Thimphu Bhutan Tourism (2020) Travel Guide Top Places

"Third Highest Capital of the World"

Thimphu Tourism

Thimphu is known as the heart of Bhutan nestled in its central-western part. Replaced by Bhutan's ancient capital - Punakha, Thimphu was declared the capital city of the Himalayan Kingdom in the year 1961. Originally pronounced as 'Thimbu', the city is known as the most modernised place in Bhutan with internet cafes, restaurants and pubs.

The Nightlife in Thimphu is also one of its highlights. However, Thimphu still holds on to the Bhutanese Traditions as it houses various architectural structures like the Buddha Dordenma, which marks your entry to Thimphu. The Motithang district of Thimphu also preserves the national animal of Bhutan - The Takin. With institutions like Textile Museum, Library, Art schools and the weekend market; the city isn't just a heritage centre but a cultural site as well. An hour drive from Paro International Airport, the city of Thimphu is a blend of both tradition and modernity. It is also known as the only capital that doesn't have any traffic lights installed.

Top Places to Visit In Thimphu

Buddha Dordenma

Tashichho Dzong

Changangkha Lhakhang

Memorial Chorten

Thimphu Weekend Market

Folk Heritage Museum of Thimphu

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Thimphu Packages

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Blissful Thimphu & Paro Package

3 Nights

Starting from $239

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Colours of Thimphu & Paro

4 Nights

Starting from $256

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Serine Phuentsholing, Thimphu & More

6 Nights

Starting from $310

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Enchanting Thimphu & Paro Vacation

5 Nights

Starting from $250

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Panoramic Nepal Package -Thimphu, Punakha & Paro

5 Nights

Starting from $280

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Verdant Thimphu & Paro Tour

3 Nights

Starting from $245

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Book Thimphu Activities

9D8N Classic Bhutan Tour

9 Day(s) Duration

Deals start $1,831

5.0 /5

3 ratings

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7D6N Classic Bhutan Tour

7 Day(s) Duration

Deals start $1,382

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8D7N Classic Bhutan Tour

8 Day(s) Duration

Deals start $1,606

4.7 /5

3 ratings

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3D2N Sagala to Paro Trek

3 Day(s) - 4 Day(s) Duration

Deals start $682

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2 ratings

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5D4N Classic Bhutan Tour

5 Day(s) Duration

Deals start $933

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9D8N Jomolhari Trek

9 Day(s) - 10 Day(s) Duration

Deals start $2,621

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Language of Thimphu

Dzongkha is the national language in Bhutan and hence you would find most of the people conversing in this language. The educated people of this city can also speak English as this is the language which is used for the purpose of education in Bhutan. You would also be surprised to find some people to be able to speak in Hindi, although not as fluently.

Read more about the Language of Bhutan.

History of Thimphu

Thimphu wasn't the capital or the largest city since the beginning. Initially, it used to be a small hamlet which consisted of very few houses. Gradually, this city grew alongside the river as well as on the mountain cliffs. Over the years this city has seen rapid development and you would find it to have the most modernised facilities as compared to any other city present in Bhutan.

Read more on History of Bhutan.

Nightlife in Thimphu

The Bhutanese culture may not have been too much affected by modernisation, however, you would still find a good enjoying nightlife over here. The city is known to be a bit small however the clubs over here have witnessed stars such as Cameron Diaz etc. gracing their parties. You can easily find numerous clubs as well as pubs over here some of the prime one being Vivacity, Mojo Park and Club Ace.

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Shopping in Thimphu

In Bhutan, you would be able to mainly find three categories of products - books, hardware and handicrafts. All the stores out there are known to have similar items and hence in case you cannot find anything at a particular store there is a very little chance that you would find it at any place else.

Weekend market in Thimphu is open on all Saturdays and Sundays selling everything from postal stamps to accessories. Read more about Shopping in Bhutan.

Currency in Thimphu

The primary currency utilised in Bhutan is Bhutanese Ngultrum. This currency is utilised all over Bhutan including the areas such as Thimpu and Paro. To know more read about the Currency of Bhutan.

Exchanging Money in Thimphu

You can get your currency converted into the local Bhutanese currency easily at the Airport. Also, it is advised to carry cash all the time as there are times when ATMs won't work or you wouldn't be able to find one in some parts. Indian currency is widely accepted in Bhutan.

