Thimphu

Thimphu (ཐིམ་ཕུག།) is the capital of the Kingdom of Bhutan, and with a population of around 100,000 is the nation's largest city.

Thimphu Halal Travel Guide

Although the Thimphu Valley has supported small settlements for many centuries and a dzong has existed there since 1216 and the city didn't really develop until the king declared Thimphu the new capital in 1961. Vehicles first appeared on the streets a year later, and slowly the city began to adapt to its role as the nation's capital. Currently the town is undergoing massive development. New tree-lined streets are being laid and the clock tower area in the center of the city has been transformed into a park-cum-open air theater where live cultural performances take place. In 2008 and the national stadium was completed together with a new river-side park. The area around the dzong and government buildings is a particularly green and an attractive neighborhood.

Norzin Lam is the city's main thoroughfare and is lined with small hotels and shopping complexes.

How is the Climate in Thimphu

The winter season in Thimphu is very cold but dry, while the summers are wet and humid. The best times to visit are from mid September to the end of October and from March to May.

Travel as a Muslim to Thimphu

Buy a Flight ticket to and from Thimphu

Nearly all visitors arrive via plane from Paro Airport GPS: 27.408889,89.420556 (IATA Code: PBH) in Paro. It is the nation's sole international airport and a 45-minutes to 1-hour drive from the capital. There are four domestic airports and two domestic carriers.

Some travelers prefer to fly to Bagdogra Airport in Siliguri and travel overland to Bhutan. The journey from Siliguri to Thimphu takes around nine to ten hours. There is no direct bus, and passengers will need to change buses in Phuentsholing. Indian taxis will travel as far as the border town of Jaigaon and will not enter Bhutan.

Travel on a Bus in Thimphu

All inter-neighborhood buses arrive and depart from the city's bus station, located across the river from the downtown. It is a five to six hour drive (mostly through Chukha (neighborhood) from the border town of Phuentsholing.

Various private operators like Dhug, Meto and Sernya run Toyota Coaster bus services from Phuentsholing to Thimphu. These buses can seat 22 and are very comfortable. Advance reservation can be made at Phuentsholing bus station.

Once in Thimphu you can find various buses plying to other parts of the nation.

How to get around in Thimphu

The downtown is small enough to negotiate on foot.

By bus

The city operates an efficient, albeit infrequent, public bus service connecting the downtown with outer suburbs. The station for local buses is located just east of the stadium on Changlam.

By taxi

There is a set rate for taxis plying city routes — within the core area the rate is around Nu 80, while it costs around Nu 100 to nearby suburbs. There are taxi ranks on Norzin Lam (near the cinema hall and Punjab Bank). Taxis also cruise and can be hailed at any point.

What to see in Thimphu

Although lacking the charm and culture associated with ancient capitals, Thimphu has several attractions of note.

Religious structures

Monasteries are referred to by their Dzongkha title of lhakhang or gompa.

Changangkha Lhakhang - 27.473514, 89.628334 . Constructed in the 15th century, this is one of the oldest temples in the Thimphu Valley, and is dedicated to Avalokiteshvara and the Buddhist emanation of compassion. The temple affords wonderful views over the entire valley. Do see the prayer ritual inside the monastery and talk with the students here.
Statue of Sakyamuni Buddha - 27.443786, 89.645627 - Sitting on top of Kuensel Phodrang hill is a 51.5 m bronze statue of the founder of Buddhism. The site also offers unobstructed views over the Thimphu Valley - especially stunning at sunset.

The National Memorial Chorten - 27.466368, 89.637618 Off Jangchhub Lam - Nu 300 for regional tourists (those who are granted visa free entry to the nation) - A good place to visit in the evening when the local residents are doing their evening prayers. The stupa was built in 1974 in memory of the third king.
Zangthoperi Lhakhang - Dungkhor Lam 27.4737, 89.6408 lower Thimphu — follow the path down from below the GPO - Zangdopelri Monastery - The present structure was built in 1960s and although lacking the charm of many of the older temples, Zangdopelri still possesses some impressive murals and art treasures and is worthy of a visit. The site of the temple was a former battle ground, and the temple was constructed there in order to pacify energies.

Memorial Chorten (DSC01378) - |The National Memorial ChortenNational Library-Thimphu-Bhutan-2008 01 23 - Bhutan National Library

Museums

National Folk Heritage Museum - 27.482569, 89.631980 Behind the National Library Opening Hours: Monday to Friday 10:30 to 16:30, Saturday 10:30 to 13:00 and Sunday 11:30 to 15:30 Nu 150A traditional house that showcases rural life. Exhibits and cultural shows are held in the museum compound.

