serve authentic Bhutanese food to savour Bhutan’s true flavour.
Subscribe to our newsletter to receive exclusive offers, latest news and updates.
Our Blog Post
Connect with our experts! Get the best Itineraries and Offers!
We at WanderOn are a modern travel community that provides end to end travel packages in India and abroad. We design the best travel itineraries that encourage group traveling for like-minded people. Our services include road trips, trekking expeditions, corporate trips, and customized tour packages. On our trips, we ensure hassle-free traveling, top-notch accommodation and guided sightseeing that too in a budget that won't burn a hole in your pocket. Just give us your dates and be ready to experience traveling like never before.
3rd Floor, Building No-436, Phase IV, Udyog Vihar, Sector-18, Gurugram, Haryana-122001