10 Spectacular Places to Visit in Thimphu, Bhutan

August 19, 2022

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Thimphu differs from other well-known Himalayan kingdoms in a few key ways that make it a traveller’s dream. Thimphu, Bhutan’s largest and most contemporary capital, is packed with attractions that allow visitors to explore the nation’s socio-cultural diversity while providing a memorable travel experience at an affordable price. Thimphu has a unique ambience that no other capital city presents, from studying Buddhism to staying on a farm stay, tasting native flavours to discovering international cuisines, participating in festivals to having a wild time in a nightclub. In addition to all of these, there are areas in Thimphu that are home to nothing but stunning natural scenery. Thimphu is now on every traveller’s wish list of destinations to visit once in a lifetime because of all of these locations.

Do you want to know where the best tourist attractions are in Thimphu? Join us as we read this travel guide to Thimphu.

On your upcoming tour of Thimphu, Bhutan, be sure to stop at the following locations:

• Trashi Chho Dzong
• Changangkha Lhakhang
• Tango Goemba
• National Memorial Chorten
• Dechen Phodrang
• Motithang Takin Preserve
• Simply Bhutan Museum
• Cheri Gompa Monastery
• Royal Botanical Garden
• Folk Heritage Museum

Trashi Chho Dzong, Official Seat of Bhutan Government!

Trashi Chho Dzong, one of the major tourist attractions in Thimphu, is situated on the western bank of Wang Chhu in the city’s northern region. A fortification and Buddhist monastery, the magnificent dzong is home to thirty temples, shrines, and chapels. Since its creation, Trashi Chho Dzong has provided a commanding view of the valleys, surrounded by cascading terraced fields.

Trashi Chho Dzong has served in the Bhutanese government’s seat since 1968. It currently houses the throne room, the king’s offices, and various ministries. One of the unique aspects of the design is that no nails or architectural plans are used, and the assembly hall, chapel, and utse (central tower) remain unaltered after being reconstructed in 1962 following damage from two fires and a fatal earthquake. When the vibrant Tsechu Festivals take place in the courtyard, which is located north of the assembly hall, it is one of the best times to visit this dzong.

• Time: daily from 11 AM to 4 PM.

Changangkha Lhakhang, Oldest Surviving Temple!

The most popular tourist destination in Thimphu is Changangkha Lhakhang, which is the oldest still-existing temple complex in Bhutan and is perched atop a cliff. The monastery is well-known for housing Genyen Domtsangpa, who is revered as the guardian and natal deity of children. One of the sons of Phajo Drugom Zhigpo, who brought the Drukpa Kagyu tradition to Bhutan, constructed the structure in the 13th century.

A massive portrait of the king is displayed at the entrance to the gorgeous temple complex, which is perched on a ridge with a breathtaking view of the mountains. When you enter, the elaborate carvings along the golden tower, prayer wheels, and Chenrezig statue will wow you. Other structures in the complex can house resident monks and service professionals. You may see the sunrise from the courtyard of Changangkha Lhakhang if you go there early in the morning to avoid the crowds.

• Daily hours are 9 AM to 5 PM.

Tango Goemba, Historically Important Monastery!

Tango Goemba was constructed in the 15th century by Drukpa Kunley, the so-called “Divine Madman,” and was initially established as a prominent holy place and the residence of the Lama in the 12th century. Gyalse Rinpoche, the seventh manifestation of Gyalse Tenzin Rabgye, currently resides in Tango Goemba. You may reach this monastery, which is tucked away in the hills, by travelling a 14-kilometre, charming trek north of Thimphu.

In accordance with the scheme, monks often spend three years, three months, and three days in meditation at the monastery, which has long been regarded as Bhutan’s highest centre for Buddhist education. Tango Goemba is historically one of the must-see locations in Bhutan because Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the man responsible for uniting Bhutan, meditated nearby in a cave in 1616. The Zhabdrung Kuchoe, held in April or May as a memorial to Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, is the ideal time to visit Tango Goemba.

• Time: daily from 7 to 11 a.m.

National Memorial Chorten, Meditate Amidst Peace!

The Memorial Chorten, a well-known landmark and one of the top tourist attractions in Thimphu, is situated in the city’s centre. The Chorten, which is said to as “the most noticeable religious monument in Bhutan,” was constructed in 1974 and honours Jigme Dorji Wangchuk, the third Druk Gyalpo (Bhutanese King).

The Chorten has a commanding architectural style, with a broad white facade and a golden spire on top. It features a traditional stupa and a pyramidal pillar and is built in the Tibetan style. It’s interesting to note that the Druk Gyalpo sought to construct a chorten that would symbolise Buddha’s mind rather than house his mortal remains. Everyone, even children and the elderly, is drawn to the location because it is a pleasant spot to meditate.

• Hours: Every day, 24 hours a day.

Dechen Phodrang, Picturesque Monastic School!

Dechen Phodrang, once built as a fortress, has been a monastery school (a lobra) since 1971. Dechen Phodrang, also known as the “Palace of Great Bliss,” is perched on a hill and provides a view over the northern portion of the Thimphu Valley. It is one of the most well-known tourist attractions and is home to 15 staff members and around a thousand novice monks at the moment.

