BT
Thimphu
Bhutan’s small capital, with a giant Buddha, a fortress-monastery and no traffic lights
Bhutan’s small capital, with a giant Buddha, a fortress-monastery and no traffic lights
This bronze, gilded Buddha, about 51m tall, overlooks the valley from a hillside. The hall below holds thousands of smaller Buddha figures.
Go early or late for softer light.
Photo: Bernard Gagnon, CC BY-SA 4.0
This fortress-monastery houses the throne room and government offices, and the central monk body in summer. Visitors are usually admitted in the late afternoon.
Dress formally: long sleeves, no hats.
Photo: Bernard Gagnon, CC BY-SA 4.0
Built in 1974 in memory of the third king, this white stupa is busy all day with locals walking clockwise around it and spinning prayer wheels.
Photo: Bernard Gagnon, CC BY-SA 4.0
The takin, Bhutan’s national animal, can be seen in this enclosure on the hillside at Motithang.
Photo: Bernard Gagnon, CC BY-SA 4.0
On the road to Punakha, the pass at about 3,100m is crowned by 108 chortens. On clear days, mostly from October to February, Himalayan peaks are visible.
Photo: Bernard Gagnon, CC BY-SA 4.0
Try ema datshi (chillies in cheese sauce), red rice, momos and butter tea. Ask for less spice if you prefer.
Thimphu has the widest choice of restaurants and cafés in the country, including Indian and international food.
Thimphu is about an hour’s drive from Paro, Bhutan’s only international airport, served by Drukair and Bhutan Airlines.
Most visitors travel with a licensed guide and driver arranged by their tour operator.
Bhutan’s ngultrum (Nu) is pegged 1:1 to the Indian rupee. Most visitors also pay a Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) of US$100 per person per night, confirmed at that rate until 31 August 2027. Hotels, a licensed guide and transport are usually booked as a package through a tour operator.
Prices are approximate and exclude flights; check with your operator.
Capital highlights.
See the Memorial Chorten, Buddha Dordenma, the takin preserve and Tashichho Dzong.
Visit the school of traditional arts, the weekend market and the folk heritage museum, then drive over Dochula to Punakha.
Wear long sleeves and trousers or a long skirt for dzongs and temples.
Photography is not allowed inside temples.
At about 2,300m, take it easy on the first day.
The Thimphu Tshechu festival is usually in September or October; book early.
Quick answers for planning time in Thimphu.
US$100 per person per night for most visitors, confirmed until August 2027. Different rates apply to citizens of India and Bangladesh.
No; police direct traffic at the main junction.
About an hour by road.
Most visitors book through a licensed operator, and a guide is required for travel beyond Thimphu and Paro.
March to May and September to November.
Planning a wider trip? Our Bhutan travel guide covers getting there, costs, when to go and more.