3 km
from city center 1 out of 45
Places To Visit in Thimphu

The quaint town of Thimphu is home to a 51 metres tall gold-plated statue of Buddha Dordenma, which is entirely made up of steel. The night sees this statue beautifully illuminated and makes it even better sight to behold. The statue houses around 125,000 spectacular smaller Buddha statues made of bronze and plated in gold, each of which looks like the Dordenma itself.

2 km
from city center 2 out of 45
Places To Visit in Thimphu

Tashichho Dzong is a fortress located about 2 km away from the city of Thimphu in Bhutan. It had been constructed in 1641 and underwent several restorations since then. It currently serves both as a monastery and the central secretariat of the present government. Also known as the "fortress of the glorious religion", it is found right on the banks of the Wangchhu River.

1 km
from city center 3 out of 45
Places To Visit in Thimphu

The Changangkha Lhakhang is an ancient temple situated at a distance of around 1 km from the downtown Thimpu. The temple was built in the 12th Century on a site which was chosen by the founder of the Drukpa Lineage in Bhutan, Phajo Drukgom Shigpo. This one is a traditional Bhutanese monastery which is miraculously suspended like a castle on a ridge over the central Thimpu mountain ranges.

1 km
from city center 4 out of 45
Places To Visit in Thimphu

The Memorial Chorten, also known as Thimphu Chorten/ Memorial Stupa is one of the tallest monuments in Thimphu. Located in the southern central part of the city, in Doeboom Lam, the Stupa attracts tourists from all around the globe with its elegant architecture. The Chorten is a place that would give you an insight into Buddhism through its great artwork, wall carvings and marvellous sculptures. This ancient monument highlights Buddhist culture, serving as a great place to wander around while enjoying the aura of the site.

0 km
from city center 5 out of 45
Places To Visit in Thimphu

Offering endless opportunities to peek into the culture of the country and to interact with locals, the Weekend Market of Thimphu is the city's star on Saturdays and Sundays. Located at the north of Changlimithang Stadium, at the west bank of the Wang Chhu, the market is bustling with traders and customers, it looks colourful and vivid and it is an ideal place to buy souvenirs. Everything, from vegetables to accessories to postal stamps, is sold here at unbelievably low prices.

1 km
from city center 6 out of 45
Places To Visit in Thimphu

Giving an insight into the culture of Bhutan under one roof, Folk Heritage Museum preserves and flaunts the folk tradition of the country. Set up in 2001, the museum is set up inside a three-storeyed house, having the soberest facade, which makes the place even more distinguished. Bhutanese cuisine, important trees, farming tools, household objects and whatnot! This impressive museum displays it all.

5 km
from city center 7 out of 45
Places To Visit in Thimphu

Overlooking the entire Thimphu valley, the Simtokha Dzong is located 5kms south of central Thimphu. Simtokha Dzong is also known as Sangak Zabdhon Phodrang, which means "Palace of the Profound Meaning of Secret Mantras". Not just a religious structure, it is also a prominent Dzongkha learning institute in the country. It is often said to be the first Dzongs built in Bhutan.

3 km
from city center 8 out of 45
Places To Visit in Thimphu

The crown jewel of Thimphu, Motithang Takin Preserve is a protected area where the national animal of Bhutan, Takin, is preserved. A half an hour walk here would unveil many exotic birds and animals to you, who wander around the area freely and in the most natural of habitat. Overflowing with serenity, the wildlife here is exquisite and should be seen once.

4 km
from city center 9 out of 45
Places To Visit in Thimphu

Using traditional Bhutanese methods to produce an authentic handmade paper which is called "Dehsho"; the Jungshi Handmade Paper Factory preserves the age-old Bhutanese traditions. It makes one rich in knowledge about the process of paper-making and also produces a variety of handmade products. A tour of the entire factory will show you the wholesome process of paper-making, which includes everything, from boiling the tree's bark to pressing and drying. After taking the tour, souvenirs can be bought from a little shop at the end of the factory.

