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Imagine Asia  >  Destinations  >  Bhutan  >  Thimphu
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Thimphu

As the capital city of one of the world’s most intriguing destinations, Thimphu is buzzing with culture and commerce. Nestled in a valley surrounded by the Himalayan Mountains at an altitude of 2320m, this captivating city is home to spectacular monasteries, centuries-old street festivals, unspoiled wilderness and scenic mountain passes.

When to go

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Although the most modern city in Bhutan, Thimphu still retains its cultural identity and values. Amongst the signs of modernisation, monks, labourers and government ministers in their traditional dress, continue to roam the streets of this small but bustling city. Thimphu is also famous for being the only capital city in the world that does not use traffic lights (they gave it a go but it wasn’t for them!). The streets are lined with traditional Buddhist sites and attractions, as well as being the ideal base from which to explore the vast valley, trekking along winding mountain paths and taking in the phenomenal views and the enchanting surroundings.

A trip to Thimphu isn’t complete without a visit to Tashichho Dzong, situated on the banks of Wangchhu and arguably Bhutan’s most impressive building. Also known as “fortress of the glorious religion”, the dzong was the site of the lavish formal coronation of the fifth king in 2008, and also hosts the city’s biggest annual celebration – the colourful tsechu festivities. North east of the dzong lies an exceptional example of a traditional cantilever bridge, and nearby the large open-air courtyard hosts the dances of the tsechu festival in September.

Located below the main town near the Wangchhu River, Thimphu’s Weekend Market is by far the largest domestic market in Bhutan. With stalls occupying both sides of the riverbank, farmers come from all over the country to sell their produce. With the market offering a huge array of products, including mountains of chillies, local trinkets and even a leg of yak, it has become a favourite spot for tourists and people from all over the area. Wandering around the market you will be bombarded with the heady aromas of fried fatty meats, dried fish and datse, the homemade balls of cheese. The incense area then oozes smells from the bags of mixed grains & grasses, which are used to throw in the air during religious rituals. A real Bhutanese highlight! Bargaining at the market is appropriate, so make sure you come prepared!

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Thimphu, Bhutan

Fusing Bhutan’s dzong architecture with contemporary design, the spectacular Taj Tashi is set in the magnificent Thimphu Valley, offering luxurious accommodation, unmatched service and hospitality, along with impressive mountain and river views.

Taj Tashi

Thimpu, Bhutan

Designed to resemble a traditional dzong or fortress, this serene and stylish retreat is set in a peaceful pine forest close to the many attractions of Bhutan’s capital city, Thimphu, offering 21st century comforts in classic Bhutanese style.

Amankora Thimphu

Thimphu, Bhutan

The perfect city-centre hotel for exploring the delights of Thimphu, Druk Hotel offers excellent value for money and is located right at the heart of the action overlooking Clocktower Square, with plenty of markets and restaurants on the doorstep.

Druk Hotel

Thimphu, Bhutan

DusitD2 Yarkay Thimpu offers modern and comfortable accommodation for those visiting Bhutan's capital, combining traditional Bhutanese finishes with a sleek contemporary interior in the heart of the city.

DusitD2 Yarkay Thimpu

Thimphu, Bhutan

Designed to reflect Bhutanese architectural heritage, Le Meridien Thimphu makes a chic, hospitable and comfortable base for exploring Bhutan’s capital city, offering high quality accommodation and modern facilities.

Le Meridien Thimphu

Thimphu, Bhutan

Inspired by the desire to honour the culture, history and traditions of Bhutan, the Namgay Heritage Hotel offers an authentic experience with modern-day comforts and is well-located for exploring Thimphu.

Namgay Heritage Hotel

Thimphu, Bhutan

Six Senses Thimphu is one of five resorts designed to offer a sensory journey through the Kingdom of Bhutan. This stunning luxury resort is located on a pine-forested summit overlooking the Buddha Dordenma and is known as the ‘Palace in the Sky’.

Six Senses Thimphu

Thimphu, Bhutan

Serviced by a team from the Royal Institute of Hospitality, Zhiwa Ling is an intimate modern property a short distance from the centre of Thimpu where guests can enjoy first class service, spacious rooms, and fantastic views over surrounding scenery.

Zhiwa Ling Ascent

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Thimpu, Punakha, Paro

Discover one of Asia’s most beguiling destinations. Taking in the iconic Tiger’s Nest Monastery, the thriving capital city of Thimpu and some of Asia’s most stunning scenery, this 8 night itinerary offers the perfect introduction to the Kingdom of Bhutan.

