10 Amazing Travel Destinations in Thimphu, Bhutan

Bhutan is located in the eastern Himalayas, with China to the north and India to the south. The popular destination is a small country with several tourist attractions. There are many reasons to travel to Bhutan, a slice of heaven in the hilly region. Bhutan is a country known for its greenery and aesthetic beauty, its friendly people, and its rich culture and history. Bhutan is a safe country to tour, and it is easy to get around. Bhutan is an excellent place to relax and unwind, and also a great place to learn about the culture and the people. Bhutan is a small country with a large tourism industry. Tourism is the primary source of income for the country. Bhutan has close to two lakh visitors each year. The country has a rich culture and history. Bhutan was founded and unified in the 17th century by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. Bhutan was a monarchy until 2008 when it became a constitutional monarchy. The primary languages in Bhutan are Dzongkha, Nepali, and Tshangla, and many people also speak English in Bhutan. The Bhutan currency is the Ngultrum.

What is the Capital of Bhutan?

Thimphu is the capital of Bhutan and is a great place to learn about Bhutanese culture and history. Visit the beautiful temples, monasteries, and the National Museum of Bhutan. There are many reasons to visit Thimphu, including learning about Bhutanese culture and history, seeing beautiful temples and monasteries, and enjoying the scenic views. Lama Gyalwa Lhanangpa first laid the foundation of Thimphu Dzong in 1216, the founder of Bhutan. Earlier, Punakha served as the erstwhile capital of Bhutan, which later shifted in 1955 to Thimphu. It was declared the capital of Bhutan in 1961. Most of the people in Thimphu are Buddhists and a small number of people from various other faiths. Thimphu, a beautiful city, is a must-visit place in Bhutan. The city is the economic and political centre of Bhutan. The primary industries in Thimphu are tourism, textiles, and agriculture. The city has many tourist attractions like the Trashi Chho Dzong, Motithang Takin Preserve, and the Dechen Phodrang Monastery. The city is also great for shopping for Bhutanese handicrafts and textiles.

If you plan to visit Thimphu during your holidays in Bhutan, you should see these ten places and create a lifelong memory of your life.

Trashi Chho Dzong

1. Trashi Chho Dzong is a magnificent fortress, and the views from the top are stunning. Everything about Trashi Chho Dzong is a sight to behold. The fortress is north of the Wang Chhu River, in the upper part of the Thimphu valley. The original Dzong was erected in 1216 by Lama Gyalwa Lhanangpa. The Dzong was earlier destroyed in a fire in 1771 and rebuilt. Later, in 1897, an earthquake struck and destroyed the structure. Thus, it was rebuilt in 1902, and the new building included a three-story main temple with gold-plated statues of the Zhabdrung, the present-day king, and the fourth king. The Dzong is now home, since 1952, to the Bhutan National Museum, as well as the offices of the Dzongkhag Administration. The Dzong is open to the public from 9 am to 4 pm, with a small entrance fee. The best way to visit Trashi Chho Dzong is to take a taxi from Thimphu. The path takes about 30 minutes, and the fare is around 250 Ngultrum.

The Motithang Takin Preserve

2. The Motithang Takin Preserve is a nature reserve in Bhutan home to the takin, an endangered mammal species. The preserve was established to protect the takin from habitat loss and hunting. Since it was against the Buddhist teachings to restrict animals in cages, they decided to keep it open as a preserve. It is located in the Motithang district of Bhutan and covers an area of approximately 12 square kilometres. The preserve is home to a small takin population, protected from hunting and habitat loss. There are several things to do in Motithang Takin Preserve, including hiking, bird watching, and wildlife watching. You can hike along the trail with beautiful pine trees lining the path. The best way to reach the preserve is by car or bus. The best time to visit the Motithang Takin Preserve is October and November.

Dechen Phodrang Monastery

3. Dechen Phodrang Monastery is a Tibetan Buddhist monastery in the town of Thimphu, closer to its northern fringes. The monastery is breathtakingly beautiful and has a lot of history. The monastery’s origin can be sourced back to the 12th century. The monastery has a statue of a bearded Lama. He was known as Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. The peaceful monastery became home to approximately 200 monks by 1971, training them with monastic schooling. The best thing to do in Dechen Phodrang Monastery is to explore the monastery and learn about the history and culture of the Tibetan people. You can witness the life of monks while taking in the clean and fresh air. The ideal way to reach the monastery is by taking a bus from Chengdu. The best time to visit Dechen Phodrang Monastery is from April to October and is open from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.

4. Clock Tower Square is located in the heart of the city of Thimphu, at the intersection of Norzin Lam and Chang Lam streets. It has four clock faces and is surrounded by buildings, cafes, hotels, and restaurants. The square is named after the tall clock tower that stands in the middle of it. The square yard is named after the giant clock tower that stands in the middle of it. The government of Bhutan built the clock tower as a gift to the people of Bhutan. The best time to reach Clock Tower Square is during the day and wander.

