Tourist Attractions in Thimphu Valley.

The Thimphu valley hosts the capital city of Bhutan, Thimphu and lies at an altitude of 2300 m. This is a small vibrant city with approximately one hundred and fifty thousand people. It is the only capital city in the world with no traffic lights. The Tashichho Dzong is the administrative center and houses the Government offices including the office of His Majesty the King. The other significant structure is the SAARC Secretariat which houses National Assembly of Bhutan. The Important Government offices, Embassies and other non government offices are located in Thimphu. It has the highest golf course in the world at 2320 meters with approximately 150 members. 

The National Memorial chorten is a five minute walk from the heart of city. This temple was built in the year 1974 in the memory of Late His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. The temple is adorned with the Thankas, elaborate mandalas and splendid statues. The main shrine of the temple is dedicated to the Late His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. It is one of the most visited monuments in Bhutan.

The National library was established in the year 1976 in order to preserve ancient texts both in Dzongkha and Tibetan. The Library also serves as a good resource for books about Bhutan.

The Scriptures from all religious schools are represented here including that from Bon tradition. Most of the books are printed on handmade paper stacked between pieces of wood and wrapped in silk cloth. Also on display are ancient photographs. A copy of the 1783 letter sent by the Desi to Samuel Turner, a British army officer is displayed here.

Bhutan was once known as the “Southern country of medicinal herbs” as Bhutan has an abundance of medicinal herbs. An indigenous dispensary was started on 28th June 1968 in Dechencholing to preserve the rich culture and tradition. It was then upgraded to the National Indigenous Hospital and was shifted to Kawajangsa in the year 1979. Since then, it came to be known as the Institute of Traditional Medicine Services. The institute treats patients using the various traditional medicines and age old methods. The Institute also imparts the art of herbal medicines to students.

The Painting School imparts courses on Bhutan’s thirteen traditional Arts and Crafts called Zorig Chusum. The students learn various forms of art and paintings, wood carving, embroidery and statue making. Nearby, in the vicinity are several handicraft shops that sell the products of this institute.

To learn first hand about Bhutan’s art of weaving, the National Textile Museum is worth a trip. You can see the major weaving techniques, styles and the type of textiles made by both women and men. If you are lucky, you may even come across a group of weavers operating their looms inside the museum. Bumthang is famous for the textile weaving in Bhutan.

This renovated typical Bhutanese farm house building was built more than century ago. This folk heritage museum provides a glimpse of rural Bhutanese way of life. You can also enjoy an authentic Bhutanese lunch, with butter tea, chilies, dried meat and many more.

This Dzong (fortress) along the bank of the Wang Chu river, is an architectural delight. It houses the throne room, offices of His Majesty the King, the Ministries of Home Affairs and Finance. It also is the summer residence of the Chief Abbot of Bhutan, the Je Khenpo. The Monk body moves to Punakha valley in winter. The annual Thimphu tshechu festival, one of the most popular festivals in Bhutan is held here in the month of September.

Destroyed by fire in 1700s and by an earthquake in the year 1897, it was rebuilt in the year 1902. Today, surrounded by well kept lawns and beautiful gardens, the massive structure provides a majestic grandeur to the city. Visitors can marvel at Bhutanese architecture and craftsmanship at its finest. And the entire fortress was built without the use of any nails. Its courtyards are a place of gathering for the locals, dressed in their best attires during the festivals.

The Centenary Farmers’ Market or the Weekend Market, north of Changlimithang Stadium, is situated along the bank of Wang Chu. This double storey structure is dedicated to 100 years of monarchy. Come Thursday, and vendors from Wangdue Phodrang and Haa valley (The famous annual Haa Summer festival is held here in the month of July) and nearby places start pouring in to sell their wares.

As you walk around, air go from pungent to sweet to aromatic depending on the produce that is on display. From dried fish to cheese balls, seasonal vegetables and fruits and spices, you get all. Across the market and the footbridge, one can find a collection of clothing and handicraft stalls. While there are wooden bowls, prayer beads, amulets, prayer wheels and the lot on offer. If you look carefully you could find some treasure amid the heap.

There are several handicraft shops in Thimphu offering various selections of hand woven and crafted products. Visitors will find beautiful weaves in wool, silk, cotton and basket work. Thangkas and other traditional crafts are also available, including Bhutanese antiques and various souvenirs. There are also special selection of books on Buddhism and modern English writings by Bhutanese authors.

Craft Bazaar operates under patronage of the Department of Cottage and Small Industries. This is also in collaboration with the Department of Culture and the Tourism Council of Bhutan. The Department of Agriculture marketing and Co operatives help to market the products. This market offers genuine Bhutanese arts & crafts thus contributing in promotion, protection and preservation of traditional arts.

