Welcome to Thimphu, the vibrant heart of Bhutan and a city that seamlessly blends ancient traditions with modern progress. Nestled amidst the picturesque Himalayan landscape, Thimphu is not just a destination; it's an enchanting journey into a world where Gross National Happiness takes precedence over GDP, and where spiritual harmony is as essential as urban development.
As the capital city of Bhutan with a total area of around 26.1 km square area, Thimphu beckons with its unique charm, offering travellers a captivating blend of cultural immersion, natural beauty, and warm hospitality. Here, towering mountains cradle the city, while prayer flags flutter in the breeze, carrying blessings to the heavens. Monasteries stand as serene sentinels and colourful festivals celebrate the heart and soul of Bhutanese life.
Thimphu is not just a place to visit; it's an opportunity to connect with a way of life that celebrates the simple joys, values community, and honours the past. Whether you're exploring the intricately painted facades of dzongs (fortresses), savouring the flavours of Bhutanese cuisine, or joining in the rhythmic dances of local festivals, every moment in Thimphu is an invitation to delve into a culture that is both timeless and alive.
In this introduction to tourism in Thimphu, we invite you to embark on an extraordinary journey of discovery. Uncover the hidden treasures of this city where happiness is woven into the fabric of daily existence, and where every corner holds a story waiting to be shared. Whether you're drawn to ancient temples or modern art, breathtaking landscapes or bustling markets, Thimphu promises an experience that will linger in your heart long after you've left its charming streets.
Join us in exploring Thimphu, where tradition and modernity coexist in harmony, where smiles are as abundant as the mountains, and where every moment is a step towards discovering the true essence of Bhutan. This is not just a visit; this is an immersion into a world of wonder, inspiration, and boundless happiness. Welcome to Thimphu, a city that captivates both the senses and the soul.
Formerly Thimphu was spelt as Thimbu or Thimpu. Thimpu is the political and economic centre of Bhutan, Thimphu is strong in agriculture & livestock which contributes to Bhutan approx 45-50% of its GNP. Tshechu is the most important festival in Bhutan & in Thimpu during Sep, this festival is famous for Cham dances, where people wear masks & perform in the courtyards of the Tashichho Dzong in Thimpu. Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck the King of Bhutan stays in Thimpu. Permit to enter Punakha is issued from the Thimpu immigration office. Hats, Caps, etc are not allowed in any administrative offices or any religious premises.
Thimphu is a must-visit destination for any tour you organise in Bhutan. Even if it is a 3-night stay in Bhutan, 2 nights will be spent in Thimphu. Thimphu is also important as the entry pass to visit the rest of Bhutan is issued from here. Thimphu has the largest and the best choice of hotels and other tourist attractions in Bhutan. Most of the B2B ground handling tour operators of Bhutan who take care of Indian tourists are based in Thimphu.
Although Thimphu is the capital of the country, unusually it does not have its own airport it relies on the Paro Airport (1hrs 20 mins) one way from Thimpu. Paro is also the nearest city to Thimpu while Punakha is the second nearest city with 2hrs 30 mins distance from Thimphu.
Buddha Point or Dordenma (it has a gigantic Buddha statue), Clock Tower (present in the heart of the city), Tashichho Dzong (Buddhist monastery and fortress), Memorial Chorten, Folk Heritage Museum, Motithang Takin Preserve (Takin is the national animal of Bhutan), etc.
The average temperature in Thimpu varies between 11-12.5 degrees (Maximum) during winter & 22-23.5 degrees (Maximum) during summer.
The journey started more than a decade ago when a financial consultant, a social activist and a biology researcher came together to start a business in tourism that none of them knew about. But travel is something they loved and enjoyed, and so they decided to change the paradigms in their own way. And they remarked “travel is more than a profession, it’s a passion”. Read More [+]
