Timeline
05:53
Arrive at Changangkha Lhakhang before the crowds. The temple opens early, and the morning light casts long shadows across the valley views. Pay the entrance fee and take a moment to observe the prayer ritual inside the monastery.
06:23
The Seasons Restaurant Pizzeria
Walk to The Seasons Restaurant Pizzeria. It opens at 08:00 (30 minutes after your start time). Order a simple breakfast or a slice of authentic pizza and a filter coffee on the outdoor patio to watch the valley wake up.
06:53
Return to Changangkha Lhakhang for the golden hour. The sun is now high enough to illuminate the intricate details of the temple architecture, and the view over the entire valley is clear and bright.
Local tip
The temple is one of the oldest in the valley, so respect the quiet atmosphere. If you want to browse local crafts before or after, Norzin Lam Handicraft Market is nearby, but check the route as it is not within walking distance of the temple entrance.
Check before you go
- The Seasons Restaurant Pizzeria is open Wed-Mon. If you are visiting on a Tuesday, choose Central Cafe (Mo-Sa 10:00-20:00) or Food Express (We-Mo 00:00-24:00) instead, but note they are further away.
- Entrance to Changangkha Lhakhang is Nu 500 for non-Bhutanese.
Built from places in the Wikivoyage guide to Thimphu (CC BY-SA 4.0), with open map data from OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).