Thimphu

The winter season in Thimphu is very cold but dry, while the summers are wet and humid. The best times to visit are from mid September to the end of October and from March to May.

🌍 Paro Airport (PBH ^IATA).  is the country's sole international airport and a 45-minute to 1-hour drive from the capital. Bhutan has four domestic airports and two domestic and international carriers.

To avoid the hefty airfare rates charged to foreigners flying into Bhutan, many overseas nationals opt to fly to Bagdogra Airport in Siliguri and then travel overland to Bhutan. The journey from Siliguri to Thimphu takes 9-10 hours. There is no direct bus, and passengers will need to change transportation in Phuentsholing. Indian taxis will travel as far as the border town of Jaigaon and will not enter Bhutan.

All inter-district buses arrive and depart from the city's bus station across the river from the city centre. It is a 5 hour drive (mostly through Chukha (district) from the border town of Phuentsholing.

Various private operators like Dhug, Meto and Sernya run Toyota Coaster bus services from Phuentsholing to Thimphu. These buses can seat 22 and are very comfortable. Advance reservation can be made at Phuentsholing bus station or online: https://www.drukride.com/

The city operates an efficient public bus service connecting the downtown with outer suburbs. The station for local buses, known locally as 'Bus Parking' is located just east of Changlimithang Stadium.

There is a set rate for taxis plying city routes — within the core area the rate is Nu 120 (Bhutanese ngultrum), while it costs around Nu150-160 to nearby suburbs. There are taxi ranks on Norzin Lam (near the cinema hall and Punjab Bank). Taxis also cruise and can be hailed at any point. There are shared taxis from the city bus station ('Bus Parking), and the rate is around Nu35-40 to suburbs within a 20- to 30-min drive.

Monasteries are referred to by their Dzongkha title of lhakhang or gompa.

• 🌍 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. (updated Jun 2018)
• 🌍 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 - especially stunning at sunset. Nu1,000 for all non-Bhutanese. (updated Jun 2018)
• Thangtong Dewachen Nunnery (Ziluka Nunnery) (Ziluka, on left side of the main road from Thimphu to Hejo/Jungshina). 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. (updated Mar 2021)

• 🌍 The National Memorial Chorten (Off Jangchhub Lam). 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. (updated Jun 2018)

• 🌍 Zangthoperi Lhakhang, Dungkhor Lam (lower Thimphu — follow the path down from below the GPO). The present structure was built in 1960s and although lacking the charm of many of the older temples, Zangdopelri still possesses some impressive murals and art treasures and is worthy of a visit. The site of the temple is a former battle ground, and the temple was constructed there in order to pacify energies. (updated Jun 2018)

• 🌍 National Folk Heritage Museum (behind the National Library). M-F 10:30-16:30, Sa 10:30-13:00, Su 11:30-15:30. A traditional house that showcases rural life. Exhibits and cultural shows are held in the museum compound. Nu 150. (updated Jun 2018)
• 🌍 The Royal Textile Museum (Textile Museum) (Norzin Lam). M-Sa 09:00-16:00. A display of exquisite Bhutanese textiles from the 1600s to the present day. Nu 150. (updated Jun 2018)

• 🌍 Simtokha Dzong (Semtokha Dzong) (5 km south of Thimphu). 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. (updated Jun 2018)
• 🌍 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. (updated Jun 2018)

• 🌍 Botanical Gardens, Serbithang. 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. (updated Jun 2018)
• 🌍 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. (updated Jun 2018)
• Ludrong Memorial Garden, Langjopakha. 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. (updated Jan 2021)
• 🌍 Takin Preserve (Motithang). 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. (updated Jun 2018)

• 🌍 Zorig Chusum School of Traditional Arts (Near National Library). 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. (updated Jun 2018)

• Bhutan Echoes Literary Festival. 2-4 August 2024. Events to promote literature, culture, and art in Bhutan (updated Jun 2018)
• Thimphu Drupchen (religious ceremony). 9 September 2024 (updated Jun 2018)
• Thimphu Tshechu (religious festival). 13-15 September 2024 (updated Jan 2021)

• Bookworld, Yarkay Complex, Wogzin Lam (from main traffic towards the stadium, first lane on right, directly below the Druk Punjab Bank), ☏ +975 2 328-539. Every day 10:00-20:30. Good selection of books on Buddhism (updated Jan 2021)