The Royal Textile Museum - Textile Museum | 27.478913, 89.635687 Norzin Lam Opening Hours: Monday to Sat: 9AM Monday - 4PM. Sun: Closed Nu 150A display of exquisite Bhutanese textiles from the 1600s to the present day.

Dzongs

Simtokha Dzong - 27.438093, 89.669706 5 kilometers south of Thimphu - Built in 1629 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, Simtokha was the first dzong to be built in a unified Bhutan. Currently, it houses the nation's main Dzongkha language learning institute.

Tashichho Dzong - Tashi Chhoe Dzong 27.489939, 89.634884 - Built in the 18th century by Shabdrung Rinpoche to house government officials. Later it was enlarged to accommodate both the monastic and civil bodies. Three times suffering severe damage from fire and once from an earthquake in 1897, much of the historic building dates from the rebuilding in 1902. To accommodate the national government and the central monastic body and the dzong was totally refurbished and enlarged in 1962, a year after Thimphu was designated the nation's capital. The main structure of the whitewashed building is two-storeyed with three-storeyed towers at each of the four corners topped by triple-tiered golden roofs. There is also a large central tower or utse. The towers and roof are beautifully lit at night.

Parks and preserves

Botanical Gardens - 27.424969, 89.650032 Serbithang - On lush hillside about 10 kilometers from the city and the gardens offer a peaceful and relaxing environment to spend a few hours. Botanists will find the wide selection of indigenous trees and plants of interest.

Centenary Park - Coronation Park 27.470964, 89.642575 - On the banks of the river (near the city stadium), this 5.6 acres of parkland offer a pleasant and relaxing environment to stroll or to sit and watch the river flow by.

Takin Preserve - 27.481628, 89.611392 Motithang - The Takin is the national animal of Bhutan, and looks like a cross between a cow and a goat. Legend has it that the animal was created by the great Buddhist yogi, Drupa Kunley, and it can be found only in Bhutan and nearby areas. Taxonomists place the animal in a category of its own as it is not similar enough to any other animal to fit established categories.

Traditional crafts

Zorig Chusum School of Traditional Arts - 27.482821, 89.631594 Near National Library - Zorig Chusum was established in 1971 to preserve the thirteen traditional arts of Bhutan, and visitors are able to observe students honing their skills. There is also a small gift from your country shop selling work created at the school. The thirteen arts are paintings, carpentry, wood carving, sculpture, casting, metal work, bamboo carving, Gold & silver work, weaving, embroidery, masonry, leather work and paper making.

What to do in Thimphu

Jigme Dorji Wangchuk Public Library - 27.477210, 89.635891 Top end Norzin Lam — left side. This small library has a good selection of English books, but appreciates donations of popular titles, especially those on Buddhism and Bhutan.
The National Institute of Traditional Medicine - 27.480273, 89.629367 ☎ +975 2 324-647 | Opening Hours: Monday to Friday 09:00-15:00, Saturday 09:00-13:00 Serzhong Lam. A place to have any chronic ailments diagnosed and treated using herbal compounds. Ensure to retain the prescription.

The National Library - 27.483215, 89.632605 ☎ +975 2 322-885 | Opening Hours: Monday to Friday 09:30 - 13:00 & 14:00 - 17:00 - Pedzoe Lam. - houses a rare collection of Buddhist texts on the second floor, and there is a small selection of English books on Buddhism (mostly donated from Taiwan) and on Bhutan on the first floor.

Festivals

Mountain Echoes Literary Festival - 22-25 August 2023
Thimphu Drupchen - religious ceremony . 18 September 2023
Thimphu Tshechu - religious festival . 19-21 September 2023

Muslim Friendly Shopping in Thimphu

Bhutan's small population means demand for new and innovative goods is small. Thimphu has three kinds of stores: clothing, handicraft and hardware. Between these and there is a small assortment of stationery-come-bookshops and supermarkets. Almost all shops stock the same goods, so if you cannot find the required items in the first couple of stores it is generally useless to persist.

Haggling at tourist-oriented shops is expected, but the margin for discount is small (unless you make a bulk purchase). However, shop owners are generally honest and there is little possibility to be cheated or offered an inflated price.

Be aware that most handicrafts sold in Thimphu are made in Nepal or other Himalayan areas. Exceptions are cloth items, some thankas and goods made of lemon grass oil.

