Don’t know which places to visit in Thimphu ? Based on the review from the travelers, we have compiled the top 10 sightseeing places to visit in Thimphu . Among the list Thimphu Dzong, Memorial Chorten, Simtokha Dzong , Dochula and Buddha Dordenma tops the list.
Bhutan is a verdant paradise with spectacular landscapes and magnificent architecture. Moreover, it is epitomized with Dzongs and Lhakhangs which stretches across the country. Thimphu is the capital of Bhutan; the only capital city in the world without a single traffic light. It is the valley is endowed with rich cultural heritage which goes back centuries and is still thriving.
Thimphu has abundant exciting sightseeing places to visit and discover. One can explore quiet beautiful hikes in and around the pristine forest. Or visit exquisite architectural and cultural landmark places. So, while at Thimphu, you can pick up any choice of your attraction from the list below. Check out the top 10 places to visit in Thimphu.
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Thimphu Dzong , : The Fortress of Glorious Religion
Explore the exquisite massive structure of Tashichho Dzong in Thimphu, it is a masterpiece of Dzongs of Bhutan.
Set into the open courtyard and visit the Grand Kuenrey, the most splendid room of the Tashichho Dzong. The assembly of monks performs their daily prayers here in the Kuenrey before the enormous statue of the Buddha. If you love architecture, this is the best place to visit in Thimphu.
2. Buddha Dordenma , Thimphu : The Tallest Statue of Buddha in the world
Drive up to the gigantic Buddha Dordenma statue (51.5 Meters) which sits overlooking the Thimphu valley. Besides the tranquility of the place, the view of Thimphu city is incredible. If you are energetic , you can also choose to take the hiking trails from Buddha point to Changangkha Lhakhang. It is an hour or two hikes through the forest of pines. Or you can choose to ride a bicycle through the trail. This is the best place to visit in Thimphu to enjoy the valley view of Thimphu.
3. National Memorial Chorten : The Landmark Temple of Thimphu
The National Memorial Chorten is a prominent landmark in Thimphu. You can see people from all walks of life gather to circumambulate the Chorten. It is the most visible religious landmarks in Bhutan. The architecture and the statues of the Yidam Deities inside the stupa are incredible with profound spiritual meaning. It is patterned on the design of classical stupa, with pyramid pillar.
The Memorial Chorten was built in 1974 to honor the third king of Bhutan. This is the best place to visit in Thimphu to meet locals.
4.Changangkha Lhakhang, Thimphu : The Temple on the Hilltop
Changangkha Lhakhang is located on a ridge overlooking the Chang valley (another name for Thimphu valley in the olden times). It is an ancient temple founded in the 12th century by Lam Phajo Drugom Zhigpo. One can see devotees flock to this place to pray and chant mantras while circumambulating and spinning the Prayer wheels that surround the temple’s wall.
5. Simtokha Dzong, Thimphu : One of the oldest Dzong of Bhutan
Located on a ridge separated by deep gorges; Simtokha Dzong stands strategically overlooking Thimphu valley. It is located at the junction of the three provinces Sha, Pa and Wang (i.e. Wangduephodrang, Paro, and Thimphu). It is one of the oldest fortress built by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1629 to unify the western Bhutan.
There are legends of malevolent forces being subdued on a huge rock at the place where the Dzong stands now. Thus, the name Simtokha has been derived from the word Simo-do-kha which literally translates as demoness on the rock.
6. Centenary Farmers Market : The must place to visit in Thimphu to encounter Locals
The centenary Farmers Market is the largest domestic vegetable market where farmers from across the country gather to display and sell the local produce. Located close to the Wang Chhu (Thimphu River), it is the busiest market in the country. You can see and meet the people from all walk of life. If you like you can have conversation with them or take pictures.
7. Bhutan Postal Museum : Do Not Miss The Opportunity to Personalize Your Stamps
The Bhutan Postal Museum displays the evolution of the communications and postal system in Bhutan . It reflects as early as the time when messages were delivered by messengers from Dzong to Dzong.
The best thing to do here would be to get your photos uploaded ,customized, matched and printed on the stamp frame. You can also post a card or send letters to your family and friends using your personalized stamp. It is a valid stamp.
This place is best to visit in Thimphu for stamp collectors.
8. National Institute for Zorig Chusum : For The Art Lover
The National Institute for Zorig Chusum is an institute where students undergo four to six years courses in the 13 Traditional Bhutanese Arts & Crafts. The 13 Traditional Bhutanese arts and Crafts are:
I) Shingzo (Carpentry)
II) Parzo (Carving)
III) Dozo (Masonry)
IV) Lhazo (Painting)
V) Jinzo (Sculpting)
VI) Garzo (Blacksmithing)
VII) Lugzo (Bronze Casting)
VIII) Troeko (Ornament making)
IX) Tsharzo (Cane and bamboo weaving)
X) Thagzo (Weaving)
XI) Tshemzo (Tailoring, Embroidery, and Appliqué)
XII) Shagzo (Woodturning)
XIII) Dezo (Paper-making)
National Institute for Zorig Chusum is one of the best place to visit in Thimphu for art lovers.
9. Dochula Pass : The best place to be to see Himalayas
Visit the Dochula Pass located at 3,100 meters above sea level marked by colorful prayer flags and 108 concentrated Chortens (Buddhist Shrines). On a clear day, one can enjoy the panoramic view of the snow-capped peaks. Traditionally used as the trail between the Thimphu and Punakha respectively. The pass and its surroundings possess an enviable floral wealth besides 108 stupas. This is the best places to visit in Thimphu if you are the mountain lovers.
10. Chagri Monastery : Meet the monk on the Hill Top
Chagri is a Buddhist Monastery that is located at the Northern end of Thimphu valley. It is one of the most amazing sightseeing place in Thimphu. However, one must take a 17 km drive from Thimphu town till you reach the end of the road at Dodena. From Dodena after crossing an old wooden cantilever bridge the Chagri hike starts which will take about 45 minutes till you reach the Chagri Monastery. The place has a tranquil energy field and often time you can see mountain goats mingling freely with the monks. This is a must-visit place to visit in Thimphu, if you love nature and peaceful places.