This 12th century temple is perched on a hilltop and was established by Tibetan lama, Phajo Drugom Shigpo. The temple constantly buzzes with pilgrim activity. The protective deity of the temple, Tamdrin is supposed to bless newborns. Hence, the parents from near and far come here to bless their children and get auspicious names for them.

A few minutes walk up from the road, the monastery offers a magnificent view of the valley below. The main chamber of the monastery houses the graven image of the “Buddha of Compassion”.

The drive up to Kuensel Phodrang is worth it to take the view of Thimphu valley from up there. One will also simply marvel at the immense size of the Buddha statue that sits majestically on the hilltop. The construction of the statue started in the year 2006 and was completed on 25th September 2015. The statue was made in China and shipped and trucked into Bhutan after it was cut into pieces. At a height of 169 feet, it is one of the biggest Buddha Dordenma statues in the world. The massive three storey throne holds several chapels and the Buddha’s body itself is filled with 125,000 smaller statues.

This massive statue of Shakyamuni measures 51.5 m, and makes it the largest statue of Buddha in the world. The statue is made of bronze and is gilded in gold. Each of these thousands of Buddhas have also been cast in bronze and gilded. The throne that the Buddha Dordenma sits upon is a large meditation hall. It is a highly recommended and one of the best places to visit in Bhutan.

The Jungshi Paper factory comprises of two enterprises. The unit in Thimphu produces traditional handmade paper from natural plants mainly from ‘Daphne’ plant species which is insect resistant. The other unit is in Jimina, 22 km from the centre Thimphu town, recycles waster papers. The traditional handmade papers are mainly used for writing religious scripts. They are also widely used for packing materials, hand carry bags, lampshades, envelopes and calendars. The paper looks a lot like Japanese washi and a lot of Bhutanese paper is exported to Japan also.

Zangto Pelri temple is located next to the Stadium. It is thought of as one of the sacred passes to heaven according to the sacred books of Guru Rinpoche. Renovated in the year 1960s, the temple possesses some impressive murals and art treasures. The site was a former battle ground in the year 1885 that proved the political supremacy of Sir Ugyen Wangchuck. Therefore, the temple was built to appease all kinds of evil.

It is one of the few nunneries in Bhutan. Located in Zilukha on a high hill above Tashichho Dzong, it houses over 70 nuns. The name Drupthob is of Thang Tong Gyalpo, popularly known for building iron bridges during the 15th century. One of his later reincarnations founded the nunnery. He built Tamchog Monastery in Paro valley on the way to Thimphu.

The Simply Bhutan Museum is a project under the Bhutan Youth Development Fund. It was built to offer a unique experience to its visitors. It is a living museum and studio to sum up the cultural heritage of the Bhutanese people. A main feature of Simply Bhutan Museum is that it fully is operated by young people and job seekers. They receive on the job training in basic business, management skills and customer care. The fund generated is used to run many of the youth development programs for vulnerable and disadvantaged youth. So as a visitor, you get to experience and enjoy this special place. You are also helping to make a better today and a brighter tomorrow for the youth of Bhutan. There are also souvenir shops and a Bhutanese style restaurant that sells set meals at Nu. 650.

In the year 1885, the national stadium was the site of the famous battle field. This battle has helped establish Sir Ugyen Wangchuck, Bhutan’s first King as the nation’s political head. Today, it houses a football field and all major sports and national events are held here. But what is equally fun and exciting is the archery ground nearby. Traditional bamboo or carbon fibre bows really don’t matter. The archers show off their skills and companionship with jabs and jibes thrown at the opponent. The Songs, alcohol and victory dances are all part of the game.

The Coronation Park is located below the stadium, on the bank of Thimphu River. With the area covering over five acres, the park offers a quiet and relaxing environment. Visitors can either stroll through the park or sit and watch the river flow. One section of the park is devoted as a fun area for kids.

This unique animal, with an appearance between a cow and a goat, is the national animal of Bhutan. There are a number of Takins in the zoo, which is located in a serene, natural environment in Upper Motithang. The walking pavement all around the area offers a tranquil leisurely walk. Legend has it that the great Buddhist yogi, Drukpa Kinley created the animal.

Stretching about 2,800 yards, a par 33 golf course is deemed very challenging by golf enthusiasts. The course is well set up with many obstacles like trees, uneven grass and man made water pools. Along with the game, players can also enjoy beautiful views of the surrounding valleys with Tashichho Dzong. There is a clean and homely restaurant where visitors can take a break and also savor some varied local dishes.

The Botanical Garden is located in Serbithang, about a 10 km drive south of the city. The lush garden covers the hillside offering a peaceful and relaxing environment. It is a paradise for plant enthusiasts as there are wide varieties of indigenous trees, flowers and herbs. The garden also serves as a beautiful picnic spot for the local people.