14 km
from city center 10 out of 45
Places To Visit in Thimphu

Tango Monastery enriches one's travel experience with its serene aura and quaint environment keeping in with Bhutanese tradition of focusing on spirituality more than fancy facades. Located near the Cheri Mountains in Thimphu, the Tango Monastery is a prominent Buddhist learning centre in Bhutan. The one-hour long hike up to the top of the monastery is worthwhile.

1 km
from city center 11 out of 45
Places To Visit in Thimphu

National Institute for Zorig Chusum, commonly known as the painting school, not only preserves the traditional Bhutanese Art but also passes it on to the next generation. Watching young people work with undivided attention is quite mesmerising and inspiring. Sewing, ornament-making, painting and carving are just some of the thirteen crafts that are taught here. The traditional Thangkha painting is also taught to a few foreigners who come to Bhutan.

14 km
from city center 12 out of 45
Places To Visit in Thimphu

Bhutan's first-ever monastery, Cheri Gompa was founded in 1620 by Zhabrung Ngawang Namgyal. An hour-long hike to Cheri Gompa's topmost part greets you with a picturesque view of lush valleys and green forests. The trail takes you through Tango Monastery, crossing the bridge over Wang chhu which then leads you to Cheri Goemba. A significant attraction of the Goemba is a silver chorten which holds the ashes of Zhabrung's father. Apart from this, it's a meditation retreat so make sure you don't distract anyone who's there.

0 km
from city center 13 out of 45
Places To Visit in Thimphu

Bhutan Post Office Headquarters of Thimphu is home to the world's largest photo book. It is situated close to Changlam Square, preserving the ancient tradition of sending out postcards. It's a paradise for a philatelist with all types and shapes of stamps, ranging from circular to rectangular to the ones having attractive designs found here. If you want your personalised stamps, then Bhutan Post Office Headquarters are the way to go! Antique coins can also be bought here.

3 km
from city center 14 out of 45
Places To Visit in Thimphu

Dechen Phodrang, also known as Palace of great bliss, is a monastic school (Lobra) in Thimphu. It is home to above 500 monks and provides them with a prestigious eight-year course. Situated on a valley 4km away from Gaden Lam, it offers a mesmerising view of Thimphu. This two storey splendid dzong houses many ancient paintings and the central statue of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, which are truly picturesque.

1 km
from city center 15 out of 45
Places To Visit in Thimphu

A spectacular building in Thimphu, Royal Textile Academy of Bhutan was founded in 2005 to preserve the cultural art of weaving textiles. Here, young Bhutanese students are taught weaving without any profit-making. Adorned clothes and beautiful textiles can be seen on display here, which give an insight into the traditions of Bhutan. You can also visit the Bhutan textile museum while you're here.

1 km
from city center 16 out of 45
Places To Visit in Thimphu

The National Institute of Traditional Medicine in Thimphu has been preserving the herbs and animal parts used in traditional Bhutanese ointments and medicines collected from the Himalayas for ages. Here, all the diseases, no matter how acute or severe, are treated using these ancient practices. Preserving around 300 different kinds of natural materials, a visit here will tell you the significance of traditional medicine in people's lives.

1 km
from city center 17 out of 45
Places To Visit in Thimphu

The National Textile Museum gives a glimpse of Bhutanese history in terms of clothes and textiles. One can find traditional Bhutanese artefacts such as the wedding dresses worn by former kings and queens, the conventional nomadic textiles and much more. This building is a storehouse of information and knowledge on the textile heritage of Bhutan.

1 km
from city center 18 out of 45
Places To Visit in Thimphu

Established in 1967 in the heart of Thimphu, the National Library of Bhutan houses national archives of Bhutan along with Tibetan and Bhutanese texts and manuscripts. There are photo frames of historical incidents hanging on the wall, which are also quite fascinating. The place is tranquil, and you can find yourself engrossed in reading about Bhutanese history here.

