While there are a lot of things to do and places to visit in Thimphu, here’s a list of the 7 best ones that can make your holiday in Bhutan more magical and memorable!
1. Jungshi Handmade Paper Factory
Called Deh-sho, Bhutanese paper is made from the local trees of daphne and dhekap trees. The Jungshi factory is reputably the best place that manufactures this type of paper, made using an age-old method instead of the modern way. Visitors to the paper factory are given a demonstration of the papermaking process, and they are also invited to try their hand at some of the unique instruments. One of the most popular places to visit in Thimphu.
Timings: 8.30 AM to 5 PM Mon-Sat
Entry Fees: No charge
2. National Library
The National Library of Bhutan, known as NLB, was established back in 1967 and is one of the largest collection of literature on Tibetan Buddhism anywhere in the world. It has as many as 6100 books and manuscripts in Tibetan and Bhutanese and holds over 9000 printing blocks used to create religious texts. The pretty two-storey building is a must-visit on the trip to Thimphu.
Location: PO Box 185, Pedzoe Lam, Thimphu, Bhutan
Timings: 9.30 AM to 5 PM (Mon-Fri)
Entry Fees: INR 100 per person (Price may change)
3. Motithang Preserve
On any list of top places to visit in Thimphu, getting to see a Takin, the national animal of Bhutan, is mandatory. Said to be created by the mad saint of Bhutan using the head of a goat and the body of a cow, the animal occupies a place in the Bhutanese culture. The perfect place if you are a nature and wildlife fan, you can click the takin here at close quarters. Also housed here are the sambar and the barking deer.
Location: Motithang, Bhutan
Timings: Sundays closed
Entry Fees: INR 100 (Price may change)
4. Bumthang Owl Trek
The Bumthang Owl Trek is considered to be amongst the wildest and most intriguing activities in Thimphu. On this trek, you are bound to run into hundreds of these majestic birds. Listening to them hooting at night is a very different experience. You will get a chance to meet the nomadic Khep and Brokpa tribesmen, cross the Drangela Pass (11,000 ft.), get amazing views of Mt. Gangkarpunsum (24,000 ft.), and see the beautiful Zampalam Chuedek, and Tharpaling Gompas.
Timing: March-May and September- Mid November
5. Jomolhari Mountain
There is no dearth of trails for trekking in Bhutan. Walk-in any direction and you will stumble upon great wonders of nature. One of the great wonders in Jomolhari Mountain. One of the most popular treks in Bhutan, the trail passes from Jigme Singye National Park and Lingshi. Feast on the magnificent views of Jomolhari Mountain from the base camp that will simply leave you ecstatic. It is one of the top things to do in Thimphu for adventure lovers.
Starting point: Paro
Best time: April-May, September-October
6. Dochula
Dochula maybe a 40-minute drive from Thimphu but it is definitely worth the visit. On the site, you will find 108 chortens that were built in the memory of martyrs who fought against the 2003 insurgent. The site along with the magnificent views of the mountains will give you goosebumps. It is a very popular site where locals and tourists come to enjoy a picnic.
Location: between Thimphu and Punakha
Entry Fee: 6 AM – 5 PM
7. Folk Heritage Museum
Established in 2001, Folk Heritage Museum has become popular among tourists who want to know deeply about Bhutanese culture and lifestyle. It is the best place to get insights into the local culture and heritage of Bhutan. You can also sample the delicious local cuisine of Bhutan. It ain’t your typical museum. This place is filled with wonders and surprises.
Location: Thimphu, Bhutan
Timings: 9 AM – 5 PM
Entry Fee: INR 150 (Price may change)