Exchange Rate
The exchange rate for the Bhutan currency works similarly to that of India's. The currency value is floating, rather than being fixed. It depends on various factors such as demand and supply of the Bhutan currency, demand and supply of foreign currency, interest rates applicable etc.

Currently, BTN 69 is approximately equal to USD 1. In the 1990s, USD 1 approximately equated BTN 26.
Approximately BTN 80 exchanges for 1 Euro.

Daily Budget for Thimphu

On average you would be spending BTN 350 per day, which includes meals as well as basic travelling. However, in case you are shopping and travelling to nearby places, this cost would rise up to BTN 700 - 800 per day. These charges do not include any alcohol or any other luxury expenditures.

Religion of Thimphu

You would find most of the people in Bhutan following Buddhism as their religion. However, over time there has been a considerable increase in the levels of people who follow Hinduism.

Read to know more about other Religion in Bhutan.

Thimphu Customs

Being one of the traditional nations located in and across the world, Bhutan has been known to follow a very refined etiquette. People over here are normally dressed in the traditional Bhutanese dress where men wear a knee-length robe which is called as Gho, while the women are known to wear what is known as Kira. Also here certain etiquettes are observed while speaking, eating in public, while sending as well as receiving gifts and hence at many such occasions.

Restaurants and Local Food in Thimphu

Rice is the main component of the numerous meals cooked in Bhutan. Here you would find rice being served along with two or one type of side meals, including meat as well as vegetables. Some of the common vegetable eaten or consumed in Paro are tomato, spinach, pumpkin etc. There are a number of Bhutanese dish such as Ema Datshi, Phaksha Paa and everyone's favourite Dimsum or Momos which you should definitely try.

Read more about Bhutanese Dishes

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Best Time to Visit Thimphu

Commuting within Thimphu

Thimphu Photos

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Top Hotels In Thimphu

Hotel Druk

9.0 (27 reviews)

$ 132 onwards

Hotel Norbuling

8.8 (114 reviews)

$ 40 onwards

Le Meridien Thimphu

8.8 (17 reviews)

$ 199 onwards

Norkhil Boutique Hotel & Spa

8.8 (18 reviews)

$ 180 onwards

Osel Thimphu Bhutan

8.6 (49 reviews)

$ 75 onwards

Gakyil Thimphu

8.6 (98 reviews)

$ 36 onwards

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FAQs on Thimphu

What is the local food in Thimpu?

What are the places near Thimpu?

The top places near to Thimpu are Paro which is 22 km from Thimpu, Punakha which is located 27 km from Thimpu, Wangdue phodrang which is located 25 km from Thimpu, Phobjikha valley which is located 57 km from Thimpu, Trongsa which is located 85 km from Thimpu

What is the best time to visit Thimpu?

September - November (Spring) March-May (Spring) is the best time to visit Thimphu. This is the time when the skies are clear, the Weather in Thimphu is pleasant and feasible to travel. This is also a great time for adventure activities and trekking.

Paro Tsechu is also celebrated during the spring season and it is one of the best times to be in Bhutan. The end of November could turn out to be cold so don't forget to pack woollens. During the months of summer, the weather turns out to be extremely wet as well as humid and hence there are high chances of rain. During the months of winter, it is excessive cold as well as dry weather.
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What are the things to do in Thimpu?

The top things to do in Thimpu are Buddha Dordenma, Tashichho Dzong, Changangkha Lhakhang, Memorial Chorten, Thimphu Weekend Market, Folk Heritage Museum of Thimphu. You can see all the places to visit in Thimpu here

What is the best way to reach Thimpu?

How much does a package cost for Thimpu?

The packages for Thimpu start at INR 17952 which can be further customized based on number of people, days, hotel category, vehicle type and customizations. You can have a look at all packages here

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Ask a question from the travellers who have experience.

Q. How to reached Thimpu from Guwahati?

Mikul's Vlog 8 months ago

Take a bus to Coochbehar. It will take 6-7 hours. After that take another bus to Jaigaon from Coochbehar. It will take 2-3 hours. From Jaigaon cross the border gate and reach Phuentsholing and do necessary documentation at Immigration office. After that take taxi or coaster bus to Thimphu which will take another 6-7 hours.

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