Simply Bhutan

Thimphu

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Simply Bhutan is an interactive 'living' museum that gives a quick introduction to various aspects of traditional life in Bhutan. Visitors are greeted with a shot of local arra (rice spirit), before being guided through mocked-up village scenes. Along the way, you can dress up in traditional clothes, try out archery and hear songs sung by Bhutanese women as they build houses out of rammed earth. It's touristy, but a good family experience.

There are also souvenir stalls, and a restaurant serving Bhutanese set meals for Nu 500.

Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

  • Punakha Dzong located at the junction of the Mo Chhu (Mother River) and Pho Chhu (Father River) in the Punakha Valley, Bhutan, Asia

    Punakha Dzong

    16.15 MILES

    Punakha Dzong is arguably the most beautiful dzong in the country, especially in spring when the lilac-coloured jacaranda trees bring a lush sensuality to…

  • Trashi Chho Dzong

    Trashi Chho Dzong

    1.27 MILES

    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…

  • A local guide standing still while wearing a traditional clothing for men called Gho a knee length and kimono-like cloth held in place by a belt called Kera. Rinpung Dzong is an architectural feat housing a network of courtyards, temples and offices. Its full name is Rinche Pung Dzong which literally means Fortress on a Heap of Jewels.

    Paro Dzong

    13.14 MILES

    Paro Dzong ranks as a high point of Bhutanese architecture. The massive buttressed walls that tower over the town are visible throughout the valley,…

  • Taktshang Goemba(Tigers Nest Monastery), Bhutan, in a mountain cliff

    Taktshang Goemba

    16.52 MILES

    The 'Tiger's Nest Monastery' is one of the Himalaya's most incredible sights, miraculously perched on the side of a sheer cliff 900m above the floor of…

  • Simtokha Dzong

    Simtokha Dzong

    3.3 MILES

    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…

  • Watchtower Ta Dzong now houses the National Museum.

    National Museum

    12.99 MILES

    Perched above Paro Dzong is its ta dzong (watchtower), built in 1649 to protect the undefended dzong and renovated in 1968 to house the National Museum…

  • Masks on display at Handicraft Market

    Weekend Market

    0.66 MILES

    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…

  • Kyichu Lhakhang

    Kyichu Lhakhang

    15.86 MILES

    Kyichu Lhakhang is one of Bhutan's oldest and most beautiful temples. The main chapel has roots as far back as the 7th century, with additional buildings…

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Nearby Thimphu attractions

1. Changangkha Lhakhang

0.22 MILES

This traditional Bhutanese temple perched like a fortress on a ridge above central Thimphu hums with pilgrim activity. It was established in the 12th…

2. Nado Poizokhang Incense Factory

0.28 MILES

Easily Thimphu's sweetest-smelling excursion, this traditional workshop churns out about 10,000 sticks of handmade incense every month. You can watch the…

3. Bhutan Thailand Friendship Park

0.32 MILES

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.

4. Traffic Circle

0.45 MILES

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…

5. Bhutan Postal Museum

0.48 MILES

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…

6. National Memorial Chorten

0.53 MILES

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…

7. National Textile Museum

0.57 MILES

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…

8. Changlimithang Stadium

0.6 MILES

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…

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