• 🌍 DSB Books Enterprises, PO Box 435 (Jojo Building near Druk Hotel), ☏ +975 2 326-275, +975 2 326-276, dsb@druknet.bt. A wide selection of books in English — novels and children's books are a specialty. (updated Jun 2018)
• Junction Bookstore, Tashi Pelkhil Village, off Babesa Highway (Near Pelkhil School), junctionbookstore2@gmail.com. M-Sat: 11AM-7PM. A lovely cabin-style bookstore set in a garden. Patio. Wide selection of books — Classic novels. Supports local creative industries through non-profit sales of the work. (updated Jun 2018)

The weekend market in Chubachhu (across the river from the main area) has over 100 stalls selling hand woven cloth and other handicrafts. }}

• CSI Market, Babesa Highway, Changzamtok (near Kuensel office), ☏ +975 77816723. M-Sat: 9:30AM-8PM, Sun: 10AM-7PM. A wide range of quality handicrafts under one roof. Cafe. (updated Jun 2018)
• Dolkar Handicrafts, GF, Norling Cable Building, Chorten Lam (Opp Dusit D2 Yarkay and Le Meridien Hotel.). 09-00-21:00. Specializes in antique handicrafts, used woven cloth, traditional silver buckles, antique jewelry, and wooden eating bowls, etc. (updated Sep 2022)

• Drukpro Bhutan, Dorji Elements Hotel, Chubachu (Opposite Tarayana/Tourist Council Building), ☏ +975 17110591, curator@drukprobhutan.com. Daily: 10AM-7PM. Products designed by local artists. Creative silk scarves. Purses and bags. T-shirts. (updated Jun 2018)
• 🌍 Gagyel Lhundrup Weaving Centre (Changzamtog). A weaving centre employing around 20 professional weavers. Showroom on top floor. (updated Jun 2018)
• 🌍 Lungta (opposite the post office). One of the largest handicraft shops in the city centre. Good selection of hand made goods from all over the Himalayan region. (updated Jun 2018)
• 🌍 Norzin Lam Handicraft Market (in front Pemako Hotel). A line of handicraft stalls. All items are from Bhutan. (updated Jun 2018)
• 🌍 Tarayana Foundation (top end of Norzin Lam — next to the town library). Tarayana trains and supports the vulnerable and disadvantaged to make traditional handicrafts. Displays are uninteresting and the selection of goods is limited but the quality of the handicrafts is excellent and they offer a more rustic and genuine feel that those on sale at the commercial handicraft shops. (updated Jun 2018)
• Thridung Nima Namza, B1, Etho Metho Plaza, Norzin Lam (near the 'Picture Hall'), ☏ +975 17634627, +975 17613550. 10AM-8PM. Hand woven fabric from some of the best weavers in Bhutan. 
• 🌍 Yarkay Central. This shopping centre across from Hotel Norling on Norzin Lam has two good quality craft shops: (updated Jun 2019)

• Kelzang Handicrafts, ☏ +975 2 322-469. Most commercial and sells a range of goods, including t-shirts. (updated Jun 2018)
• Druk Handicraft, ☏ +975 2 322-258. (updated Jun 2018)

• 🌍 Thimphu Central Post Office. The post office has a large selection of stamps for sale. The special feature of the post office is that you can get a postage stamp made with your own photo printed on it, and these stamps can be used for postage purposes. The cost is nominal. (updated Jun 2018)

• 🌍 Zombala restaurant. One of the best Momos in town. Kuka and pakoras are really good, Thupka is a bit bland. (updated Oct 2015)

