7-Day Bhutan Cultural Tour
Paro, Thimphu and Punakha in one week: the capital's dzongs, the Dochula pass, Punakha Dzong at the meeting of two rivers, and the hike to Tiger's Nest.
USD 1,800
Thimphu
Bhutan's capital: the seat of government at Tashichho Dzong, Buddha Dordenma above the city, and the country's main museums and markets.
Overview
Thimphu is a small capital that still feels rooted in tradition. Government offices sit inside Tashichho Dzong, people walk their daily circuits around the National Memorial Chorten, and a police officer directs traffic at the main junction instead of traffic lights.
Most journeys spend a day or two here, visiting the city’s museums, temples and markets and the giant Buddha Dordenma that looks down on the valley.
Places to visit in Thimphu
- Buddha Dordenma
- A giant seated Buddha statue on the hillside at Kuensel Phodrang, overlooking the southern end of the valley.
- Tashichho Dzong
- The seat of the government and the central monastic body, and the setting for the Thimphu Tshechu.
- National Memorial Chorten
- Built in memory of the Third King, it is circled by residents from early morning to evening.
- Folk Heritage Museum
- A traditional farmhouse showing how rural Bhutanese families have lived and worked.
- Motithang Takin Preserve
- A forested reserve where you can see the takin, Bhutan's national animal.
- Centenary Farmers Market
- The city's main market for vegetables, chillies, cheese and local produce.
Things to do in Thimphu
- Visit Buddha Dordenma above the city
- Walk around the National Memorial Chorten with local residents
- See the takin, the national animal, at the Motithang preserve
- Browse the Centenary Farmers Market and handicraft shops
- Watch archery practice at the national stadium grounds
Journeys that visit Thimphu
5-Day Bhutan Short Tour
The essentials of western Bhutan in five days: Thimphu, Punakha Dzong and Chimi Lhakhang, and the hike to Tiger's Nest in Paro.
USD 1,200
10-Day Central Bhutan Tour: Punakha, Phobjikha and Bumthang
Beyond the western valleys to Phobjikha's glacial valley and the temples of Bumthang, Bhutan's spiritual heartland, with Tiger's Nest to finish.
USD 2,700
13-Day Bhutan West to East Tour: Paro to Samdrup Jongkhar
The whole country in one journey: from Paro and Tiger's Nest through Punakha, Phobjikha and Bumthang to the dzongs, temples and weaving villages of eastern Bhutan, leaving by road into India.
USD 3,600
Best time to visit
Spring and autumn are the most pleasant seasons. The Thimphu Tshechu, one of the largest festivals in the country, is held at Tashichho Dzong in autumn. Winters are dry and cold, with clear days.
How to get there
Thimphu is about 1.5 hours by road from Paro International Airport, along the Paro Chhu and Wang Chhu rivers.
Travel tips
- Thimphu has the widest choice of restaurants and shops in Bhutan: a good place to buy textiles and crafts
- Some sites close on certain days or for official events; your guide will plan around this
Festivals in Thimphu
- Rhododendron Festival
- Thimphu Drubchen
- Thimphu Tshechu
- Jomolhari Mountain Festival
- Dechenphu Tshechu
- Druk Wangyel Tshechu
Experiences
Archery
Bhutan's national sport: long-distance matches with bamboo and modern bows, full of songs, dances and good-natured teasing.
Bhutanese Food
Chillies as a vegetable, cheese in almost everything, red rice and butter tea: a guide to what you will eat in Bhutan and what to try.
Bhutanese Culture
National dress, traditional arts, archery, festivals and a strong sense of identity: how Bhutan keeps its culture alive.
Wildlife
Takin, black-necked cranes, red pandas and more than 700 bird species, in a country where forests still cover most of the land.
Local Experiences
Small, everyday moments that make a journey: a farmhouse visit, a village market, a cooking lesson or a walk with local people.
More in Western Bhutan
Plan a journey that includes Thimphu
Tell us your dates and interests. We will suggest a route and how many days to spend in each valley.