Only Zhabdrung’s house was left standing after a fire destroyed the original Dechen Phodrang structure in the year 1772. Dechen Phodrang was given the new name, and the residents began to receive monastic treatment. In the 18th century, the location also served as a venue for official gatherings. The monastery, one of the top attractions in Thimphu, is home to an extensive collection of historical artefacts under the supervision of UNESCO and antiquated paintings. The statue of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal there is likewise wonderful.

• Daily hours are 8 AM to 7 PM.

Motithang Takin Preserve, The Wildlife Attraction!

You must include the Motithang Takin Preserve on your tour of Thimphu’s tourist attractions. It is a takin reserve that is situated in the Motithang District. The national animal of Bhutan, the takin, is unusually shaped with a goat’s face and a cow’s body, drawing many wildlife enthusiasts from around the world. According to local legend, Drukpa Kunley, a revered Tibetan saint, created the creature in response to requests from people for him to perform a miracle in front of everyone.

The mini-zoo that had stood on the preserve was shut down by the King of Bhutan, who believed that keeping animals in a small area was against Buddhist ideals. After the closure, all the animals were released, but in surprise, the takin remained and practically domesticated the region. After 8.4 acres of land were set aside for the preserve, visitors to see the animals began to arrive. One of the greatest sites to visit with the family on your vacation to Thimphu is Motithang Takin Preserve, where you can also view a few barking deer and sambar.

• Daily hours are 9 AM to 5 PM.

Simply Bhutan Museum, A Living Museum!

A living museum, Simply Bhutan Museum provides foreign visitors with an authentic understanding of Bhutan’s history, culture, people, and cuisine in one location. It seems that going to this museum is one of the best things to do in Thimphu. The museum, which lies around 500 metres to the west of the city’s centre, is a component of a global initiative to promote Bhutanese culture. It’s interesting that a group of young people who are regarded as the nation’s future leaders run the museum.

The young people in the Simply Bhutan Museum will give you a thorough introduction to real Bhutanese life. You will learn about farming, traditional dances, songs, and a variety of other topics that will aid in your comprehension of the various facets of the nation. Additionally, you’ll learn how to play the Khuru dart game and how to put on the Gho and Kira. Simply Bhutan offers a singular experience to help you engage in the genuine Bhutanese tradition, in contrast to other museums where touching the artefacts is strictly prohibited.

• Daily hours are 9 AM to 5 PM.

Cheri Gompa Monastery, Bhutan’s First-Ever Monastery!

Cheri Gompa, Bhutan’s first monastery and unquestionably one of the top locations to see in Thimphu were established in 1620. It takes an hour to walk there from the top of Dodena Hill. As you go through the Tango Monastery and the bridge over the Wang Chhu River, you’ll be entertained by the trail’s beautiful pine and rhododendron trees.

The Cheri Gompa Monastery, constructed by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, is the pinnacle of tranquilly in the middle of unadulterated nature. This location is among the most stunning sites to visit because to the colourful prayer flags that are always swaying in the wind, the prayer chamber, the monastery building, and the Buddhist paintings. The ashes of Zhabdrung’s father are also kept in the monastery in a silver Chorten. The area has long been considered the ideal location for meditation since it exudes tranquilly and quiet.

• Daily hours are 9 AM to 6 PM.

Royal Botanical Garden, The First-Ever Botanical Garden!

Located near Lamperi, 30 kilometres from Thimphu, the first-ever botanical garden of Bhutan serves as a biological link between two national parks. The botanical garden occupies an area of 120 square kilometres and is positioned between 2,100 metres and 3,750 metres above sea level. The garden, which is well-known for serving as a training facility for horticulture operations, is situated where the three hills of Helela, Dochula, and Sinchula meet.

The Royal Botanical Garden was an ex-situ conservation area before it was founded in 1999. Here, many rare plants with more than 500 species can be found. There is a mystical pool in the garden where monkeys can be observed bathing. People make votive gifts at the lake, which is revered. It also features a children’s park, which is one of the people’s preferred picnic locations in Thimphu.

• Daily hours are 9 AM to 5 PM.

Folk Heritage Museum, A Taste of Bhutanese Folk Heritage!

The Folk Traditions Museum, also known as Phelchey Toenkhyim, was constructed in 2001 to introduce tourists to Bhutan’s rural history and folk heritage. The Folk Heritage Museum is situated in Kawajangsa, in the centre of Thimphu, amid the flowing rice and wheat fields, and is unquestionably one of the top tourist destinations in both Thimphu and Bhutan.

The museum’s three-story compound comprises more than 150-year-old traditional mud and timber dwellings. A watermill, hot stone bath, kitchen gardens, storage rooms, and numerous other areas are also included in the complex. The authority also planted local trees in the area, which have domestic uses and indigenous resources in Bhutan’s rural areas, to fulfil the purpose of its establishment. The Folk Heritage Museum is a location where you can learn something new each time you go because it offers a variety of traditional knowledge along with meals and other activities.

Timings

• Monday through Friday, from 10 AM to 4:30 PM.
• Saturdays from 10:30 AM to 1:00 PM.
• Sundays from 11:30 am until 3:30 pm.
• It is closed on government holidays.

I sincerely hope that this post will be very helpful to you as you select where to go and what to do on your forthcoming family vacation in Thimphu. You will undoubtedly gain a general understanding of Thimphu’s tourist attractions. However, you can contact us or look around our website if you need help figuring out how to plan and which procedure to follow. First off, you may locate some of the top Bhutan and Thimphu travel packages at reasonable prices. Second, you will receive the best support in every area if you want to learn more about these packages.