• 🌍 Chopsticks, ☏ +975 2 333-601. 2nd floor, Centre Mall, Norzin Lam. A small restaurant specializing in Chinese dishes. (updated Jun 2018)
• Dim Sum Basket, 2F, Gaa-phel Shopping Center, Chorten Lam (Below Le Meridien Hotel, opp Hotel 89.). Authentic and tasty Cantonese cuisine. Veg and non-veg dishes. Bright, but uninspired interior. Large street-viewing windows. (updated Jun 2018)
• 🌍 Druk Pizza (behind KMT Building) at the top end of Norzin Lam), ☏ +975 2 334-543, +975 17636589. Tu-Su. Good quality pizzas on Italian style base with Bhutanese toppings plus a small selection of milk shakes and hot beverages. Free coke and a free pizza after your 10th is a bonus. Limited sitting area. Specializes in take-away. (updated Jun 2018)
• 🌍 Hayate Ramen (https://www.facebook.com/BhutanRamen/), 2F Peljorlhendrubling Building, Changlam (opposite the central police station), ☏ +975 17957458, +975 2 330240. Owned by a Japanese lady and her Bhutanese husband. Hayate offers authentic ramen and sushi. Japanese-style decor. (updated Oct 2018)
• Norling Pizza, B1, Norling Hotel Complex, Norzin Lam (a two minute walk from the Main Traffic), ☏ +975 77607790. Delicious pizzas. Large number of vegetarian options. No MSG. Standard fast food decor. (updated Jul 2021)
• Phang-Guu, Taba Gom Lam 7, house G1, Taba (a 20 mins drive from the centre of town in the direction of Dechencholing), ☏ +975 77222499. W-M 9AM-10PM. Authentic Bhutanese delicacies and meals. A fusion of traditional and modern interior. Outdoor seating. 
• 🌍 The Seasons Restaurant Pizzeria, Namsay Shopping Complex, Phenday Lam, ☏ +975 2 327-413. W-M. One of the few places in town that serves authentic pizza and Italian salads. Pizzeria also offers a good selection of filter coffees and has an outdoor patio. (updated Jun 2018)

Upscale hotels (see the Splurge section in Sleep below) have restaurants.

• 🌍 Ambient Cafe, 1F R. Penjor Building, Norzin Lam (between the Traffic Circle and Clock Tower, west side of main street, opposite Punjab National Bank), ☏ +975 2 325-578. Daily 08:00-21:00 (last order for food - 20:30). An elegant and relaxing cafe in a central location. A professional Turkish coffee roaster ensures the coffee is always fresh. Full range of espresso-based coffees. Cold brew. Freshly roasted beans (ground or whole). Wide selection of delicious cakes. Large range of teas. Fresh juices. Homemade ice-cream. Healthy vegetarian snacks and meals. Sourdough bread and baguettes. Panoramic views over the city streets and mountains beyond. Free Wi-Fi. Nu 100–125 (coffee), Nu 80–100 (cakes). (updated Feb 2018)
• Bingsu, Kuenphen Rabten Resort, Changjalu (inside Khuenphen Rabten Resort compound, above helipad). Open W-Su. A small cosy cafe inside a resort courtyard. Open to non-resort residents. Serves cappuccino and Americano. Specializes in East Asian shaved-ice desserts and custard tarts. A wide rage of homemade ice-cream. (updated Oct 2018)
• Brusnika Russian Cafe (Russian Bakery), Lanjopakha (above the Ludrong memorial garden). 09:00-20:00, Tu-Sun. Full range of coffee. Continental cafe-style meals with good selection of bread. Views over Ludrong Park and Thimphu Dzong mid-range. (updated Jan 2021)
• 🌍 Cafe Luna, Kawajangsa (above the Folk Heritage Museum), ☏ +975 17669798. A very small, cozy cafe. Good selection of books. Excellent coffee and teas. Simple and wholesome meals. (updated Oct 2018)
• 🌍 Coffee Culture, Chang Lam Square (near the Lower Market). Tu-Su. A pleasant cafe. Excellent selection of cakes and desserts. Small number of outdoor seats. (updated Jun 2018)
• Daily Delight (Kangen Cafe), 2F, Gaa-phel Shopping Center, Chorten Lam (Below Le Meridien Hotel, opp Hotel 89.), ☏ +975 77457756. 09:00-21:00 daily. Bright and atmospheric cafe. Coffee. Wide selection of boba tea and shakes. (updated Oct 2022)
• Elsewhere Art and Cafe (Elsewhere Cafe), Chorten Lam (next to Hotel 89, below DusitD2), ☏ +975 77357838. 09:30-21:30. A quirky cafe among art work. Full range of coffees. Light meals and snacks. (updated Jan 2021)
• Meraki Cafe and Pâtisserie, Thori Lam, Kawajangsa (Between the Ministry of Labour and Ministry of Heath offices), ☏ +975 17718272. Th-Su 10:00-21:00. A high-end cafe. Specializes in fancy cakes and quality food. (updated Feb 2021)
• My Elements Cafe, Yardren Lam (Next to Dorji Elements Hotel/Opposite Tarayana Building, Chubachu), ☏ +975 17660484. Daily 10AM-10PM. A small cosy cafe. Full range of coffees. Healthy meals. Outdoor seating on wooden decking. (updated Jun 2018)
• Tower Cafe, Clock Tower (Ground floor of Thimphu Tower Hotel), ☏ +975 77906090. Daily 10:00-23:00. A lively cafe popular with youth. Rap and rock played from flat screen TV. Espresso based coffees. Tasty light meals and snacks. Small outside seating area with view over the Clock Tower. (updated Apr 2021)

