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Bhutan's capital and largest town, Thimphu boasts an atmosphere that is relaxing and friendly. By wandering around the streets, you can begin to appreciate the Bhutanese way of life.
Established as the permanent capital of Bhutan in the 1950s, Thimphu has gradually grown over the last decade but remains a relatively small town dominated by the impressive Tashichoe Dzong.
The Dzong
Buildings steeped in ritual and tradition encircle the dzong's vast courtyards and house the secretariat, king’s headquarters and the summer residence of the central monk body, while nearby lies the world’s highest golf course.
Shops and market
A wander along the streets is recommended and reveals small shops stuffed with indispensable goods imported from China and India and religious paraphernalia, while the weekend market attracts people from miles around to bargain for everything from dried chillies and yak butter to hand-woven textiles.
who's been there
Start planning your tailor-made trip to Thimphu by contacting one of our Bhutan specialists
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01993 838 92501993 838 320
- Make an enquiry
Suggested itineraries featuring Thimphu
Our itineraries will give you suggestions for what is possible when you travel in Thimphu, and they showcase routes we know work particularly well. Treat them as inspiration, because your trip will be created uniquely by one of our specialists.
Places near Thimphu
- Paro 14 miles away
- Punakha 16 miles away
- Wangdiphodrang 17 miles away
- Phobjikha Valley 37 miles away
- Trongsa 54 miles away
- Jakar 69 miles away
- Bumthang 79 miles away
- Trashigang 119 miles away
Photos of Thimphu
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![Royal Palace, Thimphu, Bhutan]()
Royal Palace, Thimphu, Bhutan -
![Thimphu, Bhutan]()
Thimphu, Bhutan -
![Chillies!]()
Chillies! -
![Chillies at the Weekend Market, Thimphu, Bhutan]()
Chillies at the Weekend Market, Thimphu, Bhutan -
![Weekend Market, Thimphu, Bhutan]()
Weekend Market, Thimphu, Bhutan -
![Buddha Dordenma statue, Thimphu, Bhutan]()
Buddha Dordenma statue, Thimphu, Bhutan -
![Prayer flags over Thimphu, Bhutan]()
Prayer flags over Thimphu, Bhutan -
![King's Memorial Chorten, Thimphu, Bhutan]()
King's Memorial Chorten, Thimphu, Bhutan
Our expert guides to exploring Thimphu
Written by our specialists from their own experiences of visiting Thimphu, these guides will help you make the most of your time there. We share both our practical recommendations and the best ways to appreciate Thimphu at its best.
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Festivals of Bhutan ![Paro tsechu, Bhutan]()
Festivals of Bhutan
Festivals of Bhutan
Festivals are very important to Bhutanese people, they're a great excuse to celebrate and socialise. We can highly recommend incorporating a festival into your tailor-made trip to Bhutan, as an ideal way of immersing yourself in the country's culture.
Read this guide
Accommodation choices for Thimphu
We've selected a range of accommodation options for when you visit Thimphu. Our choices usually come recommended for their character, facilities and service or location. Our specialists always aim to suggest properties that match your preferences.
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![Deluxe room, Hotel Kisa]()
Hotel Kisa
Thimphu -
![Suite Amankora Thimphu]()
Amankora Thimphu
Thimphu -
![Outdoor Deck, Taj Tashi Hotel, Thimphu]()
Taj Tashi Hotel
Thimphu
Ideas for experiencing Thimphu
Our specialists seek out authentic ways to get to know the places that could feature in your trip. These activities reflect some of the experiences they've most enjoyed while visiting Thimphu, and which use the best local guides.
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Visit to the Weekend Market at Thimphu ![Weekend market, Thimphu]()
Visit to the Weekend Market at Thimphu
Visit to the Weekend Market at Thimphu
People from surrounding villages start arriving on Friday evening and come to buy and sell produce, ranging from dried chillies and yak butter to textiles and bamboo products.
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