Things to do & places to visit in Thimphu District, Bhutan

Thimphu District #1 destination in Bhutan 2023. The average rating score is 4.27 based on 10.2k traveler reviews, of 33 attractions. Timezone: Asia/Thimphu, current date and time: Saturday, May 11, 2024, 11:50.

Top things to do (34)

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 Mysterious Bhutan Tours and Adventures (7 reviews)
- Best vacation ever
Saturday: 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks • Monuments & Statues • Government Buildings

Our one day private tour will cover some of the most important places like Kuensel Phodrang where you can get blessed from the gigantic bronze Buddha standing at the height of 169 feet and one of the largest Buddha in the world. After that visit the Takin Reserve the national animal of Bhutan which is said to be found only in the Himalayas. Visit the Trashi Chhodzong and National Memorial Chorten. See more..
4.5 Dochula Pass (2.260 reviews)
- I am there quite often leading your groups from around the world.
Scenic Drives

Dochula pass is a scenic mountain pass adorned with a temple atop a hill and 108 miniature stupa's in between the East West highway in Bhutan. From here you can see several round the year snowclad mountains. This site is simply so refreshing for any happy feet. See more..
4.5 Buddha Dordenma (2.247 reviews)
- Good vibes Only Here
Saturday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Monuments & Statues

Great Buddha Dordenma is a gigantic Shakyamuni Buddha statue in the mountains of Bhutan celebrating the 60th anniversary of fourth king Jigme Singye Wangchuck. The statue houses over one hundred thousand smaller Buddha statues, each of which, like the Great Buddha Dordenma itself, are made of bronze and gilded in gold. The Great Buddha Dordenma is sited amidst the ruins of Kuensel Phodrang, the palace of Sherab Wangchuck, the thirteenth Desi Druk, overlooking the southern approach to Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan. Construction began in 2006 and was planned to finish in October 2010, however construction did not conclude until 25 September 2015. The completed work is one of the largest Buddha rupas in the world, at 169 feet (52 m) and contains 100,000 8-inch-tall and 25,000 12-inch-tall gilded bronze Buddhas. See more..
4.5 Tashichho Dzong (Thimpu Dzong) (828 reviews)
- Try to stick around for the lights at 6:30 pm .
Religious Sites • Government Buildings

The fortress is open to public at 5 pm -6:30 pm . It’s nice to walk around the courtyard . If possible stick around till 6:30 pm when the lights come on . The fortress looks v pretty at that time from the outside See more..
4.5 Simtokha Dzong (139 reviews)
- See it with proper dress code.
Historic Sites

Its a place where the monastery is build up on the stone where a demon hide out they believe. Very good art work. Visit here with proper dress code. See more..
4.5 Simply Bhutan Museum (136 reviews)
- good to know more about Bhutan
History Museums

our was a group of 20 people and my tour operator spoke something in Bhutanese to them and after paying them we did not get tickets and just 1 guide. We requested them to break our group and give more guides but were denied hence in a packed space we heard whatever possible. Do try the Bhutanese outfits here for which a separate ticket needs to be bought. Dance presented by staff was nice. Archery and rice wine offering to god, butter tea is included. Souvenirs were very expensive. See more..
4.5 Choki Traditional Art School (134 reviews)
- An impressive and heart-warming experience
Saturday: 8:30 AM - 12:30 PM Spent 1-2 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks

Choki Traditional Art School is the only privately run charitable institute that provides traditional arts & crafts training to the underprivileged youths of Bhutan. The school provides free tuition, food and lodging facility and promotes the rich cultural heritage of Bhutan. See more..
4.5 Tango Buddhist Institute (117 reviews)
- Buddhist Monastery
Architectural Buildings

Its Bhuddhist Institute and monastery. Also Pilgrimage place for Buddhist. Max 30 Minutes walk from road. See more..
4.5 National Institute for Zorig Chusum (100 reviews)
- Very interesting to see how Bhutanese young people learn traditional arts
Educational sites

It can be busy here and you wonder how the students can keep focusing on their work, but it is very interesting to see how Bhutan manages to keep their traditional arts up to standard. See more..
4.5 Bhutan Postal Museum (52 reviews)
- A hidden gem
Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums

