Bhutan is a tranquil Himalayan Kingdom situated on the ancient Silk Route. This snow valley on the Eastern Himalayan glaciers showcases a perfect blend of modernity and traditionalism. Thimphu is the capital city of Bhutan which is also one of the most modern cities of the country. If you’re looking for a serene yet exciting vacation with your loved ones then without any doubt book one of the best Thimphu travel packages with the best discounts.
Thimphu is a budget-friendly destination where you enjoy thrilling nightlife while spending the day tasting the local cuisines, learning Buddhism, and discovering spectacular sightseeing locations. This city situated on the banks of Thimphu Chhu River is surrounded by lush green valleys, eye-capturing landscapes, ancient monasteries, and Buddhist temples.
Ideal Time To Plan A Thimphu Tour
The best time to book a Thimphu tour is during the months of March to May and September to November. In Thimphu, the spring and autumn seasons are perfect to offer you pleasant weather and clear skies for a comfortable sightseeing tour and outdoor activities. Herein, these seasons are also considered the peak season when the city sees a large number of tourists.
The city sees long summer months and the chances of heavy rainfall are higher during this time. This is why it is advised to not plan the tour during this time due to unexpected roadblocks and landslides that may interfere with your sightseeing plan. If you’re more interested in enjoying a peaceful Thimphu tour then February to early March and November to December can be an ideal time. During these times, Thimphu experiences shoulder season with fewer crowds and soothing weather for a quieter vacation.
Best Ways To Reach Thimphu From India
By Train: There are currently no rail lines connecting Thimphu with India. However, you can board a train from NJP station in Siliguri to Hasimara Station which is the closest Indian Railway Station to the Bhutan border. From Hasimara, you can hire a car to reach Thimphu via the Bhutan Gate in Phuentsholing within 5 hours.
By Air: Thimphu doesn’t have an airport and the only international airport in Bhutan is situated in Paro. You can book flight tickets from Bhutan Airlines or Druk Air from Bagdogra Airport in Siliguri to reach Paro within just 40 minutes. After arriving in Paro, you can book a car to travel to Thimphu which may take you around 1 hour. 15 min. Apart from Bagdogra, Paro Airport is well-connected with Kolkata, Delhi, and Guwahati.
By Road: One of the most scenic ways to reach Thimphu is by road. Upon arriving at Siliguri, you can hire a car and embark on a road trip to Thimphu full of lush green tea gardens, dense forests, and picturesque views of the snow-capped mountain ranges. It will take almost 8 hours to reach Thimphu from Siliguri via the Bhutan Gate and Phuentsholing - Thimphu Hwy.
Before booking one of the best Thimphu holiday packages, you must know that to explore the city you need to apply for an entry permit from the immigration office at Phuentsholing or Paro Airport. You also need to pay an SDF fee of INR 1,200/ per night which is a part of the high-value, low-impact tourism policy of the country.
Top Tourist Attractions You Must Visit In Thimphu
1. Tashichho Dzong
Tashichho or Thimphu Dzong is one of the best places to visit in Thimphu which is a spectacular fortress situated on the banks of Wang Chu River. The unique Bhutanese architecture and cultural depth of this monastery will surely amaze you. This tourist place is open from Monday to Friday and closed on weekends.
You must plan a trip to Tashichho Dzong from 9 am to 5 pm where you also have to pay an entry fee of Rs. 300 per person. Some of the key features of the monastery are intricate woodwork with amazing murals, whitewashed walls, and golden roofs with a backdrop of lush green forests.
Highlights:
- Witness the government works in the halls since it is also the official seat of the Bhutanese government.
- Feel the fresh air and tranquillity near the Wang Chhu River while capturing the beauty of the Dzong.
- Take part in the vibrant Thimphu Tshechu to learn about the rich culture and traditions.
2. National Memorial Chorten
National Memorial Chorten or Thimphu Chorten is another beautifully architected tourist place in Thimphu. The giant stupa that you can see here was built to commemorate the 3rd Dragon King of Bhutan. Not only the golden annexes or white-washed walls, but the serene ambience of this place will also amaze you.
The best time to visit this location is between 6 am to 6 pm where you can indulge in a peaceful meditation session to soak into the serenity of the natural beauty. If you’re visiting the place in the early morning then you can see the local people gathering here wearing traditional dresses to meditate and lit butter lamps. This religious site is truly a worth-visiting tourist attraction in Thimphu.
Highlights:
- Enjoy the soothing ambience around the Chorten.
- Explore the shrines of Tantric Buddhism situated on the upper halls of the monument.
- Circumambulate the spiritual prayer wheels while learning about the life of the Dragon King.
3. Motithang Takin Preserve
Motithang or Royal Takin Preserve is a popular protection area in Thimphu for Takins, a rare mountain animal. Takins is also the national animal of Bhutan and you get the chance to spot this unique animal while exploring the areas of this Takin preserve.
While booking one of the Thimphu travel packages, you must add this place to your tour itinerary. Apart from spotting takins, you can also witness a panoramic view of the snow-capped mountains and dense alpine trees here. This protected forest area is open all days of the week from 9 am to 5 pm, and the ticket fee to enter is around 30 INR for Indian nationals.
Highlights:
- Trek to the Changangkha Temple from the preserve to attain mesmerizing views of the traditional Bhutanese architecture.
