Location: Thimphu
Top Things to do in Thimphu
Top 10 Things to do 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. 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
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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" ????
5. Simtokha Dzong
6. Simply Bhutan Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 136 reviews
Reviewed By ChanchalDaga - Kolkata (Calcutta), India
This place is built in about 10,000 sq. ft. of area. The cost of entry ticket for an Indian tourist is Rs. 300/- which includes all the sectors visit and a cup of local tea (butter tea) and a local wine. You can see and understand the old Bhutanese culture. You can see some shops of hand made items like bags, backpack, scarfs, sovereign etc, you can buy here at a reasonable price after some bargain. There is a restaurant too. The place is nice and beautifully managed. I can recommend - must visit.
7. Thimphu Chorten (Memorial Chorten)
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 1,067 reviews
Reviewed By hitesh1304 - Mumbai, India
Visited this beautiful memorial on 28/6...Its build in memory of the 3rd King of Bhutan...At the entry there are monks meditating in scared area along with several prayer wheels... The main chorten building in its white paint looks beautiful..The garden area has nice plants and the overall atmosphere is very pious and spiritual...A must visit place at Thimphu
8. Bhutan Post Office Headquarters
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 476 reviews
Reviewed By julieo593
My husband and I went on a two week tour with Bhutan Swallowtail Tours and one of the stops was at this lovely little museum. Interesting, informative and well done displays. Nice collection of memorabilia. I learned about an American named Burt Todd that helped the Bhutanese postal service in a very creative and selfless manner. Very nice souvenir shop with many beautiful Bhutanese stamps for sale.
9. Changangkha Lhakhang
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 155 reviews
Reviewed By Thomasjam
One of the oldest and beautifully locate temple ot is in the capital city. The view of thimphu valley from temple is great.
10. Motithang Takin Preserve
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 812 reviews
Reviewed By AZCasualTraveler - Mesa, United States
The Takin has been designated as the national animal of Bhutan and besides Bhutan, the Takin is also found in Tibet (China), north-west Myanmar and north-east India - primarily the areas around the Himalayan Mountains. Prior to this area being designated the "Takin Preserve", this area was once a Royal "mini" zoo for Bhutan's Royal family. However, some years ago the king of Bhutan had decided that the Takins should not be caged-in and needs to be set "free". After being set free, the Takins were so "domesticated" that they did not want to leave the general area of the "zoo" and Thimphu city. So the Bhutan government had decided to create the "Takin Preserve" to protect the animals. The Takin Preserve is located about 15 minutes north-west from Thimphu city center. The Preserve grounds are clean and well preserved and there is a small visitor center at the entrance to the Preserve. Besides the Takin animals, the Preserve is also home for a small heard of Sambar deer and a few other animals. I have read that the morning hours is the best time to see the Takins in the Preserve because that is the time they graze near the fence line. However, on the morning that we had toured the Preserve, all of the visible Takins had decided to stay away from the fence line and were only visible from a distance. So if you are intending to take photos of the Takins, a good camera with zoom lens is a must. Overall, the Takin Preserve was quite an interesting stop - especially since this was the first time that I have ever seen a "Takin" - even after traveling through Tibet (China), Myanmar and India.