This small postal museum is totally worth a visit. It has some quality displays that show this history of postal services in Bhutan and more importantly how they used stamps as one of the first and best ways to generate foreign currency. It kick started their international economy. Be sure to get the story. They keep this "leading edge" revenue generation going by letting you take a picture and instantly printing up stamps for you to use on postcards. This was not on our original itinerary, but Simon Winchester the writer, and part of our group, recommend a visit. It was a highlight of our 10 days in Bhutan. See more..
4.5 Phajoding Monastery (48 reviews)
- Worth a visit!
Religious Sites

It takes about three hours to hike from Thimphu to this monastery, a popular destination for its statues and views. See more..
4.5 Jigme Dorji National Park (47 reviews)
- Beautiful Birds to watch
Parks

I have seen lot of birds which are rare to see in my fast pace city. I have booked bird watching tour from Bhutan Bokar and they have helped me to find the right package with a affordable budget. I have recommended same travel agency to my few friends and all of them have liked it very much the way owner of the company serve people. See more..
4.5 Cheri Gompa Monastery (41 reviews)
- Great walk and views to Cheri!
Religious Sites

We completed this trek after finishing the trek to Tango Monastery. This was a slightly more challenging trek but equally as rewarding. The views are incredible at each stage of the walk and those seem at the top are worth the challenging trek up! See more..
4.5 Jhomolhari (41 reviews)
- Jhomolari trek
Mountains

This mountain offers some of the most popular treks in the Himalayas. See more..
4.5 Chagri Dorjeden Monastery (26 reviews)
- Crisp Air and Great view
Spent More than 3 hours Religious Sites

Drive from Thimphu town to Cheri Monastery is about half an hour. Hike to the monastery takes 45 minutes through a beautiful forest. Half way, there is a chorten (stupa) with a resting place. Once at the monastery, you can enjoy a great view of the upper Thimphu valley with Thimphu river flowing below. The air here is crisp and surrounding all serene. Cheri is a different world from that of Thimphu town. If you want to experience peace and tranquility, it is the place to visit. Further, the trail to the monastery is good and not that strenuous. See more..
4.5 Sangaygang (17 reviews)
- Hike from Sangaygang (BBS Tower) to Wangditse Goemba and back to BBC Tower
Lookouts

We drove up to the BBC Tower and started our hike here. I brought along two hiking sticks as my guide warned me that it may be steep at some part of the hike. Initally we encountered alot of prayer flags and good view of Thimphu. The weather that day was cool and cloudy. After that we walked into the forest of pine trees. Path is quite flat and we saw quite alot of bluebell flowers. Finally we reached a viewpoint with a large prayer wheel. We had a fantastic view of the Thimphu Dzong and the golf course from here. After that we passed a chorten and the surrounding has a rustic look. Finally we were back at the BBC tower. Our guide picked some fruits for us to eat. It looks like little berries. It was a great hike enhanced by the fantastic weather. We took about 2 hours with including a rest stop. See more..
4.5 Druk Wangyel Monastery (13 reviews)
- Beautiful
Spent < 1 hour Religious Sites

unfortunately it was not open as it was closed due to festival which was amazing. still lovely place overlooking the valley with mountain range! See more..
4.5 Pangri Zampa Monastery (11 reviews)
- Nice Nature Setting for Pangri Zampa Monastery
Spent 1-2 hours Religious Sites

The Pangri Zampa Monastery is also the site of the College of Astrology in Thimphu and the location of this Monastery could not be any better. It is situated in a very nice quiet, green valley not to far from Thimphu. One thing that is not to be missed here - check-out the giant cypress tree here at the Monastery - it is huge! This Monastery is a good example of traditional Bhutanese style architecture that is prevalent in Bhutan. See more..
4.5 Phajoding Monastery (48 reviews)
- Worth a visit!
Religious Sites

It takes about three hours to hike from Thimphu to this monastery, a popular destination for its statues and views. See more..
4.0 Thimphu Chorten (Memorial Chorten) (1.070 reviews)
- Peaceful place to pray in Bhutan
Saturday: 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM Religious Sites

Every tourist Entry BTN: 1,000/ is compulsory. Is a good time to experience turning the prayer wheel and then following the locals, old and young, to walk clockwise around the beautiful white Stupas. The feeling is so peaceful and understands that the walk is like gaining merits and enlightenment. You shouldn't miss this! God bless! See more..
4.0 Bhutan Post Office Headquarters (479 reviews)
- Lovely Museum
Saturday: 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM Points of Interest & Landmarks

