The winter season in Thimphu is very cold but dry, while the summers are wet and humid. The best times to visit are from mid September to the end of October and from March to May.
Nearly all visitors arrive via plane from [wiki=091d78ac32de7e7353ca014a247b8845]Paro[/wiki], currently the country's sole International airport, a 45 minute to 1 hour drive from the capital. An International airport is nearly completed in the south central district of Gelephu and there are three domestic airport and two domestic carriers.
All inter-district buses arrive and depart from the city's bus station, located across the river from the city center. It is a six to seven hour drive (mostly through [wiki=2dada62242e6c57ab65c49d67c781eb2]Chukha (district)[/wiki] from the border town of [wiki=4ce9b95482d32eb285aa56e739cb345d]Phuentsholing[/wiki]. Travelers should be aware that road-widening work will take place on the highway between Phuentsholing and Thimphu until 2011. During this time, there may be significant hold ups and other inconveniences. Work on the Paro to Thimphu section was complete in 2008.
Various private operators like Dhug, Meto and Sernya run Toyota Coaster services from Phuentsholing to Thimphu. These buses can seat 22 and are very comfortable. Advance reservation can be made at Phuentsholing Bus Station. C
Once in Thimphu one can find various buses plying to other parts of the country.
Monasteries are referred to by their Dzongkha title of lhakhang or gompa.
*Changangkha Lhakhang. Constructed in the 15th century, this is one of the oldest temples in the Thimphu Valley, and is dedicated to Avalokiteshvara, the Buddhist emanation of compassion. The temple affords wonderful views over the entire valley.
*The National Memorial Chorten, located off Jangchhub Lam. A good place to visit in the evening when the locals are doing their evening prayers. The stupa was built in 1974 in memory of the third king.
*Zangthoperi Lhakhang, lower Thimphu (follow the path down from below the GPO). The present structure was built in 1960s and although lacking the charm of many of the older temples, Zangdopelri still possesses some impressive murals and art treasures and is worthy of a visit. The site of the temple was a former battle ground, and the temple was constructed there in order to pacify energies.
*Statue of Sakyamuni Buddha, sitting on top of Kuensel Phodrang hill is a 51.5mt bronze statue of the founder of Buddhism. The site also offers unobstructed views over the Thimphu Valley - especially stunning at sunset.
The National Folk Heritage Museum, located behind the National Library. A traditional house that showcases rural life. Exhibits and cultural shows are held in the museum compound. Open: Mon-Fri 10:30AM to 4:30PM, Sa 10:30Am to 1PM and Su 11:30AM to 3:30PM. Entrance: 150nu.
*The Royal Textile Academy, Norzin Lam, has a display of exquisite Bhutanese textiles from the 1600s to the present day. Visitors can also visit the weaving center.
* Alaya Gallery, Chubachu, a contemporary art gallery operated by VAST, group of Bhutanese artists, has regular changing exhibits. It also offers free weekly art classes to Bhutanese children as well as other community focused art activities. ph: 327248
*Water Dragon Gallery,Hong Kong Market, is a contemporary art gallery displaying a range of paintings inspired by Bhutanese life. Located above in the same building as the popular Karma's Coffee, Open Mon-Sat 10am to 5pm ph: 17 85 16 65
Trashi Chhoe Dzong. The present dzong was built in the 18th century by Shabdrung Rinpoche to house government officials. Later it was enlarged to accommodate both the monastic and civil bodies. Three times suffering severe damage from fire and once from an earthquake in 1897, much of the historic building dates from the rebuilding in 1902. To accommodate the national government and the central monastic body, the dzong was totally refurbished and enlarged in 1962, a year after Thimphu was designated the nation's capital.
*Simtokha Dzong. Built in 1629 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, Simtokha was the first dzong to be built in a unified Bhutan. Currently, it houses the country's main Dzongkha language learning institute. Simtokha is about 5km south of Thimphu.
Takin Preserve, Motithang. The Takin is the national animal of Bhutan, and looks like a cross between a cow and a goat. Legend has it that the animal was created by the great Buddhist yogi, Drupa Kunley, and it can be found only in Bhutan and nearby areas. Taxonomists place the animal in a category of its own as it is not similar enough to any other animal to fit established categories.
*Botanical Gardens, Serbithang. Located on lush hillside about 10km from the city, the gardens offer a peaceful and relaxing environment to spend a few hours. Botanists will find the wide selection of indigenous trees and plants of interest.
*Coronation Park. Located on the banks of the river (near the city stadium), this 5.6 acres of parkland offer a pleasant and relaxing environment to stroll or to sit and watch the river flow by.