Thimphu has few scintillating night clubs. Once inside any of these night clubs, it's a complete glamorous affair. The cost of the entry is quite low too (approx Nu 250 per person). Some clubs allow stag entry as well. The drinks are generally inexpensive and the staff friendly. However, the local youths can create problems on small or no issues and might enter into a scuffle with people from neighbouring countries.

• Druken Yeti (The Yeti), Chubachu (Directly behind City Mall), ☏ +975 17811122, drunkenyetibar@gmail.com. W-M 3PM-11PM. A cute, small bar. Popular with the cool middle-aged crowd. Wide range of alcoholic beverages. Simple wholesome meals. 
• 🌍 Mojo Park, Chang lam (opposite the national stadium), ☏ + 17110975. W-M 17:00-00:00. Live music. The hangout place for Thimphu's aging hip crowd. (updated Aug 2018)

• Smilers Cafe-Bar (Smilers), Wogzin Lam (From Main Traffic towards the stadium, first lane on right. Smilers is on the first floor of the first building on the left.). A cool bistro with a distinct urban tone. Excellent continental food. Espresso-based coffees. Wide range of alcoholic drinks. Fast and efficient service. (updated Jun 2021)

• The Grey Area Coffee Lounge Bar, 1st floor, building 8, Wogzin Lam (Located in Terton Gallery), ☏ +975 77889999. The Grey Area is run by actor Kelly Dorji and is located inside a gallery that sells Kelly's own paintings along with work of other local artists. Coffee. Light meals and snacks. (updated Jan 2021)

Most of Thimphu's budget hotels are on Norzin Lam (the main road through the city), especially above the Clock Tower. Anything that costs less than Nu 1,000 will offer nothing more than a worn bed, a basic toilet, and about enough space to place a bag. The main door will probably be closed by 22:00 at the latest. Negotiate the rate, especially off season.

• 🌍 Hotel Ghasel, Norzin Lam (opposite the clock tower), ☏ +975 2 323-341, +975 17117100 (mobile). Rooms with attached bathroom and hot water facility, cable TV. There are also restaurant, bar and fast food facilities — for those pining that backstreet Indian vibe, the hotel's vegetarian restaurant is the place to come. Under the sound of Hindi songs blasting from a TV, Ghasel produces delicious dosa and thali and a range of other Indian and Bhutanese specialties. (updated Jun 2018)
• 🌍 Hotel Tandin (Norzin Lam, just past the first traffic circle — restaurant on the first floor). Cheap Indian and Bhutanese dishes. (updated Jun 2018)

• 🌍 City Hotel, Jattu Commercial Complex, Changlam, ☏ + 2 338812. A chic hotel in the heart of the city. (updated Mar 2018)
• 🌍 Hotel Druk, ☏ +975 2 322-966, +975 2 322977, drukhotel@druknet.bt. A large city center hotel next to the Clock Tower. Health club with massage, sauna, steam facilities. Standard single Nu 2,000, standard double Nu 2,500. (updated Jun 2018)
• 🌍 Hotel Motithang, ☏ +975 2 322-435. A pleasant hotel on the mountain side above Thimphu. Wonderful views over the valley. A great place for people looking for peace and quiet or some inspiration. (updated Jun 2018)
• Tara Phendeyling Hotel, Babesa Highway, Olakha (Near Helipad), ☏ +975-2-341260, +975-17127752, info@taraphendeyling.com. Comfortable rooms. French, Continental, and Indian cuisine. Cafe. Gym. Steam and sauna. (updated Nov 2023)
• 🌍 Zhiwa Ling Ascent, Kawang Dajo, Upper Mothitang,, ☏ + 2 336486, info@zhiwalingascent.com. A chic and minimalist hotel among a forest. (updated Mar 2018)