The National Library of Bhutan (NLB)

5. The National Library of Bhutan (NLB) is the national library of Bhutan. It is located in the capital city of Thimphu. The NLB was established in 1967, and its first director was Geshe Tshewang. The National Library of Bhutan is unique and one of the most important libraries in Bhutan. Its mission is to preserve, protect, and promote the unique cultural heritage of Bhutan. The National Library of Bhutan is open from Monday to Friday, 9:00 am to 4:00 pm.

The Simply Bhutan Museum

6.The Simply Bhutan Museum is located in Genyen Lam, Thimphu, Bhutan. The museum depicts Bhutan’s culture and historic elements and features several exhibits on the country’s history, religion, and way of life. The ideal time to visit the Simply Bhutan Museum is during the summer months of June through August. During this season, the weather is warm and dry, making it the perfect time to explore the museum and learn about Bhutanese culture and is also an excellent place to pick up some souvenirs. The best way to reach the museum is by car or bus. The Simply Bhutan Museum is open daily from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. Admission to the museum is free for all visitors.

The Royal Botanical Garden

7. The Royal Botanical Garden is considered one of the world’s most beautiful gardens. The Royal Botanical Garden attracts over 200,000 visitors every year. It is located in the capital city of Thimphu and was established in 1999 and covers an area of approximately 47 square kilometres. It is open to the public all year round and offers a variety of activities for visitors to enjoy. The Royal Botanical Garden is home to a wide variety of plant life and provides a variety of activities for visitors to enjoy. Some unique things to see in the garden include the Bhutanese Red Panda, the Himalayan Blue Poppy, and the Rheum Nobile. The best time to visit the Royal Botanical Garden is October to February. It is open to the public all year round, and there is no entrance fee. The garden is open from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.

The Thimphu Tshechu Festival

8. The Thimphu Tshechu Festival is a major Buddhist festival held annually in Thimphu, Bhutan. It is a three-day event, occurring every 10th day of the eighth month according to the Bhutanese Lunar calendar. Masked dances and other traditional acts are performed all over the town. The festival is held in honour of Guru Rimpoche, the founder of Tibetan Buddhism. The Thimphu Tshechu Festival is celebrated annually in September or October. Thimphu Tsechu was started by the 4th Druk Desi, Gyalse Tenzin Rabgay in the 17th century. Some changes were introduced in Thimphu Tshechu in the 1950s by the 3rd King of Bhutan, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. The festival has been held every year since then and is now one of the most critical events in the Bhutanese calendar. The festival is held in each district or in Dzongkhag of Bhutan. Every monastery is decorated with colourful tapestries, and the courtyard is filled with stalls selling food and souvenirs. The best thing about Thimphu Tshechu Festival is that it is an excellent opportunity to see Bhutanese culture and traditions. The festival is also the best time to socialise and meet new people.

Changangkha

9. Changangkha Lhakhang is a Buddhist temple situated on a hill in Thimphu, Bhutan. The temple was built in the 12th century by Nyima, one of the sons of Phajo Drugom Shigpo, a Tibetan lama. It is one of the oldest temples in Thimphu and other places in the country and is a popular pilgrimage site for Bhutanese Buddhists. The temple has the famous and devoted Avalokiteshvara statue with eleven crowns. The temple is best known for its stunning architecture and magnificent views of the city of Thimphu. The temple is a must-visit for anyone interested in Bhutanese Buddhism or history. The temple is also a great place to enjoy the views of Thimphu and the surrounding countryside. The best time to visit the temple is during the spring or autumn when the weather is milder. The temple is open daily from sunrise to sunset.

Tango Goemba

10. Tango Goemba was built between the 12th to 13th centuries on the south-facing cliff of the northern Thimphu district, specifically in Cheri. Tango means ‘horse’s head,’ which refers to a stage of Bodhisatwa. It is considered one of the holiest locations in Bhutan, where several monks meditate for months. It has become a popular Bhutan destination. There are many reasons why Tango Goemba is a great tourist destination. The area is beautiful, with a lot of green space and mountains. There are many activities to do in the area, including hiking, biking, and horseback riding. The people in the area are friendly and welcoming, and there are many restaurants and cafes to enjoy.

One of the unique things about Tango Goemba is that it is home to large prayer walls and wheels. The prayer wheel is a Buddhist symbol that brings good luck and fortune. It is a popular spot for tourists to visit and take photos. The best time to visit Tango Goemba is during the summer months. The weather is warm, and the area is very green. However, the place can be crowded during the peak season.

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Conclusion

Visits to Bhutanese Crafts, also known as the handicraft market, are recommended for travellers who appreciate cultural art and want to learn more about Bhutanese art and craft. The wooden shacks set up stalls and businesses selling colourful goods and memento artefacts, giving this market its touch of authenticity. Undoubtedly one of the most abundant in natural beauty and human compassion, the realm of the thunder dragon is a tranquil and serene zone on the face of Earth. It is the ideal location for a family vacation if that is what you have been looking for. Visitors to this heavenly abode should exercise caution and respect the country’s Buddhist customs. Enjoy your time off from work in peace.

FAQs

What is not allowed in Bhutan?

Some things that are not allowed in Bhutan include: smoking in public places, littering, spitting, urinating in public, and wearing shoes inside temples and homes.