Thimphu – The Heart of Dragon Country

The capital city of the Last Himalayan Kingdom, Thimphu is the largest and the most bustling cities in Bhutan. One of the most picturesque tourist destinations in Western Bhutan, this city is a perfect mix of tradition, cultures, diverse history, and modern marvels. Shrouded as the capital city in 1961 by His Majesty Druk Gyalpo Jigme Dorji Wangchuck III, this promising city flaunts its beauty high at an average elevation of 2,248-2,648m. Well, this also makes this city on of the highest capitals in the world!

While the city is known to be a treasure trove for the history lovers and spiritual travellers, it also has an amazing fan base for the globetrotters with an inclination towards electrifying nightlife. This is one such place in Bhutan, that is dotted with modern restaurants, nightclubs, bustling shopping malls, social gathering spots, a range of tourist points, and other modern amenities, Thimphu is surely a not-to-be missed tourist destination in Bhutan.

Best Time to Visit Thimphu: Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November)

How to Reach Thimphu

By Air

If you planning to reach Thimphu by air, you should take a flight to Paro International Airport in Paro. However, since this airport has some rigid guidelines and limitations, you can take a flight to this only international Bhutanese airport from a selected range of Indian airports.

Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi, Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport in Kolkata, Bodhgaya Airport in Gaya (Bihar), Bagdogra Airport in Siliguri (West Bengal), and Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport in Guwahati (Assam) are some of the Indian airports that has both direct and connecting flights to Paro International Airport.

Upon arrival at the airport, you can take a roadway journey from Paro to reach Thimphu.

By Train

New Jalpaiguri, New Alipurduar, Siliguri, and Hasimara are some of the nearest railway stations to reach Thimphu by train. From these stations, you can take a drive to Jaigaon town in Alipurduar district, and enter Bhutan via Phuentsholing town. From Phuentsholing, you can further drive to reach Thimphu.

By Road

The town of Jaigaon shares its border with Phuentsholing town of Bhutan. Once you acquire your Bhutanese Visa, you can make your way to Thimphu via Phuentsholing by local Bhutanese buses or by hiring a private cab.

Places to Visit in Thimphu

Tashichho Dzong Fortress

Kuensel Phodrang (Buddha Point)

Changangkha Lhakhang

Clock Tower Square

Dechen Phodrang

Memorial Chorten

Dochula Pass

Simtokha Dzong

Centenary Farmers’ Market

Institute for Zorig Chusum

National Institute of Traditional Medicine

National Library of Bhutan

The Folk Heritage Museum

Takin Preserve

The National Textile Museum

Zangto Pelri Lhakhang

Things to Do in Thimphu

Sightseeing

Historical tours

Spiritual tours

Enjoy nightlife at Mojo Park

Try archery

Wildlife excursions

Attend concerts at Clock Tower Square

Local shopping