Brief Description

This is the capital of Bhutan with a population of approximately 100,000 people. It lies at an elevation of 2,320m. Thimphu became the capital in 1961 and the town is the largest in Bhutan. It is about 1.5 hour from the airport in Paro. As you enter the valley you drive on Bhutan’s first four-lane expressway which takes you right into the heart of town, over two dramatic flyover bridges.

Places to visit in Thimphu include the Textile Museum, the Folk Heritage Museum, the Trashichho Dzong, the National Memorial Chorten (a stupa dedicated to the third king of Bhutan), and the Centenary Farmer’s Market – a colorful market full of local produce and handicrafts. Buddhists can visit numerous monasteries around the valley as well as a vibrant nunnery.

The district of Thimphu, however, stretches beyond the town and goes past Dochu-la, the first mountain pass in the western part of Bhutan. The 108 Druk Wangyal chortens and the Druk Wangyal Lhakhang on the top of the pass where the ridges are draped in colourful prayer flags provide a scenic view. On a clear day, you can see a panorama of the Himalayan mountain range.