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Evening

Thimphu Evening: Chorten, Coffee and Nightcap

The National Memorial Chorten comes alive in the evening as locals gather for prayer. Start by catching the last light, then head into town for a relaxed dinner and a drink.

Best time: 17:28About 180 min

Timeline

  1. 16:43

    Ambient Cafe

    Grab a coffee at Ambient Cafe. It is an elegant spot with freshly roasted beans and a relaxing atmosphere, perfect for settling in before the evening rush. The cafe is open until 21:00, so you have plenty of time.

  2. 17:08

    The National Memorial Chorten

    Walk to the National Memorial Chorten. Arrive just before sunset to find a good spot. The chorten is a serene place to watch the day end, especially as the evening prayers begin around this time. Note that entry is free after 5 PM, though you should check the route if you are coming from a different direction.

  3. 17:58

    Birbi

    Head to Birbi for dinner. This restaurant offers a warm and cosy garden setting with continental and fusion cuisine. It is a short walk from the chorten and stays open until 22:00, making it an ideal spot for a late meal.

  4. 18:58

    Tower Cafe

    End the night at Tower Cafe. It is a bright and lively spot popular with young people, playing rock and rap music. You can enjoy good coffee or light snacks in their small outside seating area which overlooks the Clock Tower. It is open until 23:00.

Local tip

The chorten is free after 5 PM. If you are visiting on a different date, check the sunset time as it shifts throughout the year. Birbi is closed on Tuesdays, so plan accordingly.

Check before you go

  • Ambient Cafe is open daily until 21:00.
  • Birbi is open daily until 22:00 but closed on Tuesdays.
  • Tower Cafe is open until 23:00.
  • Check the specific sunset time for your date, as it varies.

Built from places in the Wikivoyage guide to Thimphu (CC BY-SA 4.0), with open map data from OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).

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