Sights and landmarks in Thimphu

Sights and landmarks in Thimphu

1. See

   Botanical Gardens

   On lush hillside about 10 km from the city, the gardens offer a peaceful and relaxing environment to spend a few hours. Botanists will find the wide selection of indigenous trees and plants of interest.

2. See

   Centenary Park

   Coronation Park

   On the banks of the river (near the city stadium), this 5.6 acres of parkland offer a pleasant and relaxing environment to stroll or to sit and watch the river flow by.

3. See

   Changangkha Lhakhang

   Constructed in the 15th century, this is one of the oldest temples in the Thimphu Valley, and is dedicated to Avalokiteshvara, the Buddhist emanation of compassion. The temple affords wonderful views over the entire valley. Go to see the prayer ritual inside the monastery and talk with the students here.

   Nu 500 for all non-Bhutanese

4. See

   Changyul Park

   A 7-acre river-side park. Traditional Bhutanese structures. Community hub. Cafeteria. Performance plaza.

   Closed · opens 5 am·Nu 20

5. See

   Choki Traditional Art School

   A private non-profit school specializing in the traditional 13 arts of Bhutan. Offers free education to the underprivileged. 340-year-old museum, with live demonstrations and opportunities to try Bhutanese painting and to make butter tea. Gift shop.

   Mon-Sat: 9Am-4:30PM

6. See

   Ludrong Memorial Garden

   A lovely garden with ponds and bridges and unobstructed view of Thimphu Dzong. The garden was donated to the public by the Royal Grandmother, HM Kesang Choden, in memory of her late brother.

7. See

   National Folk Heritage Museum

   A traditional house that showcases rural life. Exhibits and cultural shows are held in the museum compound.

   Mon-Fri 10:30-16:30, Sat 10:30-13:00, Sun 11:30-15:30·Nu 150

8. See

   Simtokha Dzong

   Semtokha Dzong

   Built in 1629 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, Simtokha was the first dzong to be built in a unified Bhutan. It houses the country's main Dzongkha language learning institute.

9. See

   Statue of Dordenna Buddha

   Sitting on top of Kuensel Phodrang hill is a 51.5-m bronze statue of Shakyamuni Buddha. The site also offers unobstructed views over the Thimphu Valley, which are especially stunning at sunset.

   Nu500 for all non-Bhutanese

10. See

    Takin Preserve

    The Takin is the national animal of Bhutan, and looks like a cross between a cow and a goat. Legend has it that the animal was created by the great Buddhist yogi, Drupa Kunley, and it can be found only in Bhutan and nearby areas. Taxonomists place the animal in a category of its own as it is not similar enough to any other animal to fit established categories.

11. See

    Tashichho Dzong

    Tashi Chhoe Dzong

    Built in the 18th century by Shabdrung Rinpoche to house government officials. Later, it was enlarged to accommodate both the monastic and civil bodies. Three times suffering severe damage from fire and once from an earthquake in 1897, much of the historic building dates from the rebuilding in 1902. To accommodate the national government and the central monastic body, the dzong was totally refurbished and enlarged in 1962, a year after Thimphu was designated the nation's capital. The main structure of the whitewashed building is two-storeyed with three-storeyed towers at each of the four corners, topped by triple-tiered golden roofs. There is also a large central tower or utse. The towers and roof are beautifully lit at night.

12. See

    Thangtong Dewachen Nunnery

    Ziluka Nunnery

    The seat of the 17th emanation of Thangtong Gyalpo. Built in 1976, the nunnery is home to over 60 nuns. Large statue of Thangtong Gyalpo, views over Thimphu Dzong. Very friendly and welcoming. Ceremonies conducted on request.

13. See

    The National Memorial Chorten

    A good place to visit in the evening when the locals are doing their evening prayers. The stupa was built in 1974 in memory of the third king.

    Nu 500 for all non-Bhutanese. Free after 5PM

14. See

    The Royal Textile Museum

    Textile Museum

    A display of exquisite Bhutanese textiles from the 1600s to the present day.

    Mon-Sat 09:00-16:00·Nu 150

15. See

    Zorig Chusum School of Traditional Arts

    Zorig Chusum was established in 1971 to preserve the 13 traditional arts of Bhutan, and visitors are able to observe students honing their skills. There is also a small gift shop selling work created at the school. The thirteen arts are paintings, carpentry, wood carving, sculpture, casting, metal work, bamboo carving, gold & silver work, weaving, embroidery, masonry, leather work and paper making.

Listings from the Wikivoyage guide to Thimphu (CC BY-SA 4.0).