Things to Do in Thimphu
Thimphu is the capital city of Bhutan and is located in the heart of the country. It is the most beautiful hill station of the subcontinent and arguably the best in Bhutan. The picturesque view of the surrounding and the beautiful scenery one gets to witness in Thimphu is unparalleled. Bhutan is a very cultural and religious country and the same is reflected in its capital. Thimphu has many Buddhist institutes, temples, and monasteries built in the city which resonates the religious ideologies of the people, and constitute the best things to do in Thimphu.
The architectural beauty of the monasteries and temples are exemplary. Thimphu is the perfect place for people who want peace from the congested city life. These temples and monasteries let people meditate in them and help them to calm their minds and gain some peace. There are several places which one can visit in Thimphu, one of them is the National Library of Bhutan. The National Library of Bhutan was established more than 50 years ago and has more than 6000 collections of books. The Dochula Pass is a must if you are visiting Bhutan. It is located 10000 feet above sea level and offers a panoramic view of snow laden mountains and the clouds that surround the place. One feels as if they are in heaven because of the majestic view it offers.
There are a number of adventure activities like trekking, rafting and rock climbing which one can do here, and are also part of the best things to do in Thimphu. Trekking in Thimphu is not an easy task as it offers one of the most dangerous treks in the world, but the experience of trekking here is enhanced by its natural beauty. Rock Climbing is also a very difficult activity to do and is advised to only those people who are physically fit. Thimphu is an amazing place to visit as along with the natural beauty, one can also enjoy its historic monuments, temples and monasteries, adventure activities and the rich culture they possess.
Tashichho Dzong or ‘the fortress of the auspicious religion’ is an ancient dzong located in Thimphu. One can get the best possible view of the town from Tashichho Dzong.
Tashichho Dzong is home to the colorful ‘Tsechu’ festivities. The dzong houses the royal throne room, several offices of the king and several ministries. The place is an administrative place of Thimphu. It is one of the highly visited tourist places in Thimphu.The dzong is guarded by towers from all four sides. The inner part of the dzong is designed in the royal and ancient bhutanese way. The ceiling of the dzong are decorated with the mandala paintings.
There is an open courtyard in the north side of the dzong which grounds for the ‘tsechu’ festival.
Location: Chhagchhen Lam, Thimphu, Bhutan
Price: 300 Rs.
The Dzongdrakha Temple is a popular temple complex which has around 4 temple monasteries and is situated on a cliff side. The view of the temple is just amazing and along with its surroundings, it offers a nice panoramic view. The four different shrines are dedicated to lord Tara, Tsheringma, Guru and Jowo Jampa.The temple's majestic presence amidst its picturesque surroundings captivates visitors, making it a must-visit destination on a trip to Bhutan.
Highlights: There is an annual festival known as the Dzongdrakha rejoice and if you can schedule your trip during this time of the year, you must definitely be a part of the ongoing festivities. Ensure to visit all the four shrines that the complex consists to witness how beautiful and majestic all of them are.
Location: It is located very near and towards the western side of the Paro Valley in Bhutan.
Timings: No official timings are given but for the best experience visit here from 8 in the morning to 5 in the evening.
Pricing: Visiting the main temple complex along with all the four shrines are free of cost.
Highlights: It is a charming capital city that is nestled in the Himalayas with the magnificent sites of the Chuu River which passes through it. Interestingly, this is also the only city in the world that has no traffic lights. The city has very well retained its old world culture and charm as the modern development here is very intricately monitored. The new buildings here can be built only in the Bhutanese style and only up to a certain height. You can take the Last Shangrila Tour to explore the renowned landmarks of the capital. Some top attractions here include the National Memorial Chorten, Tashichho Dzong and Motithang Takin Preserve.
Location: Thimphu is located in the constricted and the linear valley of the River Raidak which is often called as the Thimphu river.
Timings: Open round the year
Pricing: Entry is free.
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What are some of the best things to do in Thimphu?
Thimphu is very rich in its culture and its royal history has made sure that there are several sites which one can visit when they travel to Thimphu. One can be sure of not getting any free time when they visit the city as there so many things to do here. Some of the best things to do in Thimphu are:
- Junghi Handmade Paper Factory- The interesting thing about the paper factory is that they make the paper using ancient techniques from the barks of trees of two species.
- Clock Tower Square- Located in the heart of the city, Clock Tower Square has some beautiful artistic craving and has a total of 4 clocks.
- Changangkha Lhakhang- Thimphu is a very cultured and religious city which one can observe by visiting some its temples and monasteries. Changangkha Lhakhang is the oldest temple of Thimphu and offers a beautiful view of the Thimphu valley.
- Adventure Activities- Apart from its monumental and scenic beauty, Thimphu is also renowned for the adventure activities it offers. Few of the activities one can do here are trekking, rafting, rock climbing, Kayaking and the likes.
Which are best treks in and around Thimphu?
Trekking is one of the best experience one has in its life and everyone wants to make it special. Bhutan has some the most difficult treks in the world and one will feel accomplished after finishing these treks. Some of the best treks which one can do in and around Thimphu are as follows:
- Jomolhari Laya Gasa Trek
- Jomolhari Loop
- Dagala Thousand Lakes Trek
- Punakha Winter Trek
- Duer Hot Springs Trek
- Jomolhari Trek
- Visit Buddha Dordenma
Where can I do rafting near Thimphu and how much will it cost me?
River Rafting is amongst the safe adventure activity. One has to row their raft through the currents of the river and sometimes the currents are so strong that raft overturns. The overturning of the raft and climbing up on it again to row till the end is what makes the activity such a unique and thrilling one. The approximate cost for a person to do rafting in Bhutan is $50. Places near Thimphu where one can do rafting are in Punakha and Thimphu.
Which are the temples and monasteries to visit for meditation in Thimphu?
Bhutan has a very rich history in religion and culture and the religion people follow here is Buddhism. The architecture of the temples and monasteries built in the country are awe-inspiring and the view which one gets from the top of some of the temples are breathtaking. Many people visit Bhutan in order to get a rest from their busy life and gain some peace of mind. The monasteries and temple help people to calm their mind and body so that when they go back to their normal life, they are rejuvenated and filled with energy. Some monasteries and temples near Thimphu where one can go to meditate are:
- Tango Monastery
- Gangteng Monastery
- Punakha Dzong
- Trongsa Dzong
- Lhuentse Dzong
- Kurjey Lhakhang
Where can I go for wildlife safari in and around Thimphu?
Being located near the Tibetan region, Thimphu in Bhutan has a very diverse birdlife. It also has some unique animals from the cat family that one should definitely see. The best way to make the most of both the hilly region and the magnificent wildlife is by taking a tour through the jungles and getting really close to the big cats to witness the majestic beauty. Such wildlife Safaris are one of the must-do things in Thimphu. Some of the places where one can go are:
- Jigme Singye Wangchuck National Park
- Torsa Strict Nature Reserve
- Bumdeling Wildlife Sanctuary
- Phibsoo Wildlife Sanctuary
- TrumshingLa National Park
- Black Mountains National Park
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