• 🌍 Amankora Thimphu (near Kuenga Chhoeling Palace, Upper Motithang), ☏ +975 2 331-333. Part of the Aman super-luxury hotel chain. A 16-room lodge offering five-star facilities. From US$1,500 per night. (updated Mar 2018)
• 🌍 Le Meridien, Chorten Lam, ☏ +975 2 337788. Large and centrally located. Contemporary decor. (updated Jun 2018)
• 🌍 Pemako (formerly Taj Tashi), Samten Lam, ☏ +975 2 236-699. Opened in 2008, a large and centrally located hotel offering full amenities. From US$275 off season, or US$350 in peak season. (updated Jun 2018)
• Six Senses, Serbithang, ☏ + 975 2 350-773. A luxurious, minimalist resort offering views over the Thimphu Valley and landmark Statue of the Buddha. World-class service and menu. From US$2,000. (updated Jan 2021)
• Yarkay, Choten Lam, ☏ +975 2 339-988. A chic and modern hotel with traditional touches. Centrally located. (updated Jan 2021)

Internet cafes in Thimphu are linked to broadband. Connections are reasonably swift.

• Gems Internet Cafe, The Woods Hotel Building, Wogzin Lam (from the Clock Tower, next building from Tower Hotel), gemsinternetcafe@gmail.com. 9AM-7PM. internet, photocopy, fax, scan 
• 🌍 TeeBee's Cyber Cafe, GF. Norzoed Plaza (Above the Clock Tower). internet, photocopy, fax, scan 11AM-8PM. (updated Jun 2018)
• Workspace, Changlam Corner. 3F, Shop 36 (At the bottom end of Changlam Square), ☏ +975 17285891, +975 17279398, workspacethimphu@gmail.com. Everyday 10:00-00:00. Workspace with high speed internet access, printing and screening, panoramic views, coffee, snacks, bar (evening only). Day pass Nu500. (updated Jul 2022)

Pharmacies

• CityCare, The Woods Hotel Building, Wogzin Lam (from the Clock Tower, next building from Tower Hotel). ☏ +975 77619730. A well stocked medical shop. Very polite and helpful service. 9AM-9PM
• Kuenphen Pharmacy, 2f. corner or Norzin Lam and Wogzin Lam (near main traffic). ☏ +975 17603802 The largest medical shop in Thimphu. Wide range of over-the-counter medicines, toiletries, and supplements.

Supermarkets

• 8-11, Gongdzin Lam 23 (a one minute walk from Dusit Hotel). Thimphu's most popular supermarket. A wide variety of imported and domestic goods. 10AM-7PM
• Chuniding Food, Changlam Square. ☏ +975 17320895. Natural food. Organic and local products. Healthy snacks. Bring own bag, as most items are surprisingly wrapped in single-use plastic. Daily: 9AM-9PM.
• C-Mart, 1F Gaa-phel Shopping Center (just below Hotel Le Meridien). A well stocked supermarket. 10AM-9PM

Government hospitals

• Jigme Dorji Wangchuck National Referral Hospital (JDWRHl), Changzamtok. This is Bhutan's largest hospital and has a full range of departments, including emergency.

Private clinics

• Paekar Diagnostic Centre. Olakha (near Hotel Ariya). ☏ +975 2-338044, 17304863. A private clinic with a wide range of diagnostic facilities.

• Bangladesh, HIG-3, Upper Chubachu, ☏ +975 2 332-771, mission.thimphu@mofa.gov.bd. 
• India, India House, Jungshina, ☏ +975 2 322-280. 
• Kuwait, H. No. 5, Thorilam, Chubachu, ☏ +975 2 323-978. 
• Thailand, 4F, Singye Building, Gonor Lam (Opposite Jigme Losel Primary School, next to Golden Roots Hotel.), ☏ +975 2 324 030, +975 2 324 051, kinzangdbhutan@gmail.com. (updated Jan 2021)