Books

DSB Books Enterprises - PO Box 435 Jojo Building near Druk Hotel ☎ +975 2 326-275, +975 2 326-276 - A wide selection of books in English — novels and children's books are a specialty.
Junction - PO Box 435 27.471757, 89.639023Just below the Norzin Lam Traffic Circle ☎ +975 2 326-275, +975 2 326-276 - A wide selection of books in English — novels and children's books are a specialty.

Handicrafts

The weekend market in Chubachhu (across the river from the main area) has over 100 stalls selling hand woven cloth and other handicrafts.

Dhe Khang - Norzin Lam Opposite and a little above the RICB Building. One of Thimphu's original handicraft shops. Located in a traditional house. Unique products at compatible prices.
Gagyel Lhundrup Weaving Centre - 27.461105, 89.643753 Changzamtog. A weaving centre employing around 20 professional weavers. Showroom on top floor.
Handicrafts Emporium - 27.474744, 89.637372 top end of Norzin Lam — right side. A government-run craft shop with a wide range of goods at set prices. Selection of books on Buddhism and local subjects on the second floor.
Lungta - 27.473678, 89.639338 Opposite the post office. One of the largest handicraft shops in the downtown. Good selection of hand made goods from all over the Himalayan region.
Norzin Lam Handicraft Market - In front of Hotel Taj Tashi. A line of handicraft stalls. All items are from Bhutan.
Tarayana Foundation - 27.478836, 89.639086 Top end of Norzin Lam — next to the town library. Tarayana trains and supports the vulnerable and disadvantaged to make traditional handicrafts. Displays are uninteresting and the selection of goods is limited but the quality of the handicrafts is excellent and they offer a more rustic and genuine feel that those on sale at the commercial handicraft shops.

Yarkay Central

This shopping centre across from Hotel Norling on Norzin Lam has four good quality craft shops:

Kelzang Handicrafts - ☎ +975 2 322-469 - Most commercial and sells a range of goods, including t-shirts.
Druk Handicraft - ☎ +975 2 322-258
Kurtue Handicrafts - ☎ +975 2 325-883 - Specializes in woven goods.
Karchung - ☎ +975 17607724 - Sells a small, but good quality range of art work and wood carvings.

Postal stamps

Thimphu Central Post Office - 27.473881, 89.638788 - The cost is nominal - The post office has a large selection of stamps for sale. The special feature of the post office is that you can get a postage stamp made with your own photo printed on it, and these stamps can be used for postage purposes.

Halal Restaurants in Thimphu

Coffee

There are a handful of cafes that serve quality coffee, which are listed below. Only Ambient (which roasts their own beans), Central, Coffee Culture and Karma's have professional espresso machines; other places either sell only filter coffee or use an automatic coffee machine. Outside of these cafes, coffee in Bhutan is mostly the instant variety, particularly Nescafe.

Ambient Cafe - 1F R. Penjor Lodge, Norzin Lam - GPS: 27.471388, 89.6387between the Traffic Circle and Clock Tower, west side of main street, opposite Punjab National Bank ☎ +975 2 325-578 | Opening Hours: F-W 9AM–9PM Nu80–100 (coffee), Nu60–70 (cakes) - An elegant and relaxing cafe in a central location. Ambient has a professional Turkish coffee roaster and so the coffee is always fresh. In addition to the usual espresso based coffees (cappuccino, latte, etc) and they also offer cold brew and sell freshly roasted beans (ground or whole). The cafe has a wide selection of delicious cakes, a large range of teas, fresh juice, homemade ice-cream and innovative Snacks and meals. Ambient also provides an excellent selection of music and offers panoramic views over the city streets and mountains beyond. Free Wi-Fi.
Cafe Luna - Kawajangsa Above the Folk Heritage Museum ☎ +975 17669798 A very small, cozy cafe. Good selection of books. Excellent coffee and teas. Simple and wholesome meals.
Central Cafe - Central Building, Norzin Lam - GPS: 27.472545, 89.637906 on the main street, a few blocks up from the main traffic circle, opposite the movie theatre) Opening Hours: Closed Monday - A small and cozy cafe, famous for their fancy cakes and baked items.
Coffee Culture - Chang Lam Plaza - GPS: 27.472524, 89.640171 near the Lower Market Opening Hours: Closed Monday - A pleasant cafe, with an excellent selection of cakes and desserts. Has some outdoor seating.
Karma's Coffee - 1F, Tashi Rabten Building, Phendey Lam 27.474048, 89.636191 above Zangthopelri Complex, near north end of Phendey Lam, about 10 minutes walk north from Traffic Circle ☎ +975 17181920, +975 2 332000 | Opening Hours: 10AM–9PM Nu 80–120 (coffee) A chic cafe, with good coffee and great views of the mountains. Karma's is one of the most professional coffee shops in Thimphu, offering a wide range of espresso drinks and coffee blends. Snacks and light meals available, also shows music videos on flat screen TV. Free wi-fi.
The Art Cafe - 27.471071, 89.638040 A block west from the Traffic Circle, just below the Swiss Bakery ☎ +975 2 327-933 | Opening Hours: Closed Mondays - A bright, airy and elegant cafe with a courtyard, serving delicious cakes, pies, and excellent filter Coffee. Also serves simple and wholesome meals.

