Thimphu

Thimphu Luxury Travel

Travelers are drawn to Bhutan for its pristine natural environment and profound spirituality—not its urban life. Yet, Thimphu surprises. 

Named after a local deity who dissolved into a rock, Thimphu is an intriguing Himalayan city with plenty of quirks and charms—like being the only capital in the world without a traffic light. Traffic, instead, is directed single-handedly by a white-gloved policeman. It’s also one of the world’s highest-elevation capitals. Sitting 7,656 feet above sea level, Thimphu sprawls across the Wang Valley, a narrow river gorge surrounded by the Himalayan peaks, with a towering golden Buddha statue that looms above. In Thimphu, you might glimpse the Fourth King cycling by or a prince enjoying live music at Mojo Park, an animated bar.  

Thimphu Travel Highlights 

Enjoy a walking tour of Thimphu alongside an expert guide. Slow into the city’s rhythm by sampling street food, admiring Bhutanese architecture, and nipping into shops and cafés. Sample Bhutanese pizza at Project ZZA and momo (dumplings) at Zombala Restaurant.  
Visit the Thimphu Farmers’ Market to shop for handicraft souvenirs and to sample handmade small bites.  
Visit the 177-foot, gold-gilded Buddha Dordenma, followed by a hike or bike ride along forested trails blessed with valley views.  
Admire elaborate carvings and statues at the National Memorial Chorten, a four-story landmark stupa.  
Get a crash course in arts and crafts at the National Institute for Zorig Chusum, where carving, stitching, and painting reflect and preserve Bhutan’s cultural heritage.  
Learn about weaving traditions at the Royal Textile Academy, and Deh-sho papermaking (used in monasteries and for prayer books) at Jungshina Paper Factory.  
Visit a natural preserve to observe takin, Bhutan’s shaggy, hoofed national animal.  

Related reading: The Best Things to Do in Bhutan

Things to Do in Thimphu

Beneath a mosaic of color-coded roofs, you’ll find an emerging restaurant and café scene, a close-knit community of 114,000 residents, billboards that feature the Royal family and public announcements rather than advertisements, indie bookstores, and an avant-garde art park.  

City tours might call on attractions such as the Royal Textile Academy, Jungshi Handmade Paper Factory, Folk Heritage Museum, Tashicho Dzong, seat of the government, Royal Takin Preserve (dedicated to Bhutan’s fantastical national animal), and Bhutan Postal Academy, where you can make personalized stamps. There’s also no better place to shop in Bhutan than Thimphu—whether it’s buying a kira or gho or stocking up on unique souvenirs at the weekend market before your departure.  

The city also beats with a creative heart. Young filmmakers, artists, and fashion designers thrive here, driving cultural change. Don’t miss visiting VAST Bhutan, a center fostering Bhutanese contemporary art.  

Where to Stay in Thimphu

For secluded escapes, luxury lodges such as Six Senses Thimphu and Amankora Thimphu Lodge are nestled amidst pine forests on the city’s outskirts. Alternatively, experience Bhutanese hospitality at its best at Zhiwa Ling Ascent, a contemporary retreat.  

The Best Time to Visit Thimphu

Weather-wise, Thimphu can be visited year-round, though spring and fall are ideal. The city also hosts many notable festivals and goings-on that are worth planning a trip around.  

Annual Buddhist festivals include the Thimphu Tshechu and Thimphu Dromchoe. An elaborate celebration of Bhutan’s National Day is held on December 17 at  Changlimithang Stadium—where you can witness the King making an address. There’s also Bhutan Echoes, an international literary festival held annually in August, and thrilling soccer games between local football clubs.   

Keep reading: The Best Time to Visit Bhutan: A Month-By-Month Guide

Explore Thimphu on a Map

Our Favorite Luxury Lodges in Thimphu