Zorig Chusum School of Traditional Arts, near National Library. Zorig Chusum was established in 1971 to preserve the thirteen traditional arts of Bhutan, and visitors are able to observe students honing their skills. There is also a small gift shop selling work created at the school. The thirteen arts are paintings, carpentry,wood carving, sculpture, casting, metal work, bamboo carving, gold & silver work, weaving, embroidery, masonry, leather work and paper making.
Thimphu Centenary Farmers Weekend Market. Thimphu weekend market is by far the largest domestic market for the farmers of Bhutan. Farmers from as far as Lingshi in the north, Tashiyangtse in the east, and Sarpang, Dagana and Tsirang in the south bring their farm products to the market. It has also turned out to be one of the most favoured spots for tourists and a recreational place for people from all walks of life. Across a cantilever footbridge, Kuendeyling Bazaam, to the west bank is a collection of stalls housing clothing, fabric and handicrafts.
Mountain Echoes literary festival’ (9-11 August 2013) [http://www.mountainechoes.org]
*Thimphu Drupchen (religious ceremony) 1-5 Oct 2011
*Thimphu Tshechu' (religious festival) 6-8 Oct 2011
Yarkay Central. This shopping center located across from Hotel Norling on Norzin Lam has four good quality craft stores: Kelzang Handicrafts (Tel: 322-469) is the most commercial and sells a range of goods, including t-shirts; Druk Handicraft (Tel: 322-258) and Kurtue Handicrafts (Tel: 325-883) specialize in woven goods and Karchung (Tel: mobile 17607724) sells a small, but good quality range of art work and wood carvings.
*Blue Poppy Bhutanese (PO Box 1296. Tel:+975 2 326-752) is a handicraft store specializing in woven fabrics and paintings located in the Kawajangsa area of the city, near the indigenous medicine hospital. There are also other handicraft stores in that area - so if you are looking for souvenirs, it is a good place to visit.
*The weekend market in Chubachhu (across the river from the main town) has over 100 stalls selling hand woven cloth and other handicrafts.
*Gagyel Lhundrup Weaving Centre, Changzamtog. A weaving center employing around 20 professional weavers. Showroom on top floor.
*Handicrafts Emporium, top end of Norzin Lam (right side). A government run craft shop with a wide range of goods. Set prices. Specialized selection of books on Buddhism and local subjects on second floor.
*Lungta, opposite the post office. One of the largest handicraft stores in the down town area. Good selection of hand made goods from all over the Himalayan region.
*Traditional Carpets. Yangkhil Home Decor, KMT Building, Norzin Lam (diagonally across from Taj Hotel). Tel:+975 2 336-247. Probably the best selection of hand woven carpets in town.
*Taranyana Foundation. Top end of Norzin Lam (next to the town library). Tarayana trains and supports the vulnerable and disadvantaged to make traditional handicrafts. This shop is their Thimphu sales out-let. Like a lot of charity stores, the displays are drab and and unappealing and the selection of goods is limited. However, the quality of the handicrafts is excellent and they offer a more rustic and genuine feel that those on sale at the commercial handicraft stores.
*Tara Handicrafts [http://www.bhutanmaitriya.bt]. Located downtown, Tara offers a wide range of Bhutanese handicraft. DHL home delivery service offered.
Junction, just below the Norzin Lam Traffic Circle. One of the few bookstores in Thimphu that has a real bookstore atmosphere. Junction has an excellent selection of quality novels and books on Buddhism.
*Kuenjung Enterprises, Khamsa Complex (just below the Traffic Circle). The largest book store in town, offering a good selection of books on Buddhism and Bhutan.
*Book World is located behind Druk Punjab National Bank. A good selection of English books, especially on Bhutan and Buddhism. Tel:+975 2 328-539. E-mail:bookworld@druknet.bt
*DSB Books Enterprises in Jojo Building near Druk Hotel has a wide selection of books in English - novels and children's books are a specialty. PO Box 435, Thimphu. Tel:+975 2 326-275, 326-276. E-mail:dsb@druknet.bt
*Pekhang Books, next to cinema hall. A small bookstore with a wide selection of magazines.
Hotel Ghasel, Norzin Lam (opposite the clock tower). Tel:+975 2 323-341. Mobile: 17248826. For those pining that backstreet Indian vibe, this vegetarian restaurant is the place to come. Under the sound of Hindi songs blasting from a TV, Ghasel produces delicious dosa and thali and a range of other Indian and Bhutanese specialties. Clean, fast service and cheap.