9 km
from city center 19 out of 45
Places To Visit in Thimphu

Choki Traditional Art School exhibits the dedication of little kids towards art. Established in the year 1999, the school was founded by Thrimdep Choki Dorji who was keen on teaching arts to the rural and economically unstable children. These kids were interested in learning arts but couldn't make it to the National Painting School. Dorji's interest and zeal to keep the art alive, led him to establish Choki Art School.

1 km
from city center 20 out of 45
Places To Visit in Thimphu

Flaunting the rich Bhutanese culture to the world, Simply Bhutan Museum displays the impressive traditions and gives a glimpse of the country's history. A one-of-its kind "living" museum, visitors get to enjoy the Bhutanese songs, folk dances and finger-licious cuisine. One can actually live the country's culture by trying on traditional clothes and archery.

1 km
from city center 21 out of 45
Places To Visit in Thimphu

Popularly known as VAST, Voluntary Artists Studio in Thimphu provides vocational art and painting classes to young people. It is the most significant art gallery in Thimphu which was started by a group of professional artists in the year 1998. Here, people keeping a deep passion in art come together to discuss its beauty and significance. The primary aim was to provide young Bhutanese children and youth with an opportunity to develop their artistic talents and increase their potential.

0 km
from city center 22 out of 45
Places To Visit in Thimphu

Situated in the heart of town, Clock Tower Square is an architecture marvel and a pleasure to eyes. It is basically a tower with four clock faces, which makes it different from any other building or structure in Bhutan. One of the most popular site among visitors, people usually visit here in the evening to enjoy the beautiful paintings and carvings. There are many restaurants, souvenir shops and hotels near this tower, making it one of the most busy sites in the town.

7 km
from city center 23 out of 45
Places To Visit in Thimphu

Located at 3 hours uphill trek from Thimphu, Phajoding Monastery is one of the most peaceful sites in Bhutan. Currently, it is a residence for around 30 monks, all of whom are very friendly to talk to. Built in 13th century, the architecture of this monastery is simple, yet attractive. It is best visited for the spectacular view of Thimphu which it provides.

0 km
from city center 24 out of 45
Places To Visit in Thimphu

Promoting archery among the locals and visitors, Changlimithang Archery Ground is a good site to try Archery in Bhutan using professional help. Here, one can always find archery enthusiasts practising in the early morning. The Tournaments here are a wonderful spectacle with shooters and their high-tech carbon fibre compound bows. Seeing them hitting the target bulls-eye from a distance of more than 100 metres is truly inspiring.

1 km
from city center 25 out of 45
Places To Visit in Thimphu

An excursion to the Nado Poizokhang Incense Factory is indeed a fragrant filled experience. It is the oldest and the largest incense factory in all of Bhutan. Producing more than ten thousand incense sticks of different kinds every month, the factory is a traditional workshop with a showroom nearby. It is situated right next to the Changangkha Lhakhang. Once here, you can watch the entire process (grinding, extruding and drying) that goes into making incense sticks as well as buy a few from the nearby souvenir shop.

2 km
from city center 26 out of 45
Places To Visit in Thimphu

Built more than half a century ago, Zilukha Nunnery is also known as Druthob Goemba. Housing around 60 nuns in its premises, a visit to the site energizes the soul because of its peaceful surroundings, which lures one's mind to never leave the site. From here, the spectacular view of Tashichho Dzong can be captured in a camera to make for a beautiful photo album.

0 km
from city center 27 out of 45
Places To Visit in Thimphu

Probably the richest building in Thimphu, Goldsmiths Workshop witnesses hundreds of copper and silver items made everyday by young Bhutanese men. From melting to moulding to hardening, the entire process of making a jewelery item can be seen here. Not just jewelery, but other metal items such as monasteries' toranas (arches found over monastery statues) are also produced here.

7 km
from city center 28 out of 45
Places To Visit in Thimphu

Pangri Zampa is Bhutan's national centre of traditional astrology. Situated at about 8kms from Thimphu, the monastery is on the way to Tango and Cheri Gompa. Known to be one of the oldest monasteries in Bhutan, Zhabdrug Ngawang Namgyal founded it in 1616.