Muslim Friendly hotels in Thimphu

Most of Thimphu's hotels are located on Norzin Lam (the primary street through the city), especially above the Clock Tower. Note that anything below Nu1,000 will offer nothing more than a worn bed, a basic toilet, and about enough space to place a bag, and the main door will probably be closed by 10PM at the latest. Negotiate the rate, especially off season.

Hotel Ghasel - Norzin Lam 27.470551, 89.639013 opposite the clock tower ☎ +975 2 323-341 (mobile: 17117100) - Checkin: Opening Hours: - Rooms with attached bathroom and hot water facility, cable TV. There are also restaurant, and fast food facilities — for those pining that backstreet Indian vibe and the hotel's Vegetarian restaurant is the place to come. Under the sound of Hindi songs blasting from a TV, Ghasel produces delicious dosa and thali and a range of other Indian and Bhutanese specialties.
Hotel Norling - PO Box 327 Norzin Lam ☎ +975 2 322-997, +975 2 323-997 + - A clean and pleasant facility located on the city's main street (Norzin Lam). All rooms with attached bathroom and TV. Very friendly and helpful service.
Hotel Tandin - 27.472194, 89.638516 Norzin Lam, just past the first traffic circle — restaurant on the first floor - Cheap Indian and Bhutanese dishes.
City Hotel Jattu Commercial Complex, Changlam GPS 27.474456,89.639910 ☎ + 2 338812. A chic hotel in the heart of the city.
Hotel Jumolhari - 27.469362, 89.640196 ☎ + 975 2 322-747, +975 2 325506 - Standard single - Nu 2,000, standard double - Nu 2,500.
Hotel Druk - 27.469996, 89.640076 ☎ +975 2 322-966, +975 2 322977 A large downtown hotel located adjacent to the Clock Tower. Health club with massage, private secluded sauna, steam facilities. Standard single - Nu 2,000, standard double - Nu 2,500.
Hotel Motithang - 27.474979, 89.619711 ☎ +975 2 322-435 - A pleasant hotel located on the mountain side above Thimphu. Wonderful views over the valley. A great place for people looking for peace and quiet or some inspiration.
Zhiwa Ling Ascent Kawang Dajo, Upper Mothitang, GPS 27.479335,89.616168 ☎ + 2 336486. A chic and minimalist hotel located among a forest.
Amankora Thimphu - 27.478697, 89.611885 ☎ +975 2 331-333 +From US$1,500 per day - Near Kuenga Chhoeling Palace, Upper Motithang. Part of the Aman super-luxury hotel chain. A 16-room lodge offering five-star facilities.
Le Meridien - Chorten Lam 27.470250, 89.637987 ☎ +975 2 337788 - Large and centrally located. Contemporary decor
Taj Tashi - 27.476058, 89.637425 ☎ +975 2 236-699 - Samten Lam. Opened in 2008, a large and centrally located hotel offering full amenities. Nightly rates start from US$275 (off season), US$350 (peak season).

Telecommunications in Thimphu

The area code for Thimphu is 02. When calling from overseas. dial: +975 2 XXXXXX

Internet Cafe's in Thimphu

Internet cafes in Thimphu are linked to broadband. Connections are reasonably swift — though at around Nu 60 per hour, quite expensive. Hotels may or may not have wi-fi or may even have an internet cafe: for example, Hotel Norling has on its second floor.

TeeBee's Cyber Cafe - 1F. Norzoed Plaza GPS 27.469873,89.639267 Above the Clock Tower

Cope

Getting work done in Thimphu is relatively straight forward. All offices are computerized and the staff are generally helpful. However, it is often said that Bhutan has one of the world's highest rates of meetings and workshops per working hours. This cannot be substantiated, but certainly meetings are very much part of the civil service culture here. In fact, it is often joked that the last place you should begin a search for a civil servant is at his or her desk! As a result, you should be prepared to make several visits to an office in order to get a task complete as there is a very high possibility that the person dealing with your case will be out of the office.