*MK Restaurant, Centrepoint Shopping Centre (next to the main cinema hall). Popular with Japanese and serves Japanese, Bhutanese, and Indian dishes. After you order your food you'll have quite a long wait, but, for the price, this is the best restaurant in town. Go for the Japanese food, but everything is tasty.
*Hotel Tandin, Norzin Lam, just past the first traffic circle(restaurant on the first floor). Delicious Indian and Bhutanese dishes at very reasonable prices.
*Cypress Restaurant, Norzin Lam (second floor - opposite Taj Hotel). A simple restaurant serving Bhutanese and Indian dishes - huge helpings at reasonable prices.
*Shelse Restaurant, Norzin Lam (diagonally opp the the Handicraft Emporium). Tel:+975 77207771 A small place serving authentic Bhutanese cuisine. Try their homemade brew "Chankey" - a naturally fermented malt drink made from buckwheat and rice.
*Clean/spacious and Good food (Bhutanese,Indian/Continental/Chinese), prompt service, Caring staff. Lounge sitting arrangement for the after dinner drink!
Western
*Salsa Fiesta, Bhutan's first family-run Mexican restaurant, is located right off of Chorten Lam in the Chogzin Lam car park. It is tucked away on the ground floor in the back of the building to the right of the 8-Eleven. Look for the sign board outside. In addition to the restaurant, they offer catering and delivery services [Tel. 1769 8592]. For more information, check their website: [http://www.salsafiestarestaurant.com/]
*Druk Pizza, behind Bhutan Observer Building (also known as KMT Building) at the top end of Norzin Lam. Tel:+975 2 334-543 or 17636589. Good quality pizzas on Italian style base with Bhutanese toppings plus a small selection of milk shakes and hot beverages. Free coke and a free pizza after your 10th is a bonus. Closed on Mondays.
*Jichu Drakey Bakery, Doebum Lam (a two minute walk from the swimming pool in the direction of the Memorial Chorten). An excellent selection of cakes and pastries. Take-out only.
*Swiss Bakery, Chorten Lam (above the main traffic roundabout). Sells tasty sandwiches, pies, omlets, jelly doughnuts, and excellent potato chips, among other baked goods and lunch treats. If you want a swiss cake roll, the ones here are the best in town.
*The Seasons Restaurant Pizzeria, Namsay Shopping Complex, Phenday Lam. Tel: +975 2 327-413. One of the few places in town that serves authentic pizza and Italian salads. Pizzeria also offers a good selection of filter coffees and has an outdoor patio. Closed Tuesdays.
*Tsok Dak Bakery, GF. Peling Building (directly behind Hotel Pedling). Tel:+975 2 337-961. A bakery serving a range of cakes and breads. Filter coffee available. Seating includes small terrace.
*Big Bakery a little bakery in Kawajangsa in front of the Ministry of Health. This is technically a Japanese bakery run by physically or intellectually challenged Bhutanese. Prices are high (Nu.45 for a sandwich, Nu.100 for a loaf of bread) but the quality is the best in town as of March '10.
*Cafe Klein, directly behind Druk Punjab National Bank (PNB). A small, but charasmatic restaurant serving pizza, bagels and other dough based goodies.
Chinese
*Chopstick, 2nd floor, Centre Mall, Norzin Lam. Tel:+975 2 333-601. A small restaurant specializing in Chinese dishes.
Thai
*Baan Thai Restaurant, Top floor, Karma Place (complex with Bowling Alley) Tel:+975 17112456. Authentic Thai food in the heart of Thimphu. Fast and pleasant service, the cook is from Chiang Mai. Closed Tuesdays.
*Delicia, Just up the hill from JAICA (half-way between the memorial chorten and Shopper's Store). Little cafe with a beach theme that serves pastries, a few thai dishes, soft serve ice cream, and the best french fries in Thimphu. Open until 7pm, closed Wednesdays.
Bhutanese/Indian
*Jikss Trokhang, 5F., S.D. Plaza, Norzin Lam. Tel:+975 2 333-099. A cool place to chill out. Main dining hall offers a relaxing and cozy environment, while the bar-cum-cafe (across the hall) offers live music (mostly Bhutanese and Indian rock). Serves Indian and Bhutanese dishes.
*Clean and comfortable, it offers a relaxing environment in the middle of the city, food is tasty offering Bhutanese and continental,western dishes
Traditional Bhutanese
*Bhutan Kitchen, Located above the Benez restaurant. A restaurant that tries to give you a real authentic and traditional Bhutanese food experience, with traditional music and uncompromisingly Bhutanese food. A little expensive but worth it.
