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Capital and largest city of Bhutan
Photo: SingyeDzong, CC0 via Wikimedia Commons
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Constructed in the 15th century, this is one of the oldest temples in the Thimphu Valley, and is dedicated to Avalokiteshvara, the Buddhist emanation of compassion. The temple affords wonderful views over the entire valley. Go to see the prayer ritual inside the monastery and talk with the students here.
Sitting on top of Kuensel Phodrang hill is a 51.5-m bronze statue of Shakyamuni Buddha. The site also offers unobstructed views over the Thimphu Valley, which are especially stunning at sunset.
Ziluka Nunnery
The seat of the 17th emanation of Thangtong Gyalpo. Built in 1976, the nunnery is home to over 60 nuns. Large statue of Thangtong Gyalpo, views over Thimphu Dzong. Very friendly and welcoming. Ceremonies conducted on request.
A good place to visit in the evening when the locals are doing their evening prayers. The stupa was built in 1974 in memory of the third king.
A traditional house that showcases rural life. Exhibits and cultural shows are held in the museum compound.
Textile Museum
A display of exquisite Bhutanese textiles from the 1600s to the present day.
Semtokha Dzong
Built in 1629 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, Simtokha was the first dzong to be built in a unified Bhutan. It houses the country's main Dzongkha language learning institute.
Tashi Chhoe Dzong
Built in the 18th century by Shabdrung Rinpoche to house government officials. Later, it was enlarged to accommodate both the monastic and civil bodies. Three times suffering severe damage from fire and once from an earthquake in 1897, much of the historic building dates from the rebuilding in 1902. To accommodate the national government and the central monastic body, the dzong was totally refurbished and enlarged in 1962, a year after Thimphu was designated the nation's capital. The main structure of the whitewashed building is two-storeyed with three-storeyed towers at each of the four corners, topped by triple-tiered golden roofs. There is also a large central tower or utse. The towers and roof are beautifully lit at night.
On lush hillside about 10 km from the city, the gardens offer a peaceful and relaxing environment to spend a few hours. Botanists will find the wide selection of indigenous trees and plants of interest.
Coronation Park
On the banks of the river (near the city stadium), this 5.6 acres of parkland offer a pleasant and relaxing environment to stroll or to sit and watch the river flow by.
A 7-acre river-side park. Traditional Bhutanese structures. Community hub. Cafeteria. Performance plaza.
A lovely garden with ponds and bridges and unobstructed view of Thimphu Dzong. The garden was donated to the public by the Royal Grandmother, HM Kesang Choden, in memory of her late brother.
The Takin is the national animal of Bhutan, and looks like a cross between a cow and a goat. Legend has it that the animal was created by the great Buddhist yogi, Drupa Kunley, and it can be found only in Bhutan and nearby areas. Taxonomists place the animal in a category of its own as it is not similar enough to any other animal to fit established categories.
A private non-profit school specializing in the traditional 13 arts of Bhutan. Offers free education to the underprivileged. 340-year-old museum, with live demonstrations and opportunities to try Bhutanese painting and to make butter tea. Gift shop.
Zorig Chusum was established in 1971 to preserve the 13 traditional arts of Bhutan, and visitors are able to observe students honing their skills. There is also a small gift shop selling work created at the school. The thirteen arts are paintings, carpentry, wood carving, sculpture, casting, metal work, bamboo carving, gold & silver work, weaving, embroidery, masonry, leather work and paper making.
Modern centre. Classes in shamatha and vipassana meditation taught by experienced lamas.
A modern facility. Child friendly. Good selection of English books. Appreciates donations of popular titles, especially those on Buddhism and Bhutan.
Small private theatre. Bhutan inspired productions. Innovative. Family-friendly.
Serzhong Lam. A place to have any chronic ailments diagnosed and treated using herbal compounds. Ensure to retain the prescription.
Pedzoe Lam. It houses a rare collection of Buddhist texts on the second floor, and there is a small selection of English books on Buddhism (mostly donated by Taiwan) and on Bhutan on the first floor.
Events to promote literature, culture, and art in Bhutan
religious ceremony
17 Sep 2026
religious festival
21-23 Sep 2026
Some of the best momos in town. Kuka and pakoras are really good, Thupka is a bit bland.
A restaurant in garden setting. Warm and cosy ambience. Continental and fusion cuisine. Coffee. Desserts.
Tasty Mexican food. Coffee. Standard fast food restaurant ambience. Coffee. Bubble tea.
Tasty Cantonese cuisine. Veg and non-veg dishes. Bright, but uninspired interior. Large street-viewing windows.
https://www.facebook.com/BhutanRamen/
Owned by a Japanese lady and her Bhutanese husband. Hayate offers authentic ramen and sushi. Japanese-style decor.
Authentic Vietnamese cuisine. Specializing in Banh Mi. Light and airy interior. Large picture windows. Friendly and efficient service. Excellent coffee and desserts.
Authentic Bhutanese delicacies and meals. A fusion of traditional and modern interior. Outdoor seating.
Excellent Korean cuisine. Warm and minimalist interior. Fast and friendly service.
Serves authentic pizza and Italian salads. Selection of filter coffees. Outdoor patio.
Chic design. Japanese fusion cuisine. Coffee. Cocktails and drinks. Views over the Clock Tower. Free WIFI.
An elegant and relaxing cafe in a central location. A professional Turkish coffee roaster ensures the coffee is always fresh. Full range of espresso-based coffees. Cold brew. Freshly roasted beans (ground or whole). Wide selection of delicious cakes. Large range of teas. Fresh juices. Homemade ice-cream. Healthy vegetarian snacks and meals. Sourdough bread and baguettes. Panoramic views over the city streets and mountains beyond. Free Wi-Fi.
