On the hill lies the capital of Bhutan, Thimphu, which is about 7,375 to 8,688 feet above sea level. Known as a beautiful city, the hilly curved roads around this city and the cold, frosty, charming environment create a strange feeling in the minds of tourists. And looking at the colorful houses, it seems like a picture carefully painted by an artist. So thousands of tourists flock to this city every year to see the picture-like city of Thimphu.
Places to visit in Thimphu
There are numerous police checkpoints on both sides of the road, keeping in mind the safety of Thimphu Hill Road. So the checkpoint will be seen first at the entrance to Thimphu city. There is also a huge, beautiful lake on the road which calms the mind. There are many things to see within the city of Thimphu, most notably:
Buddha Dordenma Statue
A 51.5-meter-tall statue on the hill is made of bronze and covered with gold plating. The Buddha Dardenma statue can be seen from anywhere in the city.
National Memorial Court
A large Buddhist prayer center located in the heart of Thimphu, the entry fee is Tk 300 (Tk 150 if a student ID card is shown). The monument was built in 1974 to pay homage to Jigme Darji, the 3rd King of Bhutan. There are many paintings and statues here, as well as thousands of pigeons.
City View Point
Thimphu City can be seen properly from here. Also, the beautiful, lush green “King’s Palace” or Dichincholing Palace of Bhutan’s king and queen can be seen from here.
Simtokha Dzong
Here is the Rigne School of Monastic Studies, frescoes, and state carvings.
Thimphu Jung
Established in 1961, the National Assembly, the throne room of the King of Bhutan, and various government departments can be seen in this Thimphu Jung.
National Takin Reserve Zoo
A small zoo that houses Bhutan’s national animal, the Takin. The entry fee will be 300 rupees.
Tasich Dijong or Thimphu Dijong
It is called the District Office. There is a Buddhist temple in between.
Parliament House
The Parliament House is next to Tasich Dzong or Thimphu Dzong. A beautiful building exactly like the pictures. Beautiful architecture is built in red color in the midst of green, which easily catches everyone’s attention.
There are also some places to visit like Thimphu Clock Tower, Farmers Market, Royal Palace, National Library, and BBS Tower.
Good time to visit Thimphu
The best time to visit Thimphu, i.e., Bhutan, is from September to November. Considering the weather and natural beauty of Bhutan, these three months are the best time to visit.
Travel expenses to Thimphu
In total for 4 days and 3 nights, if you make a group of 4-5 people, it will cost about 150 dollars per person. And shopping will cost a little more. It depends on one’s shopping. So it is better if 4/5 people or 7/8 people match with a travel group instead of going to Bhutan alone or as a couple. In that case, if you share the cost of travel, accommodation, and food, the total cost per person will be much less.
Where will you stay
To stay in Thimphu, Bhutan, it is better to go there instead of booking a hotel in advance. Here you will find all kinds of hotels. You will get hotel room rent from a minimum of 1800 rupees to a maximum of 16 thousand rupees. Some of the notable hotels include- Hotel River View, Pemaling Villa, Hotel Vara, Hotel Dralha, Hotel Riverside, Hotel DrukYul, Khamsum Inn. Double room rent in these hotels is up to 30-40 dollars.
What to eat
The normal dishes here are also quite interesting. Any hotel here will serve thick pulses, vegetables, fish, and meat. Also, enjoy eating ‘Ema Datsi,’ ‘Kewa Datsi,’ ‘Jashamaro,’ ‘Fakshapa,’ and Momo among different types of food. But yes, these dishes must be eaten with red rice. Some other interesting dishes are – suja (tea made with butter and salt), Thimphu Hotel 89’s puri and vegetables, Hotel Choephel Norkri’s dal, vegetables, or any dish.
Shopping
You can shop at local markets in Bhutan. Also at the Farmers’ Holiday Market, you will find various things about Bhutan. But you can see this market only on Saturdays and Sundays. You can buy Bhutanese hand-woven clothes, wooden items, and stone items from various handicraft shops here.
Some tips
- August to October is the best time to visit Bhutan.
- All shops in Bhutan close between 8.30-9 pm. So you have to finish shopping and sightseeing before that and return to the hotel.
- If you have to stay longer in India on an Indian transit visa, then you can visit Darjeeling.
- Excluding taxis, traveling by public bus in Bhutan will cost a little less.
- It is better to travel in Bhutan except on public holidays.
- You can hire a taxi for the whole day and explore the city. In this case, a Bhutanese or Nepalese driver is quite good and sociable. But in renting a car, you must bargain.
- Bhutan is a very clean country so avoid littering anywhere.
- Bhutan is a 100% smoke-free country. So if someone has a smoking habit, it should never be done in public. It is better to smoke in the smoking zone of the hotel.
- It is a good idea to keep a first aid box with you in case of any trip.