*Rabten Restaurant, Above the Chubachu roundabout towards Motithang, Tel: +975 2 323-587. The best traditional Bhutanese food you can buy in Thimphu. Cooks only on advance reservation, ideally at least 1 day in advance. Not expensive and utterly worth it.
Indian
*Cargyal Restaurant, Changlam Square. Tel+975 17742488. Excellent food and fast service. Also, pleasant atmosphere, with the 1st floor arrangement of low seating and cushions giving the place a touch of the maharajah era.
Hotel Ghasel, Norzin Lam (Opposite Clock Tower). Tel:+975 2 323-341. Centrally located. Clean and pleasant rooms with attached bathroom and hot water facility, cable TV. Restaurant, bar and fast food facilities.
*R. Penjor Lodge, Norzin Lam (between Traffic Circle and Clock Tower - opp PNB Bank). Tel:+975 2 325-578. Centrally located. Clean and pleasant rooms with attached bathroom, cable TV and wifi. Restaurant and coffee shop facilities.
*Hotel Norling, PO Box 327 Norzin Lam. Tel:+975 2 322-997, 323997. E-mail:norlinghotel@druknet.bt A clean and pleasant facility located on the city's main street (Norzin Lam). All rooms with attached bathroom and TV. Very friendly and helpful service. Single - 490 Nu Twin - 650Nu.
*City Hotel,building #14, (Opp Clock tower), Norzin Lam. Simple rooms,r easonable rates.Single Nu.300-450 and Double nu.500-700.Complimentary bed tea. Indian, Nepali, Bhutanese dishes. Tel:975 77251429, 17795388 or 02 335-894.
Wangchuk Hotel, PO Box 507 Changlam 17, Thimphu. Tel:+975 2 323-532, 325484. E-mail: htlwchuk@druknet.bt A pleasant hotel located near the city center and over looking the river and hills beyond. Sauna, massage and steam bath facilities. Standard single - 1,150Nu, standard double - 1,450Nu.
*Hotel Jumolhari, PO Box 308, Thimphu. Tel:+ 975 2 322-747, 325506. E-mail:hoteljumolhari.com [http://hoteljumolhari.com]. A modern facility in the city center. Massage and recreational facilities. Standard single - 2,000Nu, standard double - 2,500Nu.
*Hotel Druk, Tel:+975 2 322-966, 322977. E-mail:drukhotel@druknet.bt A large city center hotel located adjacent to the Clock Tower. Health club with massage, sauna, steam facilities. The hotel has undergone major renovation and was opened up after almost 24 months around end of 2011. Standard single - 4,000Nu, standard double - 4,500Nu.
*Hotel Motithang. Tel:+975 2 322-435. A pleasant hotel located on the mountain side above Thimphu. Wonderful views over the valley. A great place for people looking for peace and quiet or some inspiration.
*Hotel Kisa. Tel:+975 2 336-494. One of the newer designer boutique hotels in Thimpu. Kisa means “where peace prevails”. It is quite centrally located with lots of shops around it where you can buy snacks from mini-convenience stores and Bhutanese souvenir shop. It is just a short 6-minute walk to Thimpu’s landmark - the Clock Tower.
Hotel Singye at Norzin Lam near the Traffic Circle
Taj Tashi, PO BOX 524, Samten Lam. Tel:+975 2 236-699. Opened in 2008, a large and centrally located hotel offering full amenities. Nightly rates start from US$275 (off season), US$350 (peak season).
*Amankora Thimphu, Near Kuenga Chhoeling Palace, Upper Motithang. Tel:975 2 331-333. Part of the Aman super luxury hotel chain. A sixteen room lodge offering five star plus facilities. US$1,000+
Internet cafes in Thimphu are linked to broadband. Connections are swift, though at around 60nu per hour quite expensive.
*Buddha Internet, Norzin Lam (diagonally across from Chopstick Restaurant). Has a large range of computers - excellent service - very fast connections.
*Hotel Norling, opposite the hotel reception room on the second floor - efficient and fast.
*JP Internet Cafe, Jojos Building - very professional.
*Go Go Internet Cafe, Lhaki Building (located in the building that houses the Bhutan Times offices), Hong Kong Market - remains open until around 11PM (the latest in town).
Bangladesh. Tel:+975 2 222-362
*India, India House, Jungshina. Tel:+975 2 322-280
*Thailand. Tel:+975 2 323-978