Location: Thimphu
Top Things to do in Thimphu
What to do and see in Thimphu, Thimphu District: The Best Free Things to do
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. National Adventure Tour and Trek
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2 reviews
Bhutan National Adventures is a travel company situated in Thimphu; the national capital of Bhutan. We are offering personalized services to travelers looking for life changing experiences in Bhutan and other countries. We specialize in different day tours; cultural tours, festival tours, special trekking, adventure tours and many other. Join us on adventure and experience our amazing country.
2. Bhutan Travel Center
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 21 reviews
We are one of the experienced tour operators in Bhutan, providing comprehensive tours and travel services for groups and individuals traveling to Bhutan. Bhutan Travel Center is the fast-growing Tourism Company in Bhutan. We have constantly maintained a team of fully qualified and well-motivated staff, who are determined to provide our clients with the most convenient trip.
3. 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
4. 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.
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. Mojo Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 50 reviews
Restro Bar/Live music lounge right in the heart of Thimphu. Opened: 2011. Hours: Mon: 5:00 pm - 11:00 pm, Wed - Thu: 5:00 pm - 11:00 pm, Fri - Sat: 5:00 pm - 12:00 am, Sun: 5:00 pm - 11:00 pm. Services :Takes Reservations, Walk-Ins Welcome, Good For Groups, Waiter Service.
Reviewed By drshraddha - Pune, India
We read lot of good review of place off course on TripAdvisor and hence decided to visit. We were staying at Pedling hotel which made us reach here very easily. Walkable from all hotels in center of Thimphu city (hotels in and around Clock tower). We reached at 9 and hence got preferred good seat easily. Advantage Good value for money alcohol. Free starter with alcohol (we didn't take as it's fried but it seemed decent). Local alcohol available. Seating good Ambience and interior small cozy and attractive inside. Outside ambience good too but only advised if it's not chilly. The music is played by some very best singers inside. The singers sing popular English songs ( no accent ). Staff is good. Disadvantage None. Do Please go early as it gets crowded and then getting comfort seat inside where you could see and hear great music is bit difficult. Please do not relay for proper dinner (they are giving only starters). Have dinner and then go here so you enjoy what's it's famous for.
8. Simtokha Dzong
9. Bhutan Rovers
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 12 reviews
Bhutan Outlander Travel is a licensed private tour operator specializing in cultural, wildlife, trekking, adventure and custom tours all over Bhutan. Our goal is to give travelers an in-depth experience of Bhutan's people, places, environment and philosophy. We measure our success in Bhutan with happiness. Our guests experience Bhutan in safety and comfort, creating memories lasting a lifetime.
10. Changlimithang Stadium & Archery Ground
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 67 reviews
Reviewed By AZCasualTraveler - Mesa, United States
If you don't know already, Archery is not only the most popular sport in Bhutan but it is also designated as the National Sport in Bhutan. So our small tour group itinerary would not be complete without visiting the Changlimithang Archery Grounds and watching an Archery competition. As can be seen from the photos, the bows that are being used by the Archers here are not "toy" bows and arrows - they are using expensive, high-tech carbon fiber equipment for serious competition. The "target" that the Archers are shooting at is a small paper target that is so far down field that all I can see is a tiny white "spot" downfield - see photo of the target. It seems almost impossible for anyone to hit this target that is so small and far away - but we actually saw the target being hit by at least one Archer! Very worthwhile and interesting visit to the Archery Grounds.