A small cosy cafe inside a resort courtyard. Open to non-resort residents. Serves cappuccino and Americano. Specializes in East Asian shaved-ice desserts and custard tarts. A wide rage of homemade ice-cream.
Russian Bakery
Full range of coffee. Continental cafe-style meals with good selection of bread. Views over Ludrong Park and Thimphu Dzong
A very small, cozy cafe. Good selection of books. Excellent coffee and teas. Simple and wholesome meals.
Kangen Cafe
Bright and atmospheric cafe. Excellent coffee. Wide choice of boba tea and shakes. Good selection of books to read on the premises. Friendly and helpful staff.
A cosy cafe. Specializes in Japanese-style desserts and food. Excellent coffee. Matcha served in bowls. Dinner on reservation basis only
Cosy and chic. Excellent coffee. Desserts. Local and international cuisine. Friendly and helpful service. Large selection of books. Alcohol. Outdoor seating. Free WIFI
A brights and lively cafe popular with youth. Rap and rock played from flat screen TV. Good coffee. Tasty light meals and snacks. Small outside seating area with view over the Clock Tower.
The Yeti
A cute, small bar. Popular with the cool middle-aged crowd. Wide range of alcoholic beverages. Simple wholesome meals.
Smilers
A cool bistro with a distinct urban tone. Excellent continental food. Espresso-based coffees. Wide range of alcoholic drinks. Fast and efficient service.
Run by well-known personality and Bollywood actor Kelly Dorji. Chic and cosy interior. Live music. Dance area. Coffee. International cuisine.
Rooms with attached bathroom and hot water facility, cable TV. There are also restaurant, bar and fast food facilities — for those pining that backstreet Indian vibe, the hotel's vegetarian restaurant is the place to come. Under the sound of Hindi songs blasting from a TV, Ghasel produces delicious dosa and thali and a range of other Indian and Bhutanese specialties.
Cheap Indian and Bhutanese dishes.
A chic hotel in the heart of the city.
Large, pleasant rooms. Five minute walk from centre of town. Indian and continental cuisine. Polite and efficient service.
A large city centre hotel next to the Clock Tower. Health club with massage, sauna, steam facilities.
A pleasant hotel on the mountain side above Thimphu. Wonderful views over the valley. A great place for people looking for peace and quiet or some inspiration.
Comfortable rooms. French, Continental, and Indian cuisine. Cafe. Gym. Steam and sauna.
Tastefully decorated, spacious rooms. Warm hospitality. Mixed local/international breakfast options. Excellent Indian cuisine. Coffee.
A chic and minimalist hotel among a forest.
Part of the Aman super-luxury hotel chain. A 16-room lodge offering five-star facilities.
Large and centrally located. Contemporary decor.
formerly Taj Tashi
Opened in 2008, a large and centrally located hotel offering full amenities.
A luxurious, minimalist resort offering views over the Thimphu Valley and landmark Statue of the Buddha. World-class service and menu.
A chic and modern hotel with traditional touches. Centrally located.
A lovely cabin-style bookstore set in a garden. Patio. Wide selection of books — Classic novels. Supports local creative industries through non-profit sales of the work.
Good selection of stationary and children's books. Books on Bhutan and Buddhism is an enclave at the rear of the shop. Helpful service.
Bright and airy shop. Best selection of books on Buddhism in Bhutan. Professional and friendly service.
A sustainable clothing and home textile brand that specializes in modern interpretations of traditional Bhutanese designs. Products are made using natural fibres woven by home-based weavers across Bhutan.
Wide range of handicrafts made as part of a young peoples' skill training programme. Coffee shop.
An elegant store. Wide range of quality Bhutanese handicrafts. Incense. Very polite and helpful service.
Products designed by local artists. Creative silk scarves. Purses and bags. T-shirts.
A weaving centre employing around 20 professional weavers. Showroom on top floor.
Bags, T-shirts, jackets - A fusion of traditional Bhutanese fabrics and motifs with contemporary design..
One of the largest handicraft shops in the city centre. Good selection of hand made goods from all over the Himalayan region.
A line of handicraft stalls. All items are from Bhutan.
Tarayana trains and supports the vulnerable and disadvantaged to make traditional handicrafts. Displays are uninteresting and the selection of goods is limited but the quality of the handicrafts is excellent and they offer a more rustic and genuine feel that those on sale at the commercial handicraft shops.
Hand woven fabric from some of the best weavers in Bhutan.
Quality bags made with Bhutanese woven material. Canvas bags with Buddhist motifs.
This shopping centre across from Hotel Norling on Norzin Lam has two good quality craft shops:
Most commercial and sells a range of goods, including t-shirts.
The post office has a large selection of stamps for sale. The special feature of the post office is that you can get a postage stamp made with your own photo printed on it, and these stamps can be used for postage purposes.
By bus
All inter-district buses arrive and depart from the city's bus station across the river from the city centre.
By bus
The city operates an efficient public bus service connecting the downtown with outer suburbs. The station for local buses, known locally as 'Bus Parking' is just east of Changlimithang Stadium.
By taxi
There is a set rate for taxis plying city routes — within the core area the rate is Nu 120 (Bhutanese ngultrum), while it costs around Nu 150-160 to nearby suburbs.
Choose an airport to see hotels, stations, taxi ranks and car rental desks around it.
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