Things to Do in Thimphu; the Capital of Bhutan

The Shakyamuni statue is 51.5 m tall, making it one of the largest Buddha statues in the world. The Buddha was erected to celebrate the 60th anniversary of Bhutan’s fourth king.

Also, there are 125,000 smaller Buddha statues inside the statue. There is a serene giant meditation hall below the statue and the details in the interiors are worth noticing. The panoramic views from here are spectacular.

It is known as the 'Fortress of the glorious religion' and used as a government administration office since 1952. Dzongs are traditionally built without using nails or any written plan.

You can visit after 5 pm on a weekday and all day on weekends. Take a stroll around those peaceful courtyards and the serene gardens. It overlooks the Wang Chhu River. Every year in October, there is a masked dance festival named Thimphu Tshechu.

It is the oldest site of worship in Bhutan that was established in the 12th century. A stunning figure of Chenrizig (a mythological character) can be seen inside. Located over a small hill, it is one of the best spots to watch the sunset.

Stamps of Bhutan are very famous for their rare designs and world events they depict. Start your own collection with different shaped or even 3D stamps got here. You can learn about the history in a museum inside. The best part of the post office is that you can get your own photo made into a real stamp! Isn’t this the best kind of souvenir?

The factory portrays ancient method of making paper from daphne and dhekap trees. You can see a demonstration of the making process or even try to make one. You can buy this unique paper called Deh-sho as a beautiful souvenir.

Bhutan has almost 13 traditional arts and crafts like embroidery, carpentry, textile making, wood carving, bamboo weaving, etc. At the Emporium, you can witness all kinds of these and even shop till you drop! You can even visit the Bhutan Textile Museum to see the diversity in their textile art.

Located in between Punakha and Thimphu, it is enlisted as one of the highest passes in Bhutan and is famous for the stunning 360 degree view of the Himalayan range. You can also see 108 chortens which were built in the memory of the soldiers who lost their lives in a war in 2003. The pass is popular among travelers and locals both.

You can see Bhutan’s national animal here, Takin. It is quite rare in the wild and is only found in the Eastern Himalayan region. Walk around the preserve and watch them happily graze around in their natural habitat.

Firstly, you have to try “Ema datshi” which is a dish completely made of chili and cheese, served with red rice. Trust us when we say, you just can't have enough even if it’s spicy! Try the salty Suja or butter tea, which we may say is not everyone’s cup of tea!

Soak in this traditional bath which uses basic elements like water, earth, and fire. Stones are heated to maximum temperatures and then dropped in the water with some medicinal herbs. This bath is a form of ultimate relaxation. This bath is really good for muscle and joint pain.

One of the most iconic monuments of Bhutan, the white and golden colored monument was built in 1974 to honor the third king of Bhutan. It's also dedicated to world peace.

Shop for some Bhutanese delicacies like homemade cheese or commodities like red rice, herbs, and spices. Enjoy the nightlife in Thimphu at Mojo Park. You can meet locals here and might even spot a member of the Royal family here.

Watch an intense tournament of Bhutan’s national sport, Archery, at the Changlimithang Archery Ground. Even today, bamboos are used instead of the carbon bows.

Don’t forget to notice the policemen at all major intersections. Bhutan is the only country which doesn’t have a single traffic light in its capital city. The policemen are perfectly dressed in their uniform with white gloves. Also, they have a decorated booth for themselves.