Thimphu Travel Guide 2023

Thimphu Travel Guide

Author: TourGenie
Date: 2023-02-21

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Bhutan’s capital city lies in the country’s western-central interior, along the Wang Chhu. It’s known to be the country’s most modern city with shopping complexes and cafes but it has succeeded in retaining the old charm of a Bhutanese city witnessed in the architecture, festivals, and attire.

Thimphu is a perfect city to discover traditional Bhutanese art, architecture, and culture as well as indulge in some retail therapy.

Bhutan Travel Guidelines

HOW TO GET THERE

By air: Paro International Airport

By rail: Hasimara station in North Bengal is the closest railway station. It is 17 km from the border town of Phuentsholing (180 km from Thimphu).

By road: You can enter from 3 border points in India: Bongaigaon - Gelephu Point and the Darangamela - Samdrup in Assam and the Jaigaon - Phuentsholing point in West Bengal.

Paro International Airport

ACCOMMODATION

The accommodations in Thimphu offer both design and comfort. Even budgeted hotels are very clean and tastefully made.

Mid-range hotels: Lemon Tree Hotel | Gakyil | Osel | Khang Residency | Hotel Khamsum

Budgeted: Hotel AV | Bhutan Centennial | Hotel Ghasel

Book a stay through TourGenie

Taj Hotel

TOURS AND ATTRACTIONS

Thimphu has some beautiful Buddhist sites comprising monasteries, fortresses, and sky-kissed Buddha statues. Then there are some interesting tourist sites that take you deep into Bhutan’s history, arts, and culture.

Tourist attractions: Buddha Dordenma, National Institute for Zorig Chusum, Tashichho Dzong, Semtokha Dzong, National Memorial Chorten, Simply Bhutan, Royal Takin Preserve, Jungshi Handmade Paper Factory, and Royal Textile Academy. READ IN DETAIL

Local markets: Craft market, Centenary Farmer’s Weekend Market

Outdoor activities: Rock climbing, hiking, cycling, and trekking

Buddha Dordenma

GETTING AROUND

There are local bus services. Or you will have to hire a cab.

BEST TIME TO VISIT

The best time to visit Thimphu is between March-May and September-November.

FOOD AND DRINKS

Cheese and chillies dominate Bhutanese cuisine. Bhutanese food also employs a lot of red rice, buckwheat, and maize.

Local traditional food: All types of datshi, pita (buckwheat noodles), yaksha shakam (dry yak meat dish), jasha maru (spicy chicken stew, and more.

Drinks: Suja (butter tea), ara drink (made of fermented wheat, rice, millet, barley, or buckwheat), and chaang.

Where to eat: Folk Heritage Museum Restaurant, ZaSa, Bhutan Kitchen, Bhutan Orchid Restaurant, and Soi 8 Dining @ dusitD2 Yarkay