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Great Buddha Dordenma is a gigantic Shakyamuni Buddha statue in the mountains of Bhutan, near Thimphu, the capital

Thimphu Tours and Vacation Packages

Buddha Dordenma

Overview

Take a trip to Thimphu on your Bhutan Vacation

When travelling on Bhutan vacations, you will naturally head to Thimphu, the largest city in Bhutan. Ranging 2,248-2,648 metres above sea level, in the hills of Thimphu Valley and along the banks of the Thimphu Chuu River, the city was established in 1955, with the king then declaring it Bhutan’s capital in 1961. For centuries before, Thimphu Valley had previously supported small settlements in the region.

Home to the Bhutanese Royal Family, the Royal Government and Judiciary and to several foreign missions, Thimphu is considered Bhutan’s political and economic centre, with agriculture and livestock being its dominant industry. An excursion to Punakha, just over 70kms away from Thimphu and famous for its rice farming, illustrates the abundance of this fertile land.

Within Thimphu’s various districts are monasteries, Dzongs (fortresses), and other culturally- rich, historic sites scattered throughout, as well as modern libraries, museums, and galleries, all to be enjoyed on a Bhutan vacation.

The National Memorial Chorten, found in the heart of Thimpu, was built in 1974 to honour the third king. Adorned with golden spires and bells, this white structure is considered the most visible religious landmark of Bhutan.

Continuously undergoing massive development, tourism on a Bhutan vacation is heavily regulated as Thimphu tries to preserve its cultural heritage and the fragile ecology of Thimphu Valley.

With the long-term objective of making Thimphu a ‘dream city’ by 2027, Thimphu has so far done an excellent job of maintaining and blending its cultural heritage with modern expansion.

At a Glance

Languages

Dzongkha

Currency

Bhutanese Ngultrum (BTN)

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Buddhist stupa in Jomolhari base camp, Paro Bhutan
+1

Bhutan In Style: Thimphu, Gangtey, Paro & More

Paro, Paro Taktsang (Tiger's Nest), and Thimphu
Uncover the mystique of Bhutan on this private-guided journey, where sacred monasteries, Himalayan peaks, and timeless traditions shape a land like no other.
8 days
From US$8,054/p.p.
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Paro Taktsang "The Tiger's Nest" monastery
+1

Bhutan Escape: Thimphu, Punakha & Paro

Paro, Paro Taktsang (Tiger's Nest), and Thimphu
Uncover Himalayan serenity on this private-guided journey through Bhutan, where cliffside monasteries, misty valleys and vibrant traditions await.
6 days
From US$2,580/p.p.
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What do the experts say?

Amelia Chee

Amelia Chee

Destination Specialist
Learn More About This Expert
You should absolutely attend a tshechu festival when visiting Bhutan, especially the one in Paro or Thimphu. These religious dance festivals are colourful, energetic, spiritual, and deeply rooted in local community life.
Amelia Chee

Amelia Chee

Destination Specialist
Learn More About This Expert
I love how Bhutan feels alive with spirituality—every valley has temples, fluttering prayer flags, and quiet paths.

Most Popular Time to Travel

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Place
Conditions
Daily max temperatureMonthly rainfall
ThimphuMostly Sunny
28°C / 82°F
60mm / 2.3"
Weather data is based on monthly averages.
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