Top Things to Do in the Thimphu | Must-See Attractions & Experiences

Plan Your Travel To Thimphu

Places To Visit In Thimphu

Clock Tower Square of 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. Sometimes live music takes place in around here, which adds to the ambience of the clock tower square. There are many shopping centres around, so you can shop for souvenirs from your relatives and friends. For kids, there is a small playground also, which a good picnic spot and a good place to spend your evening. Spinning the colourful prayer wheels is another fun task to do here. If you are lucky enough, then you might catch a concert or a small play happening around here. A Performance at Clock Tower Square, Thimphu (Source) Read More

Coronation Park, 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. Loved by children for its peaceful and playful environment, Centenary Park in Thimphu is one of the people's favourite picnic spot. Giving a breathtaking view of the sunset, fitness freaks come here to jog in a pollution-free atmosphere, families visit to spend time together, and lovers paradise. Here, one can't help but admire nature endlessly. Buddha Statue at the Coronation Park (Source) Read More

Dechen Phodrang

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.

Dechencholing Palace

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. It is a frequently visited site for meetings between Bhutan and India and other foreign nations. It is where important events, such as banquets for guests of Bhutan, are held. Apart from the grand exterior, the interior is also marvellous. There is a private chapel of Ashi Phuntsho Choden, which is beautifully decorated with paintings and carvings. Source Read More

Folk Heritage Museum of 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. The oldest historical place in Bhutan, the National Folk Heritage Museum houses the finest and most intricate details of Bhutanese culture within its walls. Giving information about the rural life of Bhutan to tourists, the entire setup has been made such that the tourists can actually feel as if they are a part of this rich culture. The Folk Heritage Museum, set in a typical three-storied Bhutanese house (Source) From traditional plants and animals to traditional hot stone baths, everything has been preserved in the best manner possible. Tables, Benches, wooden floor, traditional utensils and every other Bhutanese goods can be found here. Traditional Stone Bath at the Folk Heritage Museum (Source) Read More

Gagyel Lhundrup Weaving Centre

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. It is a storehouse of information regarding textiles and the art of weaving which also the major source of clothing for the Bhutanese Royal Family. Traditional attires like Kiras and Ghos and wedding clothes are produced here. Apart from seeing the weavers at work, the Gagyel Weaving Centre is the right place to buy fabric souvenirs and scarfs. Read More

Goldsmiths Workshop

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.

Hong Tsho Goemba

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. Read More

Jungshi Handmade Paper Factory

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. Read More

Kuensel Phodrang

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. Read More