What To Do In Thimphu – 8 Most Memorable Experiences

With so much to offer, what to do in Thimphu is an important consideration. Arriving at this quaint capital city is like being transported into a different era. The old world charm and the tranquility of being amongst mountains are attributes that this city has maintained. However, one will be happily surprised to witness the commercial and cultural growth in Thimphu. Thimphu effortlessly combines the experience of spiritual chortens with upbeat cafes, formidable dzongs with a buzzing nightlife. If it is the best of both worlds that you crave, deep dive into the eclectic selection of Thimphu experiences that we’ve curated for you!

The peak season is between September-November during the vibrant Thimphu Dromchoe and Tsechu festivities. Read about Bhutan’s festivals here. 

Spring heralds the blooming rhododendrons all over the surrounding hills and the annual procession of the monks from Punakha into Thimphu.

Be sure to spend a weekend in the city to experience the magic of its weekend markets, archery tournaments and lively nightlife. 

Following are our top picks on what to do in Thimphu. We’ve included not just sightseeing, but also the experiences one truly travels for. 

What To Do In Thimphu – 

View from the Tango Monastery

There is no better way to see a city than to cover it by foot. And we are strong proponents of taking off without any agenda and discovering little-seen sights, a day in the lives of locals going about their business or stopping to smell the flowers on the hills. Thimphu has so many trails one can cover, missing the opportunity would be sacrilege. Put on your sneakers, switch on your google maps (or don’t) and wander about the streets of the city or better still, leave the city behind and hike up to the Tango Monastery and be rewarded with panoramic views of the entire city. If you’re wondering what to do in Thimphu, this is how to start!

This fortress and Monastery is perched on the northern edge of the city. The two-storied white-washed building has been the seat of the Druk Desi or the head of the Civil Government of Bhutan. A tour of this dzong is a great experience and one can see the throne room, the various offices of the government etc. It is also a sight to behold at night and looks even more formidable all lit up. For history lovers, this specially answers the question of what to do in Thimphu.

The handicrafts section at the Thimphu Weekend Market

Like we said, Thimphu is bustling during the weekends and attending the weekend market should be on every traveller’s list. Located permanently on the left bank of the Wang Chu, the market runs from Friday to Sunday. The market sells produce of all kinds, from dried fish to a variety of cheeses. The highlight is crossing over the cantilever bridge to arrive at the handicrafts section. Pick up a souvenir here and take back a part of Bhutan with you! Add this to your list of what to do in Thimphu.

For the creative types wondering what to do in Thimphu, there’s a lot! Thimphu is the seat of handicrafts in Bhutan and if you’re not content with just buying some, you can also try your hand at some of the notable crafts of the country. Head over to the Jungshi Handmade Paper factory and learn the fascinating process of making Bhutanese paper called Deh-Sho. You can also try and learn weaving at the Royal Textile Academy of Bhutan. The Academy promotes this age-old craft while trying to empower the women skilled in it. The exhibitions here display the intricate and elaborate textiles woven for the Royal Family.

Takins at the Motithang Preserve

It is befitting to a country as eccentric as Bhutan to have a national animal that is extremely unusual. The Takin which is half-goat and half-cow, can be spotted in the preserve dedicated exclusively to their welfare. The zoo they were housed in was abolished by the King as he declared that it did not match the principles of Buddhism and all the animals were set free into the wild. However, the Takins were fairly domesticated by that time and refused to leave the city. They are now housed in the preserve that caters to their well-being and it is the best place to spot this rare mammal.

Weekends are the most lively time to be in Thimphu and mean weekend markets, a festive atmosphere and loads of archery tournaments. The locals consider archery more than a sport and the camaraderie they share over it is what makes attending such an event truly exciting. Take a spot at a stadium with a glass of beer. Cheer on the locals as they use traditional or new age equipment to aim at unbelievable distances. The Olympics have got nothing on these tournaments. Attend one to know what we mean.

Ambient Cafe

Don’t be surprised to see contemporary cafes in Thimphu. The smell of freshly roasted coffee in the crisp and fresh air of this town will be more memorable than just rushing through the day, taking in sights. Visit the Ambient Cafe, full of expats working away or read a book at the Junction Bookstore Cafe. Coffee Culture, Art Cafe, Karma’s Cafe are great options too. Bet you didn’t think this would make it to the list of what to do in Thimphu!

The picture perfect Changangkha Lhakhang

Perched atop a ridge, Thimphu’s oldest temple has tremendous significance to its people. Parents bring their new-borns here to seek blessings. The temple is simple and almost poignantly so. There is no grandeur or stately aesthetics, but the sounds of the pilgrims’ chants and the holiness of the place make this a must-visit in Thimphu. Do not leave without going to the kora (pilgrims’ path) in the back, with its ornate black and gold prayer wheels. Go here preferable during sunset and take in the magnificent views of the sun going down on the valley from this vantage point.