Western Bhutan · Thimphu
Bhutan’s capital, where old ways meet new
About Thimphu
Thimphu is one of the world’s smallest capitals, and perhaps the only one without a single traffic light. Government offices sit inside a great dzong, monks share the pavements with office workers, and the hills around the valley are dotted with monasteries and prayer flags.
It is the best place to see how Bhutan balances tradition and modern life. Young artists still learn the thirteen traditional crafts, farmers bring their harvest to the weekend market by the river, and most people wear the gho and kira every day.
Thimphu is also our home base. Our office is in Babesa, at the southern end of the valley, so we are never far away while you travel.
Featured highlights
Kuensel Phodrang
High on a ridge above the city, a giant bronze Buddha looks out over the valley. Inside, the statue holds thousands of smaller Buddha figures, and the terrace around it is one of the best viewpoints in Thimphu. Come in the late afternoon, when the light turns gold and families stroll around the base.
The heart of the city
Built in memory of the Third King, this white chorten with its golden spire is where Thimphu comes to pray. From early morning until late evening, older residents walk around it, spinning prayer wheels and counting their beads. Join them for a few circuits; it is one of the simplest and most moving things you can do in the capital.
Seat of government
On the banks of the Wang Chhu, Tashichho Dzong houses the throne room, government offices and the summer home of the central monk body. In the evening, when the flag is lowered, the courtyards are calm and beautiful. Each autumn it hosts the Thimphu Tshechu, three days of masked dances watched by thousands of people in their finest clothes.
Living traditions
Bhutan’s thirteen traditional arts, from painting and wood carving to weaving and embroidery, are still taught to young people in Thimphu. Visit a school or workshop to watch them at work, see fine textiles at the Royal Textile Academy, and browse handmade crafts in the town’s small shops.
A taste of Bhutan
At the weekend market by the river, farmers from across the country sell chillies, red rice, cheese and wild mushrooms. It is the perfect introduction to Bhutanese food: try ema datshi, chillies cooked in cheese, with momos and butter tea, or learn to cook a meal with a local family.
Tell us what you’d love to see, and we’ll shape the journey around you.
Travel with purpose
Your visit supports the people and places that make Thimphu special.
Included in every price, it helps pay for Bhutan’s free healthcare and education, and for protecting its forests.
We stay in family homestays and farmhouses, and buy from the weavers and farmers you meet along the way.
Every trip is planned by our family in Thimphu, so what you spend stays in Bhutan and with the people you meet.
Trips that visit Thimphu
Book a trip as it is, or use it as a starting point and change the days, places and hotels to suit you.
Autumn · Thimphu · Punakha · Gangtey · Bumthang
Price on request
Festivals
Dates follow the lunar calendar and are tentative until officially confirmed. See all festivals
