Thimphu Tashichho Dzong, Capital City of Bhutan, Thimphu

Semtokha Dzong

Built in 1627, the oldest fortress built in 17th century in Bhutan. It also serves as an Institute for Language & Culture.Its about 4 miles drive from Thimphu.

Tango and Cheri Gompa

This monastery was built in 1620 by Shabdrung Nagwang Namgyel, who was the first ruler of unified Bhutan. Indeed, the first order of monks from the Tibetan School of the Drukpa Kagyu version of Buddhism was established in Bhutan at this Monastery. Today, the monastery is an important seat of religious teaching that attracts monks from around the country who come for refresher courses and spiritual retreats.

Memorial Chorten for late Majesty Third King of Bhutan

Memorial Chorten

Built in 1974 in memory of the Third King, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, who is popularly considered as the Father of Modern Bhutan. It is one of the most visible religious stupas in Thimphu and for many Thimphu residents it is the place where they come to circumambulate the stupa and pay their daily worship

The Institute for Zorig Chusum

(13 traditional arts & crafts): Centre where children learn traditional drawing and painting, wood carving, sculpture and other forms of traditional arts. On a visit, one can view the students at work.

National Library

It houses a vast collection of ancient Buddhist manuscripts and texts including the imprinted and archaic text of Bhutanese history. The library also has research documents and printing blocks for prayer flags.

The Institute of Traditional Medicine

Here one can receive indigenous treatment. It produces it own herbal medicine.The rich herbal medicine found abundant in Bhutan are prepared and dispensed from here. The institute also researches the use of medicinal herbs and plants and operates a trial experiment on the premises.

Flock Heritage Museum in Thimphu

The Folk Heritage Museum

Founded by Her Majesty the Queen Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck. This museum gives you a sense of what a traditional Bhutanese home looked like in the medieval days. Many houses in the villages more or less still look like this one.

Weekend Market

This is one interesting place for a tourist to visit. Here villagers come to sell their agriculture products from all over the village.

Excursion and Hikes around Thimphu

Tango Temple: Initially built by Gyalwa Lhanampa in 12th century and later built into its present form by “Divine Madman” Lama Drukpa Kuenley in 15th century. In the 18th century, the eighth Desi Tenzin Rabgye built a three storey tower and several other surrounding buildings. Presently, it serves as a monastic school for Buddhist studies. It is about 12 km drive from Thimphu and takes about an hour’s hike to reach the temple from the road end.