ATM. Bhutan operates an international ATM service, though it is often out of order and it is advisable to bring sufficient cash to at least cover basics .
Banks. The three main banks in Thimphu are 'Bank of Bhutan', 'Bhutan National Bank' and 'Punjab National Bank'. The former is in the My Mart Supermarket building. Bhutan National Bank is located in the same building as the post office, and The Punjab National Bank is on Norzin Lam, near the Clock Tower. All three banks provide money change service.
Post Office. The central PO is in the lower part of town on Chang Lam. It is a large and well organized facility that includes a philatelic department. Mailing letters/packages in Bhutan is usually very safe though, like elsewhere, anything of value should be registered. The post office also offers a custom made stamp service.
Visa extensions and route permits are available from the Immigration Office at the top end of Norzin Lam (just past the Textile Museum. Search on Google Maps for: 27.478384, 89.635529). Route permits should be applied for at least one full working day before the intended date of travel. A photocopy of passport (pages containing personal information and Bhutanese visa) is required.
Western Union, Thimphu Post Office. This facility can receive transfer of funds from overseas, but cannot make payments from clients' personal accounts.

Embassies and consulates

{{flag|Bangladesh]] Bangladesh. ☎ +975 2 222-362

{{flag|India]] India. India House, Jungshina. ☎ +975 2 322-280

{{flag|Kuwait]] Kuwait. H. No. 5, Thorilam, Chubachu. ☎ + 975 2 338 965

{{flag|Thailand]] Thailand. ☎ +975 2 323-978

Travel Next from Thimphu

Buses depart the inter-neighborhood bus station (across the river) throughout the day, though most, especially those heading to the Eastern Bhutan|east and Jakar/Bumthang leave between 6:30 to 7:30AM. As the inter-neighborhood buses are often full, it is advisable to purchase a ticket a few days in advance. Most neighborhoods are served by small Japanese Coaster Buses, which are comfortable and sturdy.

Shared taxis are a quick and comfortable means to travel to nearby places, such as Paro (Nu 150) and Punakha (Nu 200). Shared taxis depart from the inter-neighborhood bus station, and drivers approach potential clients. They depart once full.

Monastic complexes are referred to by their Bhutanese title of 'gompa', not 'monastery'.

Cheri Gompa — As is the first Drukpa Kagyu Monastery established in Bhutan and located at the site where Shabdrong Rinpoche gained enlightenment, Cheri is one of the most important monasteries in Bhutan. The structure itself is cut into the steep mountainside and has a very atmospheric stone stairway connecting its various levels. Located about an hour's drive north of Thimphu and the trek begins from a prayer flag covered bridge and takes about one hour. Tango and Cheri are about a one hour hike apart, and so are usually visited on the same trip.
Dochula Pass — The highest point on the journey between Thimphu and Punakha, it has a very good view of a lot of Himalayan peaks, including the Gangkhar Phuensum, which is claimed to be the highest unclimbed mountain in the world. Also has a cafe which serves good coffee and decent parathas.
Jakar — A town at the heart of a sacred and beautiful valley. The journey from Thimphu takes between 9 to 11 hours. A minimum of three days are needed to do justice to a visit.
Phajoding Gompa — Founded in the 13th century by Togen Pajo, a yogi from Tibet, this monastic complex is a three hour hike from Thimphu (start from Motithang or BBS Tower). At a height of 3,640 m, it commands excellent views over Thimphu. There is space for camping. Otherwise and the small Thujidrag Gompa (a 40-minutes walk from Phajoding) offers simple accommodation (often full at weekends) and cooking facilities - offer donation directly to monk in charge. Even if you do not plan to stay at Thujidrag, this cliff hanging monastery is still definitely worth a visit. Locally, it is famous for its sacred spring water. There are several sacred lakes in the area, though these are a full day's circular hike from Thujidrag.
Paro — The location of the international airport and center of a sacred valley. Paro is a 45-minutes to one-hour drive from the capital - an easy day trip.
Punakha — The former capital; a 90-minutes journey.
Tango Gompa — About an hour's drive from Thimphu down town followed by a one hour hike, this is one of Bhutan's historical monasteries in the Kagyu tradition. It was established by the grandson of the Divine Madman, Drukpa Kinley, and houses some of his relics. The monastery offers spectacular views over the Thimphu Valley.