Thimphu Valley
A stronghold of traditional Bhutanese art, architecture and culture
Discover iconic Thimphu
The capital of the last Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan, Thimphu is a stronghold of traditional Bhutanese art, architecture and culture.
Thimphu is Bhutan’s largest city and is just an hour’s drive from Paro. Even though Thimphu is considered as the country’s most modern city, it has retained the unique character of a Bhutanese town. Here, an array of restaurants and internet cafés sit alongside old fortresses, monasteries and forests. Thimphu is also the only national capital city in the world to not have any traffic lights.
Explores can embark on beautiful scenic hikes, travel along adventure-filled cycling routes, explore the grand Thimphu Dzong that houses the throne room of the king and venture to the General Post Office, where personalised stamps can be commissioned.
Why we love it
Explore the Tashichho Dzong
Set on the northern edge of the city, along the banks of the Wang Chu River, this impressive 350-year-old fortress is the present-day administrative centre of Bhutan. The Tashichho Dzong has also been the seat of Bhutan’s government since 1952, and houses the throne room and offices of the king.
The sacred Buddha Dordenma
Sightseeing in Thimphu is not complete without visiting the magnificent site of Buddha Dordenma. Sitting atop a hill overlooking the beautiful city, the giant Shakyamuni Buddha statue is considered to be the world’s largest seating gilded Buddha and attracts uncountable visitors seeking peace and spirituality each year. A Thimphu must-visit.
The National Memorial Chorten
Built in memory of the third king of Bhutan, the National Memorial Chorten is yet another must-visit blessed space in the capital city. With a key focus on daily worship for the Bhutanese, it is always abuzz with religious activity. Early morning is the best time to visit as the elderly people of Bhutan do kora and light butter lamps.
A little retail therapy for all travellers
On a trip to Thimphu make sure to visit the Craft Market and Centenary Farmer’s Weekend Market. Brimming with stalls selling anything and everything from thangkas, prayer wheels and Buddha figurines to homemade yak cheese, wild honey and fiery hot chillies, shoppers are sure to find something to take home.
Tailormade travel in Thimphu
We tailor itineraries around your specific interests and expectations.
Our expert travel specialists are able to personalise a range of experiences for individual travellers, groups, incentives, families, and special interest groups. Our team is committed to thrilling you and will create and recreate itineraries until they find your perfect Asian experience.
Places to stay
Carefully selected accommodation just for you.
Our preferred partners are carefully selected suppliers who are rigorously scored, and continuously evaluated, to ensure that you visit only the highest quality properties, with the very best services.
Experience Thimphu
Browse a few of our favourite things to do in Thimphu.
We take you off the beaten tourist track and introduce you to Bhutan’s hidden gems, provide unrivalled cultural interactions and special access to once-in-a-lifetime experiences.
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Become immersed in some of the country’s most revered valleys
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