This was as great surprise. Bhutan has been the first to create many original and beautiful stamps. Their most recent are stamps with QR code that you can hear the birds singing or a video of a local animal. It's a lovely way to learn the history of Bhutan through stamps. See more..
4.0 Clock Tower Square (455 reviews)
- visit when in Thimpu market place
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Observation Decks & Towers

good place to sit and see the city moving pass when in Thimpu Market place. Locals also come here . Do try homemade ice cream sold in the vicinity . See more..
4.0 Royal Textile Academy of Bhutan (352 reviews)
- Very worthwhile
Saturday: Speciality Museums

Discover the beauty and diversity of the living textile arts of Bhutan. We have the finest examples of woven, embroidered and appliqued textiles on display alongside relevant production techniques in our Textile Museum. Visitors can also observe weavers and embroiderers at work at our Weaving Center on the premises of the Royal Textile Academy. Opening times: Monday – Saturday 9:00 – 17:00 See more..
4.0 National Folk Heritage Museum (237 reviews)
- Amazing to see young students acquiring professional skills
Spent 1-2 hours History Museums

We found this to be a vey interesting tourist attraction. It is possible to wander into the various classes whilst student are being taught practical professional skills in wood carving, art, embroidery, sculpture. When you see the detailed work that goes behind the production of the art pieces that are on sale in the various handicraft shops it makes you even more appreciative. There is an attached shop where it is possible to purchase products of the students' work. We found this a very informative attraction. See more..
4.0 Changangkha Lhakhang (156 reviews)
- Bhutan is the perfect place to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life.
Points of Interest & Landmarks

The monastery on a hill is the most empathetic place I have ever been. The golden statue of the Buddhist god of compassion is so beautiful and the children who are born in the capital get their names from here. I am so blessed to have been able to experience this place and I know that the people who live here are very lucky to have such a beautiful place to call home. See more..
4.0 National Library and Archives of Bhutan (149 reviews)
- Interesting Bhutan National Library
Saturday: Libraries

The National Library and Archives of Bhutan has a primary function of "collecting and preserving Bhutanese literature on religion, culture, history and social traditions." The Library building is a nice example of Bhutan architecture that is unique to this country - very distinctive and good looking architecture. One of the Library's main claim to fame it that it has "the largest published book in the world" (largest in physical size). This book is very large and it is enclosed in a large glass covered case - nice looking picture book. The Library has 4 floors levels that contains Bhutanese literature from ancient to present day. Our small group tour was allowed to roam through the different floor levels to just look at the different varieties of literature documenting Bhutan's history, religion and lifestyle. Note: Inside the library, there are signs posted with "No Photographs allowed". However, photographs of the library building is allowed on the outside. See more..
4.0 National Textile Museum (76 reviews)
- the best way to see Bhutanese textiles
Spent < 1 hour Speciality Museums

This is a beautiful museum, showcasing the variety of Bhutanese textiles, and makes you appreciate the intricacy of the different motives. If you're lucky , you can see weavers at work. The shop offers a selction of textiles from the whole country, you have a bigger choice here than in the areas they were made. See more..
4.0 Coronation Park (40 reviews)
- The children's park
National Parks • Parks

Very nice park with a big Buddha statue, the river beside, some scenic beauty of nature and kids playing, photography. See more..
4.0 Gagyel Lhundrup Weaving Centre (39 reviews)
- watch master weavers weave amazing silk patterns
Spent More than 3 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks

we stopped here and watched 4 different weavers weave intricate silk patterns using a backstrap loom, to make kira’s, the psychedelic and elegant native Bhutanese dress for women. quality is top notch and include museum quality pieces( as well as a wide variety of other price points. I enjoyed it so much i came back to purchase a good piece after dreaming about it all night. a great place to learn about this important part of Bhutanese culture. See more..
4.0 Terton Gallery (8 reviews)
- A Cultural Must When You Find Yourself in This Little Capital
Saturday: 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM Art Galleries

Terton Gallery is situated in the heart of Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan. It features the artworks of actor Kelly Dorji and his personal selection of antique tibetan boxes and other interesting lifestyle products. See more..