2 km
from city center 29 out of 45
Places To Visit in Thimphu

Bhutan Broadcasting Service Tower or BBS Tower is at an elevation of 2,865 metres which offers an exquisite view of the whole town of Thimphu. Also known as Sangaygang Viewpoint, this is very popular among visitors because of the beautiful panorama of the lush valleys that it provides. The route to the Wangditse Goemba starting from this point is a hikers and mountain bikers favourite trail.

39 km
from city center 30 out of 45
Places To Visit in Thimphu

Bhutan's largest national park, spanning across western Thimphu, Paro and the entire Gasa district, Jigme Dorji National Park houses many exquisite wildlife species such as Red Panda, Snow Leopard, Markot etc. The sight of some of the most popular mountain peaks from here, such as Mount Jomolhari, makes one go open-mouthed by the beauty of nature. Not just wildlife, but flora also blossoms here, which makes it an impeccable site in the country.

1 km
from city center 31 out of 45
Places To Visit in Thimphu

Located on the south end of Thimphu in Changzamtog, the Gagyel Lhundrup Weaving Centre provides Bhutan's finest fabrics. Promoting the traditional Bhutanese art of weaving, Gagyel Lhundrup Weaving Centre makes sincere efforts to keep roots of the country alive. Here, the weavers and handloom workers work with such undivided attention. 

26 km
from city center 32 out of 45
Places To Visit in Thimphu

A Buddhist monastery in Paro, Zangto Pelri Lhakhang is a replica of Guru Rinpoche's celestial abode and truly a glory in itself. Built in 1990 by Dasho Aku Tongmi, who also composed the National Anthem of Bhutan, this beautiful structure houses several statues of Buddhist Gurus, many of which are as high as 4 metres.

0 km
from city center 33 out of 45
Places To Visit in Thimphu

The national stadium of Bhutan, Changlimithang Stadium holds many events apart from that of sports' and has a rich history. It is founded on the battle ground of 1885, which holds a great political significance for Ugyen Wangchuk, the first king of Bhutan. Archery matches are conducted here and from 21st to 23rd February, the celebrations for King's birthday make this site a marvel to behold.

0 km
from city center 34 out of 45
Places To Visit in Thimphu

Established in 2015, Bhutan Postal Museum is a philatelist's paradise. Displaying the evolution of Bhutanese stamps from ancient to modern times, all kinds of postal stamps, ranging from a square shape to 3D designs, are shown here. The main objective was to narrate the evolution of communication in Bhutan, from legendary messengers to postal services. There are five galleries in the museum, each one showing stamps, artefacts and anecdotes from a different era. The museum also has a cafe right at the entrance for visitors. 

5 km
from city center 35 out of 45
Places To Visit in Thimphu

Situated on the Punakha road near Dochula Pass, Royal Botanical Garden is the first-ever botanical garden in Bhutan. It is an excellent place for horticulturists offering a variety of flora. The Botanical garden also houses a children's park and is a favourite picnic spot among locals.

0 km
from city center 36 out of 45
Places To Visit in Thimphu

Coronation Park, also known as the Centenary Park is located at the entrance of Thimphu on the banks of Wangchu (River). It is a popular picnic spot adorned by a statue of Buddha which is placed at the centre of the park. With beautiful varieties of flowers, sixty species of plants and trees, the park is also lined with a number of benches around it. The view of the river and the magnificent Buddha statue is picturesque and sublime. 

0 km
from city center 37 out of 45
Places To Visit in Thimphu

Mostly visited by hikers on their way up from Sangaygang (BBS Tower), Wangditse Goemba is a hillside fortification, surrounded by pine and rhododendron forests. Founded in the year 1750, the Goemba was reconstructed by the craftspeople and graduates of Zorig Chusum. The main highlight of this monastery is a two-storey high statue of Sakyamuni Buddha. It's a little ahead of Trashi Chho Dzong, one can visit the Zilukha Nunnery or Dechen Phodrang on their way back.

