Thimphu District

Best things to do in Thimphu District

Thimphu Must-Sees

Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan, preserves its cultural heritage through architectural landmarks like the 17th-century Simtokha Dzong and the massive Buddha Dordenma statue. The city serves as a gateway to the Dochula Pass, home to 108 memorial chortens, and the historic Punakha Dzong at the river confluence. Visitors can observe the national animal at the Motithang Takin Preserve or explore spiritual sites like the Memorial Chorten and the fertility temple of Chimi Lhakhang. Contemporary Bhutanese creativity is also on display at local art galleries.

Thimphu Must-Sees — Map

Vertalm / CC BY-SA 4.0

A

Buddha Dordenma statue

Great Buddha Dordenma is a gigantic Shakyamuni Buddha statue in the mountains of Bhutan celebrating the 60th anniversary of fourth king…

Chirag85 / CC BY-SA 4.0

B

Motithang Takin Preserve

Royal Takin Preserve, located in the Motithang district of Thimphu, Bhutan is a wildlife reserve area for Bhutan takin, the national animal…

C

Simtokha Dzong

Built in 1629 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, this is the oldest fortress in Bhutan. It houses the Institute for Language and Culture Studies and features numerous intricate slate carvings and historic murals.

Bernard Gagnon / CC BY-SA 4.0

D

Punakha Dzong

Situated at the confluence of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers, this 17th-century fortress is the second oldest and largest in Bhutan. It served as the seat of government until 1955 and remains the winter residence of the monastic body.

E

Druk Wangyal Chortens (108 Chortens)

A collection of 108 memorial stupas located at the Dochula Pass, 3,100 meters above sea level. Commissioned by the Queen Mother, these structures commemorate Bhutanese soldiers and offer panoramic views of the Himalayan peaks.

F

Chimi Lhakhang

A 15th-century Buddhist monastery dedicated to Lama Drukpa Kunley, known as the "Divine Madman." It is a renowned pilgrimage site for couples seeking fertility blessings and features traditional phallus symbols on surrounding village buildings.

G

Chorten

Also known as the Memorial Chorten, this landmark was built in 1974 to honor the third King of Bhutan. The Tibetan-style stupa features golden spires and serves as a central point for daily prayer and circumambulation by locals.

H

Tango Goemba

A 13th-century Buddhist monastery and educational center located north of Thimphu. The current structure, built in 1688, houses a large gold and copper statue of Buddha and serves as a premier institute for Buddhist philosophy.

I

The Art Shop Gallery

A contemporary art gallery showcasing Bhutanese paintings, sculptures, and traditional crafts. It provides a platform for local artists to exhibit modern interpretations of Himalayan culture and artistic techniques.