8 nights from $4963 per person Imagine Favourites

Classic Bhutan

Kathmandu, Pokhara, Chitwan National Park, Thimphu, Punakha and Paro

This itinerary takes you through some of the most beautiful and interesting destinations in the world and includes all the key highlights of Nepal and Bhutan, making it a true gem of an itinerary!

14 nights from $6919 per person Luxury, Spectacular scenery, Culture & history

Boutique Nepal and Bhutan

Thimphu, Punakha, Paro, Phuket

Combine the adventure and mystery of Bhutan with the striking scenery and relaxation of Thailand in one trip. This itinerary is perfect for someone that wants the best of both worlds!

10 nights from $7422 per person Beach, Culture & history, Walking & Trekking

Bhutan and Thailand

Thimpu, Punakha & Paro

Embark on an unforgettable week-long journey through Bhutan with Six Senses, exploring the towns and valley surroundings of Thimpu, Punakha and Paro whilst staying at one of the luxury Six Senses lodges in each location.

7 nights from $9630 per person Highlights, Luxury, Spectacular scenery

Bhutan with Six Senses

Thimphu, Punakha & Paro

This 6-night itinerary offers a fantastic introduction to the highlights of Bhutan. Explore some of Bhutan’s best-known sights including Tiger’s Nest Monastery, and the valley towns of Punakha, Paro and Thimpu.

6 nights from $4478 per person Highlights, Imagine Favourites, Spectacular scenery

Simply Bhutan

Thimphu, Punakha & Paro

This 8-night itinerary lets you take in one of the world’s most inspiring countries in comfort and style combining the must-see highlights with some of the country’s finest hotels and lodges.

8 nights from $13838 per person Honeymoon, Luxury, Spectacular scenery

Bhutan in Style

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Thimphu, Bhutan

Today you will have the whole day to explore the beautiful area of Thimphu with highlight visits to Tango Goemba and Tashichho Dzong.

Full Day Tour of Thimphu

Thimphu, Bhutan

Explore Bhutan’s political heart and discover its governmental and royal traditions as you visit the Tashichho Dzong, first built in 1641 and the seat of government since 1952.

Tashichho Dzong

Thimphu, Bhutan

Explore the National Memorial Chorten, a towering Stupa artfully decorated with statues and religious icons, that serves as an important place of worship for people from across Bhutan.

National Memorial Chorten

Thimphu, Bhutan

Set on top of a hill in Kuenselphodrang Nature Park, the Buddha Dordenma is a Buddhist site of extraordinary artistic achievement, its 125,000 gilded statues of the Buddha rivalled only by the views over the Thimphu Valley.

Golden Statue of Buddha Dordenma

Thimphu, Bhutan

Explore the pristine landscapes and spectacular scenery of Bhutan as you leave the city behind to trek to the historic Tango Goenpa.

Tango Monastery - Half Day Hike

Thimphu, Bhutan

Discover the beauty of Bhutan’s countryside as you hike towards the 17th century Cheri Monastery, an important site for meditation and a serene and tranquil destination.

Cheri Monastery – Half day hike

Thimphu, Bhutan

Visit the Motithang Takin Preserve, a wildlife reserve home to the Takin, the national animal of Bhutan.

Visit the Motithang Takin Preserve

Thimphu, Bhutan

Escape the city to discover the mighty oaks, rhododendrons and pine trees of the forests around Thimphu, leading between the towering golden Buddha Dordenma and Changangkha Lhakhang.

Buddha Dordenma to Changangkha Nature Trail

Thimphu, Bhutan

A visit to Thimphu’s bustling weekend market is a chance to observe locals as they chat and haggle for the fresh produce and mingle in this vibrant, colourful bazaar.

Farmer's Weekend Market

Thimphu, Bhutan

With a rich heritage of arts and crafts, exploring Bhutan’s artisan traditions offers a glimpse into the cultural life of its people, and a visit to the National Institute for Zorig Chusum Thimphu is a fascinating introduction.

National Institute for Zorig Chusum

Thimphu, Bhutan

As you travel around Bhutan, the country’s rich tradition of weaving will become clear in the colourful Rachu and Kira worn by the women and the Gho of the men. A visit to the Royal Textile Academy introduces this cultural heritage.

Textiles of Bhutan

Thimphu, Bhutan

Offering a glimpse into the ancient tradition of making handmade paper, a tour of the Jungshi paper factory is a surprisingly interesting introduction to a craft that has been passed down through many generations.

Visit the Jungshi Papermaking Factory

Paro, Bhutan

Break the drive up between Paro and Thimpu with a stop at Tachogang Lhakhang, a privately run temple reached by an iron bridge, known as one of the finest examples of the skill of 15th century iron bridge builder Drupthob Thangtong Gyalpo.

Tachogang Lhakhang

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Inspiration

Classic Bhutan

Simply Bhutan

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