Best things to do in Thimphu
Find out more about those top places in Thimphu
Thimphu Travel Guide: Top Attractions, Sightseeing & Things to Do in Bhutan’s Charming Capital
Welcome to Thimphu, the quirky and captivating capital of Bhutan! Nestled in the western-central part of the country, Thimphu isn’t just the political hub—it’s also the cultural heartbeat and a rising star on the South Asian travel scene. Officially crowned the capital in 1961 by the visionary 3rd Druk Gyalpo, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, this once-scattered collection of settlements has grown into one of the most fascinating places to visit in Bhutan.
If you’re wondering about things to do in Thimphu, buckle up—this city is anything but ordinary. Imagine a place where traffic lights don’t exist (true story—they tried, but the locals preferred the hand gestures of traffic police), yet everything runs smoothly. That’s the kind of charm you’re in for.
Some of the top attractions in Thimphu include countless serene monasteries, grand Buddha statues (including the massive Buddha Dordenma that watches over the city like a chill spiritual giant), and stunning traditional architecture that proves modern cities can have style. Whether you're sightseeing your way through dzongs (fortresses) or sipping butter tea while people-watching in the main square, there’s no shortage of memorable moments.
And let’s not forget the people—Thimphu’s hospitality is second to none. Locals will welcome you with warm smiles and maybe even a story or two about Gross National Happiness (yes, that’s a real thing here).
So if you’re plotting your next adventure, make sure this vibrant city is on your Bhutan travel guide. With so many places to visit in Thimphu, your only regret will be not staying longer.
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Tashichho Dzong
One thing you would see a lot during your visit to Thimphu are monasteries, they come in different shapes and sizes and are scattered all around Thimphu. One of such monasteries and perhaps the most important is the Tashichho Dzong, it is located on the western bank of the Wang Chu in the northern part of Thimphu. Also known as the Thimphu Dzong it was built by the first Dharma Raja and it is the official residence of the Druk Desi, who is the head of Bhutan’s civil government. The Tashichho Dzong consists of thirty temples, shrines and chapels.
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National Memorial Chorten
Hard to miss, the National Memorial of Chorten is popularly referred to as “the most visible religious landmark in Bhutan”. Located on the Doeboom Lam, the whitewashed stupa was built in 1974 honoring Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, the third Druk Gyalpo of the kingdom of Bhutan. Unlike most stupa there are no human remains inside it, it only has the picture of the Druk Gyalpo in a ceremonial dress. The best time to visit is early in the morning, where you will see both the young and the old carrying out their religious rites.
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Royal Textile Academy
The Royal textile academy was established to preserve “the living art of weaving” in Bhutan, which has as always been at the bedrock of the country’s culture. The most important part of the Royal Textile Academy is undoubtedly the museum; it features textile works from ancient times to modern Bhutan. Separated into various floors, the upper floor focuses on mainly on all factors that contributes to the making of the traditional textile, while the ground features the royal attires worn by the fourth king of Bhutan and several other artifacts.
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Jungshi Paper Factory
Established by the Bhutanese government the Jungshi Paper Factory specializes in the production of handmade paper using traditional methods passed down for centuries. The factory uses two indigenous trees species (Daphne and Dhekap trees) to manufacture this paper. While touring round the factory, visitors can observe its production stages and even try making one for themselves as a souvenir.
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Buddha Dordenma Statue
Built to celebrate the 60th anniversary of Jigme Singye Wangchuck, Bhutan fourth king. The Great Buddha Dordenama as its known as a giant 54 meters gilded bronze statue, situated at the ruins of Kuensel Phodrang. It also houses over 120,000 smaller Buddha statues.
