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

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Places To Visit In Thimphu

Ludrong Memorial Garden

Located right next to the royal palace, Ludrong Memorial Garden is an ideal place to visit if you wish to relax and admire nature at its best. Founded in the memory of Late Prime Minister Jigme Palden Dorji, the park is adorned with an endless variety of trees, shrubs and flowers. Providing visitors with an expansive space for a picnic, the park also has small fish ponds that add on to its beauty. The colourful flowers, bushy trees and serene atmosphere make this a popular spot in the city. Read More

Memorial Chorten

The Memorial Chorten, also known as Thimphu Chorten/ Memorial Stupa is one of the tallest monuments in Thimphu. Located in the southern central part of the city, in Doeboom Lam, the Stupa attracts tourists from all around the globe with its elegant architecture. The Chorten is a place that would give you an insight into Buddhism through its great artwork, wall carvings and marvellous sculptures. This ancient monument highlights Buddhist culture, serving as a great place to wander around while enjoying the aura of the site. It was built in the honour of Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, the third king of Bhutan and the father of modern Bhutan. It is adorned with statues and paintings dedicated to the king majesty. The architecture of this place is marvellous and is a highlight of the town. Overflowing with peace and serenity, the Thimphu Chorten is truly a wonder to watch. Gateway to the Thimphu Chorten (Source) Read More

Motithang Takin Preserve

The crown jewel of Thimphu, Motithang Takin Preserve is a protected area where the national animal of Bhutan, Takin, is preserved. A half an hour walk here would unveil many exotic birds and animals to you, who wander around the area freely and in the most natural of habitat. Overflowing with serenity, the wildlife here is exquisite and should be seen once. Located in the Motithang district in Thimphu, the Royal Takin Preserve was originally a mini-zoo but later turned into a wildlife preserve. The king found it unfair to bind its national animals within definite boundaries and hence declared the area as a wildlife preserve, where the animals can roam around freely. Entrance to the Motithang Takin Preserve (Source) Read More

Nado Poizokhang Incense Factory

An excursion to the Nado Poizokhang Incense Factory is indeed a fragrant filled experience. It is the oldest and the largest incense factory in all of Bhutan. Producing more than ten thousand incense sticks of different kinds every month, the factory is a traditional workshop with a showroom nearby. It is situated right next to the Changangkha Lhakhang. Once here, you can watch the entire process (grinding, extruding and drying) that goes into making incense sticks as well as buy a few from the nearby souvenir shop. Read More

National Institute for Zorig Chusum

National Institute for Zorig Chusum, commonly known as the painting school, not only preserves the traditional Bhutanese Art but also passes it on to the next generation. Watching young people work with undivided attention is quite mesmerising and inspiring. Sewing, ornament-making, painting and carving are just some of the thirteen crafts that are taught here. The traditional Thangkha painting is also taught to a few foreigners who come to Bhutan. There is a separate faculty for all the activities that are being taught. Integrity and dignity of labour are few of the many fine qualities which are not compromised on here, a tribute to the efforts put in by the people of Bhutan and the authorities to keep their art alive. There is a small souvenir shop at the end, which sells the handmade ornaments, paintings and other fine objects made by the students. Students Weaving at National Institute for Zorig Chusum (Source) Read More

National Institute of Traditional Medicine

The National Institute of Traditional Medicine in Thimphu has been preserving the herbs and animal parts used in traditional Bhutanese ointments and medicines collected from the Himalayas for ages. Here, all the diseases, no matter how acute or severe, are treated using these ancient practices. Preserving around 300 different kinds of natural materials, a visit here will tell you the significance of traditional medicine in people's lives. At the National Institute of Traditional Medicine, young people are given a five-year-long training session to train them to become successful doctors. It is also an important research centre. Medicines are discovered and developed in the research lab here. It is truly a storehouse of information related to medicines, herbs and ointments. Source Read More

National Library of Bhutan

Established in 1967 in the heart of Thimphu, the National Library of Bhutan houses national archives of Bhutan along with Tibetan and Bhutanese texts and manuscripts. There are photo frames of historical incidents hanging on the wall, which are also quite fascinating. The place is tranquil, and you can find yourself engrossed in reading about Bhutanese history here. At the National Library, all aspects of Bhutan are preserved, from religious to socio-political. There are books on every topic for the public’s easy accessibility. The inner walls have photo frames from the past, which give the library an aesthetic look. Source Read More

National Textile Museum in Thimphu

The National Textile Museum gives a glimpse of Bhutanese history in terms of clothes and textiles. One can find traditional Bhutanese artefacts such as the wedding dresses worn by former kings and queens, the conventional nomadic textiles and much more. This building is a storehouse of information and knowledge on the textile heritage of Bhutan. At the National Textile Museum, one gets to learn the diversity in textiles and style of weaving from one region to another in the country. Textile weaving is the source of income for many people in the country, and in here their diligent efforts are appreciated. Bhutanese Weavers at the National Textile MuseumSource Read More

Pangri Zampa

Pangri Zampa is Bhutan's national centre of traditional astrology. Situated at about 8kms from Thimphu, the monastery is on the way to Tango and Cheri Gompa. Known to be one of the oldest monasteries in Bhutan, Zhabdrug Ngawang Namgyal founded it in 1616. Here, the young monks are trained by the older ones the art of astrology. Bhutanese people also have their newborn's naming ceremony at the Lhakhang and even bring them here for blessings. As old as 500 years, the Lhakhang is adorned with prayer wheels, painted stone walls and wooden stairs, making it all the more a beautiful place to be. Read More

Phajoding Monastery

Located at 3 hours uphill trek from Thimphu, Phajoding Monastery is one of the most peaceful sites in Bhutan. Currently, it is a residence for around 30 monks, all of whom are very friendly to talk to. Built in 13th century, the architecture of this monastery is simple, yet attractive. It is best visited for the spectacular view of Thimphu which it provides. In earlier times, Phajoding Monastery was one of the richest and most beautiful monasteries in the world. Even now, when after many more monasteries have been built in the country, the elegance and splendour of Phajoding Monastery have not faded a bit. Known as the "current of compassion", it is one of the most sacred sites in the country. Phajoding Monastery in the Winters (Source) Read More