0 km
from city center 38 out of 45
Places To Visit in Thimphu

Proudly housing the national assembly, SAARC Building in Thimphu was built in the 1990s to hold SAARC conferences and meetings. It is located near Trashi Chho Dzong across Wang Chhu. An architecture marvel, the building is colourful and vibrant. Since it is an important government site, entry is not allowed due to security reasons. But the building is a good view from outside.

0 km
from city center 39 out of 45
Places To Visit in Thimphu

Bhutan Thailand Friendship Park is a little park in the heart of the town which remarks the friendly and compassionate relationship between the two countries Bhutan and Thailand. Known for its Thai Style pavilion, this park has many children rides and a beautiful prayer wheel. An auspicious chapel called Dolma Lhakhang is located here and paying a visit here is always a worth.

0 km
from city center 40 out of 45
Places To Visit in Thimphu

Located on the road from Thimphu to Punakha, Hong Tsho Goemba is an ancient temple. Built-in 1786, the interiors of the monastery are rich in old and beautiful tangka on the walls. Housing monks and nuns, the colourful paintings of lotus and Buddhist Gurus add glory to this already glorious place. It's a quaint little temple over a hill, not frequented by visitors; so if you are looking for a peaceful time away from the crowd, take a detour to Hong Tsho Goemba on your way to Punakha.

0 km
from city center 41 out of 45
Places To Visit in Thimphu

Terton Gallery is one of the premier art spaces, run by Bhutanese artist Kelly Dorji. Founded in 2001, it has several mind-blowing artefacts and antiques well preserved and displayed most impeccably. It is situated at the heart of Thimphu, promoting contemporary art style also boasting traditional crafts and antiques. Here, not just the national works of famous personalities are displayed, but also that of huge international celebrities, which makes it different from other art galleries. Illustrations of the Thunder Dragon and Lord Buddha are the highlights of Grey Area - Terton Gallery Lounge. 

0 km
from city center 42 out of 45
Places To Visit in Thimphu

Located on a small hill just outside Thimphu, the hike to Thadrak Goemba is moderately difficult taking about two hours to reach up, since the path is steep. However, the beautiful view of the surrounding hills and valleys from the top make all the efforts worth. It has tended pathways with miniature gardens that were designed by the monks making it all the more beautiful. The monastery is small and simple, with a very tranquilising aura. The prayer wheels are beautiful and it is a wonderful experience to visit here.

2 km
from city center 43 out of 45
Places To Visit in Thimphu

Located right next to the royal palace, Ludrong Memorial Garden is an ideal place to visit if you wish to relax and admire nature at its best. Founded in the memory of Late Prime Minister Jigme Palden Dorji, the park is adorned with an endless variety of trees, shrubs and flowers. Providing visitors with an expansive space for a picnic, the park also has small fish ponds that add on to its beauty. The colourful flowers, bushy trees and serene atmosphere make this a popular spot in the city.

6 km
from city center 44 out of 45
Places To Visit in Thimphu

The three-storeyed lavish Dechencholing Palace is located in the heart of city and adds to its glory. Built in 1953, the wooden windows on the whitewashed walls makes for a spectacular sight. It is the residence of the country's royal family, but king does not reside here. Visiting this place gives a royal feeling to anyone who has the eyes to appreciate this marvellous structure.

3 km
from city center 45 out of 45
Places To Visit in Thimphu

Kuensel Phodrang marks your entry in the quaint town of Thimphu. It is also known as the Buddha Point which was the palace of the thirteenth Druk, Sherab Wangchuck that houses the Shakyamuni Buddha. In the centre, a grand statue of Buddha called Buddha Dordenma is placed, which is considered sacred and often visited by tourists. The hundreds of small statues are also a mesmerizing sight to watch and appreciate Buddhism. This glorious Buddha statue can be seen from any corner of the city and is one of the most significant attractions in Thimphu.