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

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Places To Visit In Thimphu

Royal Botanical Garden, Thimphu

Situated on the Punakha road near Dochula Pass, Royal Botanical Garden is the first-ever botanical garden in Bhutan. It is an excellent place for horticulturists offering a variety of flora. The Botanical garden also houses a children's park and is a favourite picnic spot among locals. Established in 1999, the Garden is spread across 47 square kilometres and located at the tri-junction of hill ranges of Sinchula, Helela and Dochula. An ex-situ plant conservation area, there are more than 500 species of plants found here. Many rare and threatened plant species are also found and preserved here. In fact, youth and stakeholders are trained here in horticulture activities. There is a little pond in here, where you might catch monkeys bathing. It is a great picnic spot, where you can spend an evening with your family, appreciating the natural beauty and getting beautiful pictures clicked. Source Read More

Royal Textile Academy of Bhutan

A spectacular building in Thimphu, Royal Textile Academy of Bhutan was founded in 2005 to preserve the cultural art of weaving textiles. Here, young Bhutanese students are taught weaving without any profit-making. Adorned clothes and beautiful textiles can be seen on display here, which give an insight into the traditions of Bhutan. You can also visit the Bhutan textile museum while you're here. Read More

SAARC Building, Thimphu

Proudly housing the national assembly, SAARC Building in Thimphu was built in the 1990s to hold SAARC conferences and meetings. It is located near Trashi Chho Dzong across Wang Chhu. An architecture marvel, the building is colourful and vibrant. Since it is an important government site, entry is not allowed due to security reasons. But the building is a good view from outside. Read More

Simply Bhutan

Flaunting the rich Bhutanese culture to the world, Simply Bhutan Museum displays the impressive traditions and gives a glimpse of the country's history. A one-of-its kind "living" museum, visitors get to enjoy the Bhutanese songs, folk dances and finger-licious cuisine. One can actually live the country's culture by trying on traditional clothes and archery. Apart from being a living museum, Simply Bhutan is also a photo studio, where the Bhutanese culture is promoted and preserved. Here, the main target is the youth since the future of the country is in their hands. Workshops and training programmes are organized from time to time which majorly involves young people and trains them in various skills. This also provides wonderful employment opportunities to the young population of the nation. From religious values to the rural lifestyle, one can get a peek into every little detail concerning Bhutan.If you believe in experiences more than verbal stories, then Simply Bhutan is the place for you to actually live the Bhutanese lifestyle. One can actually dress in traditional attire, try archery, the national sport of Bhutan, and a lot of other activities. Free snacks are also served to keep you refreshed during your visit. Buddha Statue at Simply Bhutan (Source) Read More

Simtokha Dzong

Overlooking the entire Thimphu valley, the Simtokha Dzong is located 5kms south of central Thimphu. Simtokha Dzong is also known as Sangak Zabdhon Phodrang, which means "Palace of the Profound Meaning of Secret Mantras". Not just a religious structure, it is also a prominent Dzongkha learning institute in the country. It is often said to be the first Dzongs built in Bhutan. The word Simtokha literally translates to "Atop a Demon" and has a legend associated with it. It was made to petrify an evil spirit which was scaring away the travellers. Rich in royal values, the unique architectural feature of this traditional Dzong is that its central tower Utse has twelve sides. The evenings see this majestic dzong beautifully lit up, making for one of the gorgeous sights in Thimphu. Source Read More

Tango Monastery

Tango Monastery enriches one's travel experience with its serene aura and quaint environment keeping in with Bhutanese tradition of focusing on spirituality more than fancy facades. Located near the Cheri Mountains in Thimphu, the Tango Monastery is a prominent Buddhist learning centre in Bhutan. The one-hour long hike up to the top of the monastery is worthwhile. The annual festival Yarney is a major attraction of this monastery. It is organised on the 15th day of the sixth month of Lunar Calendar and lasts for a month and a half. The festival is mainly for the monks, who come together in unison and take special vows. The aura of the place is tranquilising and one always leaves the place feeling more refreshed and enriched. Source Read More

Tashichho Dzong

Tashichho Dzong is a fortress located about 2 km away from the city of Thimphu in Bhutan. It had been constructed in 1641 and underwent several restorations since then. It currently serves both as a monastery and the central secretariat of the present government. Also known as the "fortress of the glorious religion", it is found right on the banks of the Wangchhu River. Originally built in 1216, the original structure of the Tashichho Dzong was destroyed in a fire, with the current dzong structure being newly built. A lovely rose garden in front of the building welcomes the visitors to the fortress. The manicured garden surrounding the building is a beautiful sight too. The tall building is a prominent landmark of Thimphu with almost all sightseeing tours of the city beginning with a visit to this beautiful Dzong resplendent with a golden roof. The Throne Room along with several officers of the monarchy are situated within the Tashichho Dzong. Multiple government wings function from the fortress as well. The Je Khenpo or the "central monastic body", however, have made it their summer residence and leave for Punakha Dzong in the winter. Tashichho Dzong is a Landmark and the Seat of the Bhutanese Government (Source) Read More

Terton Gallery

Terton Gallery is one of the premier art spaces, run by Bhutanese artist Kelly Dorji. Founded in 2001, it has several mind-blowing artefacts and antiques well preserved and displayed most impeccably. It is situated at the heart of Thimphu, promoting contemporary art style also boasting traditional crafts and antiques. Here, not just the national works of famous personalities are displayed, but also that of huge international celebrities, which makes it different from other art galleries. Illustrations of the Thunder Dragon and Lord Buddha are the highlights of Grey Area - Terton Gallery Lounge. Read More

Thadrak Goemba

Located on a small hill just outside Thimphu, the hike to Thadrak Goemba is moderately difficult taking about two hours to reach up, since the path is steep. However, the beautiful view of the surrounding hills and valleys from the top make all the efforts worth. It has tended pathways with miniature gardens that were designed by the monks making it all the more beautiful. The monastery is small and simple, with a very tranquilising aura. The prayer wheels are beautiful and it is a wonderful experience to visit here. Read More

Voluntary Artists Studio Thimphu

Popularly known as VAST, Voluntary Artists Studio in Thimphu provides vocational art and painting classes to young people. It is the most significant art gallery in Thimphu which was started by a group of professional artists in the year 1998. Here, people keeping a deep passion in art come together to discuss its beauty and significance. The primary aim was to provide young Bhutanese children and youth with an opportunity to develop their artistic talents and increase their potential. Beautiful and exquisite Bhutanese paintings are on display here which truly fascinate the visitors and especially art lovers. Read More