The capital city of Bhutan has its own attraction – peaceful and friendly people are the most invaluable asset of Thimphu. People here are extremely humble and always ready to help you in almost anything. This clean picture perfect city would remind you of the painted cities in the books you went through in your childhood.
Weather in Thimphu
Always carry a set of winter-wears to Thimphu, the weather is a bit on the chilling side. It stays between 9 – 16 º Celsius on October. For more detail weather info visit Thimphu Weather.
Cuisines in Thimphu
Once could find several cuisines in here, starting from Bhutanese, Thai, Chinese to North Indian cuisines are available here. Enjoying a sip of premium coffee at any local coffee shop in blissful evening adds to the charm.
Try Bhutanese cuisine at least once while your stay in Thimphu. It is tasty, full of veggies, low in calories and spices. You could find red rice in most of the dishes.
Get a list of popular restaurants here.
Places in Thimphu
KING’S MEMORIAL CHORTEN
This stupa was built in 1974 in the memory of Bhutan’s third King, His Late Majesty, King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk, who is popularly regarded as Father of modern Bhutan. The paintings and statues inside the monument provide a deep insight into Buddhist philosophy.
Chang Gankha Monastery
One of the oldest monasteries in the valley, it is a fortress-like temple and monastic school perched on a ridge above Thimphu, south of Motithang. The temple was established in the 12th century on a site chosen by Lama Phajo Drugom Shigpo, who came from Tibet.
City view from Chang Gankha Monastery
The central statue here is Chenrezig in a manifestation with 11 heads. From temple courtyard, there is a fascinating view of Thimphu valley.
National Zoo
Entry fee is Rs. 30 for Indian tourists, It mostly has National animal Takin.
A Takin @ Thimpu Zoo
Buddha Point (Kuensel Phodrang)
Located at a short drive from Thimphu city center, visitors can get a good overview of the Thimphu valley from the Buddha point (Kuensel Phodrang).
Sakya Muni @ top of the world
You can pay your obeisance and offer prayers to the Buddha, the largest statue in the country and then walk around and take a glimpse of the valley.
Folk Heritage Museum
It is dedicated to connecting people to the Bhutanese rural past through exhibits, demonstrations, educational programs and documentation of rural life. The principal exhibit in the museum is a restored three-storey traditional rammed mud and timber house, which dates back to the mid 19th century. The design and form of the house are that of an average household in the Wang area during that era. The age of structure demonstrates the durability and performance of the building materials. From ground to top floor, household objects, typical domestic tools, and pieces of equipment that would have been used by a family during that period are put on display. The museum is also developing some of the native trees and plants that were used
for various domestic purposes in the rural households
Textile Museum
With the opening of Textile Museum, under the patronage of Her Majesty the Queen Ashi Sangay Choden, Bhutanese textile have reached new heights as one of the most visible distinct art forms. The textile museum has opened its exhibition on six major themes – warp pattern weaves, weft pattern weaves, the role of textiles in religion, achievements in textile arts, textiles from indigenous fibers and the royal collection. The crowns of Bhutan’s Kings, namzas (dresses), the first version of Royal Crown and other accessories used by members of Royal family can be found in the museum. The goal of the museum is to gradually become a center for textile studies that will carry out documentation, research, and studies on Bhutanese textiles.
Shopping Destinations in Thimphu
Bring back Bhutanese ornaments, idols for cheerful memories. Remember not to take Antiques as they are banned/illegal. If you do, then look for stamped seals from the national commission of cultural affairs (ncca). Checking with authorized personnel is also a good idea to you by such Antiques.
You could also look for some nice handicrafts like horse saddles, monastic trumpets etc. If to you love to experiment with your outfit, buy a set of nice Kira or Gho from some of the major textiles shops in Thimphu.
For your souvenir shopping needs, try to visit Norzim Lam Street and Bhutanese Crafts in Thimphu. Here are some of other shopping destinations referred by Lonely Planet team.