Western Bhutan
Thimphu
Thimphu is Bhutan’s political, administrative, educational and contemporary cultural centre. It combines modern urban life with monasteries, traditional architecture, museums and government institutions.
Region
Tourism character
Culture, urban tourism, heritage and hiking
Places to visit
14 highlights
Story of Thimphu
History and cultural significance
Thimphu became the permanent capital of Bhutan in the 1960s. Tashichho Dzong is particularly important because it combines the country’s religious and administrative functions; it houses government offices and the Central Monastic Body during its summer residence.
The district also preserves traditional arts such as weaving, painting, sculpture, woodwork and paper-making. Bhutanese architecture itself is an important cultural expression, with traditional buildings constructed according to distinctive Bhutanese principles.
Places to visit
Major attractions in Thimphu
- Tashichho Dzong
- Buddha Dordenma Statue
- National Memorial Chorten
- National Textile Museum
- Folk Heritage Museum
- National Library
- Motithang Takin Preserve
- Simtokha Dzong
- Changangkha Lhakhang
- Dechen Phodrang
- Tango Monastery
- Cheri Monastery
- Dochula Pass
- Royal Botanical Park, Lamperi
Things to do
Experiences in Thimphu
- City sightseeing
- Museum visits
- Hiking
- Monastery visits
- Textile and handicraft experiences
- Traditional-art workshops
- Shopping at local markets
- Photography
- Mountain biking
- Festival tourism, especially Thimphu Tshechu
Every journey with CAT Bhutan is private and tailored, so these experiences can be combined with your interests, pace and travel dates.
Festival experiences
Festivals in Thimphu
Festival dates change from year to year. Please confirm the current dates with our team before planning your journey.
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