- Observe Takins while exploring the trails surrounded by pine trees and colourful rhododendrons.
- Arrange a tranquil picnic inside the preserve with your loved ones.
4. Simply Bhutan Museum
Simply Bhutan is a live heritage museum in Thimphu that can be one of the best sightseeing locations to witness the culture and traditions of the country. The essence of traditional Bhutanese architecture has been perfectly preserved in this museum.
You get to witness ancient Bhutanese artworks, old-styled kitchens, traditional cooking wares, and clothes here. Herein, you can communicate with the local people and hear verbal stories or classic songs of the country. Additionally, you also get to taste the authentic Ara drink and local snacks while exploring the sections of the museum.
Highlights:
- Toss a coin and make wishes at the wishing well
- Get dressed in Bhutanese traditional attire and click pictures to attain some cherishing memories
- Explore the Tashi Delek Museum to witness the captivating Buddha Dordenma Statue and ancient artefacts.
5. Royal Botanical Garden
The Royal Botanical Garden in Thimphu is the first-ever botanical garden in the country. This tourist place for nature and botany enthusiasts was opened by the Royal Government of Bhutan in 1999. This garden was created to showcase the diverse flora of the region so that more people get interested in doing scientific research on it.
While exploring the premises of this garden, you will come across almost 46 vibrant species of rhododendrons along with various types of ferns. Apart from flora, you also get the opportunity to spot some wild animals here such as leopard cat, tiger, musk deer, and red panda.
Highlights:
- Embark on an adventurous trek through the Rhododendron Walk and Dochula Nature Trail.
- Listen to the soothing chirping of various vibrant species of Himalayan birds.
- Discover the exquisite design of the Chorten and prayer wheels inside the garden.
6. Changlimithang Stadium & Archery Ground
Changlimithang Stadium & Archery Ground is the national stadium of Bhutan which was built on the location of the 1885 battle that helped the first king to gain political supremacy. If you want to witness the national sport of Bhutan then it is the best place where archery tournaments of various levels are arranged.
The archery competitions here are a visual spectacle as most of the local people wear traditional gho and Kira while practising. You can also learn and try archery here with either traditional wooden bows or high-tech carbon fibre compound bows.
Highlights:
- Take a cultural tour of the stadium to spot the spectator areas, football pitches, and running tracks.
- Join a session of archery equipment crafting demonstration.
- Try the unique night archery experience
7. Tango Goemba
Tango Goemba is one of the most ancient places to visit in Thimphu that you must add to your Thimphu travel packages. This religious site situated near the lush green Cheri Mountains is considered one of the holiest places in the country.
Herein, you can indulge in a serene hike to the monastery and witness the saints meditating at the monastery for months. While exploring the premises of this site, you will also get to acknowledge the historical significance of the country. You can visit a trip to this monastery during the annual Yarney festival which is arranged to take the Buddhist sacred vows.
Highlights:
- Arrange a hike through the crimson and violet rhododendron paths.
- Visit the ancient meditation cave to reveal the age-old history of various saints meditating within the walls.
- Walk around the scenic Drolay loop to get some amazing views of the Cheri Monastery.
8. Weekend Market
After taking a tour of the Changlimithang Stadium, you can visit the colourful streets of Thimphu Weekend Market. This market situated on the banks of Wang Chu Rivers become surrounded by local people selling various locally produced items.
The vendors here start coming on Thursday and sell the local products till Sunday. While exploring this market, you must not forget to visit the area selling incense sticks. The sweet and unique smell of the incense here will surely make you mesmerized. Cubes of camphor, saffron, and various other foods as well as souvenir items can be found here.
Highlights:
- Buy a bottle of wild honey brought from the Southern Part of Bhutan.
- Take a tour of Handicrafts Market situated across the cantilevered bridge.
- Shop Tibetan or Bhutanese food items such as red rice, dices of soft cheese, and dried fish.
9. Clock Tower Square
The Clock Tower Square is considered the heart of Bhutan which is surrounded by various shops, cafes, and restaurants. You can also spot an iconic clock with four faces while exploring this tourist site.
Herein, you can spend some quality time with your near ones while witnessing the beauty of the water fountain and prayer wheels. The unique spiritual and historical charm that this place holds will surely amaze you. Don’t forget to capture the captivating view of the entire Thimphu valley from this place.
Highlights:
- Enjoy a lively concert at the amphitheatre in the Clock Tower Square.
- Dig into the authentic taste of traditional Bhutanese cuisine in restaurants or cafes.
- Walk to the nearby archery range and test your archery skills.
10. Dochula Pass
Last but not least, another place that you must add to your Thimphu itinerary is the picturesque Dochula Pass. This is one of the most beautiful mountain passes in the country where you can witness 108 beautifully architected memorial chortens.
These chortens were built to commemorate the Bhutanese soldiers who fought for the country. If you’re lucky enough then you can witness a clear view of the snow-capped Himalayan ranges from here.
Highlights:
- Trek to the nearby forest areas in Dochula Pass.
- Visit the Druk Wangyal Monastery from the pass to witness unique paintings and thangkas.
- Arrange a tranquil picnic amidst nature.
To ensure a safe and comfortable vacation in Bhutan, consider booking one of our top Thimphu travel packages. Our all-inclusive tour packages offer premium accommodation, transportation, and guided tours for an immersive experience. Plan your trip with AV Holiday World for a memorable journey to Thimphu!
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