Bhutan's capital, an hour and a half from Paro airport: Tashichho Dzong (the seat of government and the monk body), the 51 m Buddha Dordenma over the valley, the National Memorial Chorten where people circle all day, and the weekend market. It is also where the Immigration Office issues route permits for the rest of the country, so most trips spend a night here before heading east. Indian restaurants, cafés and the only real nightlife in Bhutan.
Highlights
- Tashichho Dzong flag-lowering at dusk
- Buddha Dordenma over the valley
- National Memorial Chorten
- Weekend Centenary Farmers' Market
- Takin, the national animal, at Motithang
- Folk Heritage Museum
- Handmade paper at Jungshi
- Thimphu Tshechu in autumn
Things to do
- Buddha Dordenma and the valley viewMorning · 1h 30m
- National Memorial Chorten kora with the localsMorning · 1h
- Tashichho Dzong (after office hours)Evening · 1h 30m
- Motithang Takin PreserveAfternoon · 1h
- Centenary Farmers' Market and handicraft stallsMorning · 2h
- Folk Heritage Museum and the textile museumAfternoon · 2h
- Changangkha Lhakhang, where Thimphu's newborns are blessedMorning · 1h
- National Institute for Zorig Chusum: students at the thirteen traditional artsMorning · 1h 30m
- Jungshi handmade paper factoryAfternoon · 1h
- Simply Bhutan living museumAfternoon · 1h 30m
- Hike up to Tango Monastery at the head of the valleyMorning · 3h 30m
Tours & tickets
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When to go
Best time: March – May, September – November
Worth knowing
Totals Exclude the Sustainable Development Fee
Bhutan charges a Sustainable Development Fee per person per night on top of your hotel: ₹1,200 for Indian citizens (₹600 for children aged 6-12), US$100 for most other passports (fixed until 31 August 2027; half for children). This plan's totals do not include it, because it depends on your passport: add it for every night you spend in Bhutan.
Worth knowing
Thimphu Tshechu: Book Early, Pay More
Thimphu Tshechu falls in September or October (lunar dates). Hotels in Thimphu and Paro and the flights in fill early and cost more; book by early summer.
- Thimphu Tshechu — Three days of mask dances at Tashichho Dzong, the capital's biggest festival, preceded by days of prayers; the thongdrel is shown at dawn on the last day. Rooms in Thimphu and flights to Paro fill early; book by early summer.