Thimphu
This splendid dzong, north of the city on the west bank of the Wang Chhu, dominates the valley, looking out over a cascade of terraced fields. It's…
Must-see attractions in Thimphu
Thimphu
About 5km south of Thimphu on the old road to Paro and Phuentsholing, the handsomely proportioned Simtokha Dzong was built in 1629 by Zhabdrung Ngawang…
Thimphu
Thimphu's Weekend Market fills a maze-like pavilion on the west bank of the Wang Chhu, just north of Changlimithang Stadium. Vendors from throughout the…
Thimphu
This large chorten is one of the most visible landmarks in Thimphu, and for many Bhutanese it is the focus of daily worship. The Tibetan-style stupa was…
Thimphu
Tango is the residence of Gyalse Rinpoche, recognised as the seventh reincarnation of Gyalse Tenzin Rabgye, founder of Taktshang Goemba. The original…
Thimphu
This traditional Bhutanese temple perched like a fortress on a ridge above central Thimphu hums with pilgrim activity. It was established in the 12th…
Thimphu
Thimphu's best museum is part of the Royal Textile Academy. It features a stunning display of ancient and modern textiles, and explores the rich…
National Institute for Zorig Chusum
Thimphu
This institute, commonly known as 'the painting school', operates four- to six-year courses that provide instruction in Bhutan's 13 traditional arts…
National Institute of Traditional Medicine
Thimphu
Established in 1978, this institute collects medicinal plants from remote corners of the Bhutanese Himalaya, and distributes pills, ointments and…
Thimphu
The huge 51m-tall steel statue of Buddha Dordenma commands the entry to the Thimphu valley. The massive three-storey base houses a large chapel full of…
Thimphu
Off the road leading to the BBS Tower, this preserve for Bhutan's curious national animal was originally established as a zoo, but the fourth king decided…
Thimphu
The national stadium occupies the site of the 1885 battle that helped establish the political supremacy of Ugyen Wangchuck, Bhutan's first king. There are…
Thimphu
Founded in the early 16th century, this riverside monastery complex houses Bhutan's most important college for traditional astrology. Zhabdrung Ngawang…
Thimphu
From the river confluence at Dodina, a steep trail climbs for 45 minutes through a forest adorned with prayer flags to Cheri Goemba, established by…
Thimphu
Poised high above Simtokha Dzong at 3080m, this 15th-century goemba offers spectacular views over the peaks to the north and south of the capital and…
Thimphu
The National Library was established in 1967 to preserve ancient Dzongkha and Tibetan texts. For tourists it's of interest mainly for its dzong-like…
Thimphu
Most days of the week you'll find arrows flying at the city's most important archery ground, just down from Changlimithang Stadium. Teams compete to hit…
Thimphu
Beyond Trashi Chho Dzong at the north end of town, Dechen Phodrang stands on the site of Thimphu's original 12th-century dzong. Since 1971 it has housed…
Thimphu
Perched high above Trashi Chho Dzong, this hillside goemba was founded in 1750 and is being painstakingly reconstructed by a team of traditional…
Thimphu
Simply Bhutan is an interactive 'living' museum that gives a quick introduction to various aspects of traditional life in Bhutan. Visitors are greeted…
Thimphu
The views are spectacular on the approach to this peaceful monastery (3010m), reached via a prayer-flag-choked trail climbing above the BBS Tower. The…
Thimphu
Set in a small orchard, this restored rammed-earth and timber building is furnished as it would have been about a century ago, providing a glimpse into…
Thimphu
There's a wonderful view of Thimphu valley from the hillside below the Bhutan Broadcasting Service (BBS) tower (2685m). The access road to Sangaygang…
Thimphu
This government workshop, behind Thimphu's long-distance bus station, is a good place to see metalworkers producing repoussé work (with designs hammered…
Thimphu
Close to the Weekend Market, this modern chapel was built in the 1990s as a representation of Guru Rinpoche's celestial abode by Dasho Aku Tongmi, the…
Jungshi Handmade Paper Factory
Thimphu
This small factory produces traditional Bhutanese paper handmade from the bark of the daphne bush. You can see the whole process, from soaking and boiling…
Nado Poizokhang Incense Factory
Thimphu
Easily Thimphu's sweetest-smelling excursion, this traditional workshop churns out about 10,000 sticks of handmade incense every month. You can watch the…
Voluntary Artists Studio Thimphu
Thimphu
This studio and art gallery exists to promote local artists, to provide vocational training for young artists and to act as an artists' creative meeting…
Thimphu
Above the Thimphu–Paro road at Serbithang, the Royal Botanical Garden is a little untidy but there are rock sculptures, water features, ornamental beds,…
Thimphu
Just off Gadem Lam, on the hillside above Trashi Chho Dzong, this small, friendly nunnery has links to Thangtong Gyelpo, builder of chain bridges across…
Thimphu
Below the post office, this small museum is dedicated to the history of the Bhutan postal service, from its earliest days (when messages were delivered…
Thimphu
This charitable school trains disadvantaged children in the traditional arts of painting, sculpture and carving. It's in the village of Kabisa, 2km up the…
Thimphu
This handsome Bhutanese-style building, across the Wang Chhu from the Trashi Chho Dzong, was built in the 1990s for South Asian Association for Regional…
Thimphu
Traffic police with gleaming white gloves perform robot moves to direct traffic at the main intersection downtown. It's worth pausing a while to watch the…
Bhutan Thailand Friendship Park
Thimphu
This small public park is of note for its Thai-style pavilion and the Droma Lhakhang, a small chapel dedicated to Tara, enshrining a large prayer wheel.
Thimphu
This riverside park is a popular hang-out for local youths, with a large golden Standing Buddha statue, and views up and down the Wang Chhu.
Thimphu
Bhutan's handsome Supreme Court is a striking dzong-like building with towers topped by bright yellow roofs.