Thimphu

Elevation 2,320 m

This is the capital of Bhutan with a population of approximately 100,000 people. It is the largest town in Bhutan, about an hour from the airport in Paro. As you enter the valley you drive on Bhutan’s first four-lane expressway, which takes you right into the heart of town, over two dramatic flyover bridges.

Places to visit in Thimphu include the Textile Museum, the Folk Heritage Museum, the Trashichho Dzong, the National Memorial Chorten (a stupa dedicated to the third king of Bhutan), and the vegetable market, a colourful market full of local produce and handicrafts. Buddhists can visit numerous monasteries around the valley as well as a vibrant nunnery.

Attraction around Thimphu include:

Textile Museum - Witnesses the art of traditional weaving.

Thimphu Dzong - The largest Dzong, which is also the seat of the office of the King of Bhutan.

Papermaking factory - Witness the art of papermaking.

Semtokha Dzong - Five miles from Thimphu, on a lofty ridge, stands Semtokha Dzong the oldest fortress in the Kingdom.

National Memorial Chorten - Built in honor of the late King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk.

Takin enclosure - See the national animal of Bhutan, the Takin

Centenary Farmers’ Market - Every Saturday and Sunday most of the Thimphu population congregate on the banks of the river where the weekend market is held. Here villagers from the valley and other nearby places come to sell their agriculture products.

Heritage Museum - Dedicated to connecting people to the Bhutanese rural past though exhibition of artefacts used in rural households.

Recommended Cafe:
- Karma's Coffee
- Ambient Cafe

Our preferred hotels:
- Kisa Hotel
- Dorji's Elemenet
- Taj Hotel (5 stars)