Thimphu City

Tashichho Dzong is a gorgeous Buddhist monastery and fortress on the bank of the Wang Chu river in the northern edge of Thimphu city in Bhutan. In Bhutanese language the Dzong refers to a“Fortress” and every district in the country is blessed with this unique architecture. Tashichho Dzong is decorated with an illustrious history, glorifying architecture, and peaceful atmosphere. Tashichho Dzong is one of the prime places to visit in the capital city of Bhutan. The  Tashichho Dzong is one of the most beautiful dzongs to have graced Bhutan.  Also famous by the moniker “Thimphu Dzong”, this elaborate structure takes you back in time. Located beside the Wangchu River, it looks like an attractive painting out of a textbook. The impressive structure is in its full glory all throughout the spring season, when all the blossoms decorate the entire place. This serene palace also houses a monastery and temple. Currently, it also acts as the chief administrative building, housing the Bhutanese government. Offices of other departments are set across the building. The Dzong also serves as the summer residence of His Holiness who also is the Chief Abbot of the Religious Body. With so much to uncover within its perimeter we are sure that a visit to this place will be a rewarding experience, that you will treasure forever.

Built in the memory of the third Druk Gyalpo (Head of Kingdom) of Bhutan, the National Memorial Chorten is devoted to World Peace. The Chorten started gaining popularity amongst the localities when various major Buddhist religious festivals started taking place at the Chorten and it is one of the best places to see in Thimphu Bhutan. The word “Chorten” literally translates to “Seat of Faith”, and the structure itself has become an important part of the Bhutanese culture. You can spot various Buddhists circumambulating around the Chorten all throughout the day. The Memorial also attracts a lot of tourists from around the world due to its architectural and deep connection with Bhutan’s rich culture.Situated well within the capital city Thimphu. the Stupa was initially built in the year 1974 and thereafter, witnessed a massive renovation in the year 2008. The Chorten is also famous as the “most visible religious structure of Bhutan.” Unlike other traditional Stupas, this monument does not enshrine any of the human remains. It holds only one photo of Druk Gyalpo in traditional Bhutanese dress in the massive hall on the ground floor.

Changangkha Lhakhang is a 800-year old temple, constructed in the 12th-century in Bhutan which is visited by a large number of locals daily. The Changangkha Lhakhang temple is entrenched profoundly into the native culture and levies and is a crucial part of the local community. There are magnificent prayer bells in the outer region of the temple scripted with black and gold manuscripts. Along with two beautifully embedded gigantic prayer wheels adds to the appearance of the temple and it is one of the best places to visit in Thimpu. The wonderful temple firms the statuette of thousand-armed Avalokitesvara and great holy scriptures. The local people visit the temple to seek out the sanctifications of deity Tamdrin for their kids and request the monks to title a name to their newborn baby. You can bido Ngultrum, snacks, biscuits, incense, and whiskey as an offering.  This beautiful temple is just 2.5 km from the Thimphu clock tower. The temple offers a glorious view of the town straggle all over the place; the temple trail is also called the “back kora”.  The locals practice back kora when they visit the pilgrim. The town people loop around the temple on the traveler path during the sunset time. If you are in the mood to get adventurous while exploring, Bhutan will not disappoint you at all.

Also known as Phelchey Toenkhyim by the locals in Bhutan, the National Folk Museum was established to preserve and showcase Bhutan’s folk culture. Took its shape in the year 2001 as an initiative by the Queen Mother of Bhutan, the purpose it was to connect visitors with Bhutanese rural culture and traditions through antique exhibits, educational programs, demonstrations as well as documentation. The Museum itself is situated in a 150-year-old establishment that perfectly enshrines the cultural essence of Bhutan and it is one of the best places to visit in Thimpu.If you really wish to dive into Bhutan’s true culture and history, the National Folk Heritage Museum is the best place to start from as it beautifully preserves and flaunts the centuries-old folk traditions of the country.This unique Heritage museum preserves traditional Bhutanese dishes, farming tools, household objects, and as well as important traditional trees. The surroundings of the establishment in which the museum has been constructed have beautifully preserved some of the most authentic folk elements of the historic Bhutan. From traditionally important flora and fauna to the authentic Bhutanese hot baths and water mills, this museum has been preserving Bhutan’s culture in the best way possible. If you visit this place, you will also get a chance to explore through unique and authentic historical Bhutanese furniture too, including chairs, benches, flooring, and other goods. No other tourist place can provide you with a better insight into the lives of the folk people of Bhutan.

Dechen Phodrang Monastery, located in the north part of Thimphu. The meaning of Dechen Phodrang is “Palace of Great Bliss”. For the people who are interested in history and paintings, the monastery has paintings that date back to the 12th century and it is one of the amazing places to see in Thimpu.The monastery also houses a statue of Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, who was popularly called the ‘Bearded Lama". Since 1971, the Dechen Phodrang Monastery is a monastic school where around 300 monks seek education. Located in the north end of Thimphu, Dechen Phodrang is situated on the site of a 12th century dzong. 

For the animal lovers who want to see the diverse wildlife of Bhutan, Motithang Takin Preserve is one of the places to visit in Thimphu. The Motithang Takin Preserve was built as a small zoo but later it was converted to an animal preserve center. The national animal of Bhutan, Takin lives in the Motithang Takin Preserve. With many places to see in Thimphu, Motithang Takin Preserve distinguishes from other places. With animals like the red pans and the rare Himalayan serow living in it, the reserve is one of a kind among all the places to see in Thimphu.Location: Motithang, ThimphuHighlights: A perfect way to capture endangered species as photographers are allowed to click pictures of the wilds from close proximity. This preserve is most suitable for wildlife enthusiasts.Timings: Early mornings are perfect to spot and capture Takins as that is the hour they come out;Price: 30 BTN for SAARC nationals & 50 BTN other foreign tourists

Located in the heart of Thimphu, the Clock Tower Square is amongst the popular tourist places to visit in Thimphu. The Clock Tower consists of four clocks facing in four different directions. The tower resembles the Bhutanese architecture pattern of wood engraving. The tower has some beautifully carved patterns, flowers, paintings and much more. The eye-catching thing in the tower are the dragons facing each clock. The dragons are sacred to the culture of Bhutan and they represent the freedom of the kingdom.The Clock Tower Square comprises of several water fountains and ‘mani lhalhor’ or prayer wheels. They enhance the beauty of Clock Tower Square. Various trade fairs, musical events and other activities take place near the square. Location: Norzim Lam, ThimphuPrice: Free

Simply Bhutan is a living museum that is a successful initiative to conserve the culture and traditions of Bhutan. The majestic infrastructure of this museum is an epitome of ancient Bhutanese architecture, which lost its essence in the modernization era. Apart from its aim of preservation of the rich culture of Bhutan, this project was also aimed at creating employment for many people.The museum is abode to distinct astonishing things that would leave one awestruck. It houses the old equipment that were once used by the ancient Bhutanese for distinct works. Traditional cooking wares and old styled kitchen offers one excellent knowledge about the lifestyle of people in Bhutan from decades.This museum itself is created with the reuse of old timber, door and window frames that were once a part of ancient and traditional demolished houses.Every visitor at this place is greeted with a shot of rice spirit called local arra. Once the exploration of the museum is done, the visitors are guided through the mocked-up village scenes to get them acquainted with the story of its several parts. One can get their pictures clicked in the traditional attire of Bhutan while strolling here. Visitors also try out a hand at archery and sing some classic songs with the Bhutanese women as they carry out their daily chores.