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Thimphu

Strung out along the Wang Chhu, Thimphu is Bhutan's own mini-metropolis, an expanding bubble of shopping complexes, monasteries and chalet-like apartment buildings that reverts quickly to blue-pine forest at the city limits.

Attractions

Must-see attractions

  • Trashi Chho Dzong

    Trashi Chho Dzong

    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…

  • Simtokha Dzong

    Simtokha Dzong

    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…

  • Masks on display at Handicraft Market

    Weekend Market

    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…

  • Tango Goemba

    Tango Goemba

    Thimphu

    Tango is the residence of Gyalse Rinpoche, recognised as the seventh reincarnation of Gyalse Tenzin Rabgye, founder of Taktshang Goemba. The original…

  • Peace Memorial Stupa.

    National Memorial Chorten

    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…

  • Changangkha Lhakhang, Thimphu, Bhutan, Asia.

    Changangkha Lhakhang

    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, Bhutan - AUGUST 13, 2014: The National Textile Museum of Bhutan; Shutterstock ID 610666673; full: 65050; gl: 65050; netsuite: poi; your: Barbara Di Castro 610666673

    National Textile Museum

    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…

  • Man moulding miniature clay mask at National Institute for Zorig Chusum.

    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…

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Articles

Latest stories from Thimphu

A jungle of prayer flags a top Cheli La pass (3810m), enroute to Haa Valley from Paro. Bhutan, 2005.

Hiking

Escaping Thimphu: where to go to find Bhutan’s hidden treasures

Nov 5, 2018 • 9 min read

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