At the altitude of 2,320 m Thimphu is the capital and only city of Bhutan. According to it’s altitude this is also the third highest capital in the world. This beautiful city is the heart of Bhutan and one will definitely fall in love with the city at the first sight. Buildings having traditional paintings, clean city, river and most of all quietness- you may have visited so many cities but this is a city that has really an exceptional look. This city is surrounded by various monasteries, monuments which allows a visitor to have a good idea about the culture of the whole country.
Activities
Sightseeing tour: One can go for local sightseeing tour to the various places of interest in nearby areas. The full day tour program can be customized to meet your needs. Some of the places of interest are Tashichho Dzong, Simtokha Dzong, Tango Monastery, Cheri Monastery, Buddha Dordenma (also known as Buddha point), Memorial Chorten, Motithang Takin Preserve, National Post Office and many more.
Morning Excursion: You can go for a soulful morning walk around the city. A blissful walk with the Wang Chhu (river) could be a perfect way to start your day and don’t forget to take your camera with you. Morning view of the Thimphu will give you many beautiful frames to capture.
Excursion to Punakha Valley: You can go for a day excursion trip to Punakha via Dochula. At the altitude of 1200 m Punakha valley offers stunning view of the mountains and river.
*Tourist needs special permission from Thimphu to visit this place.
Mountain Biking: One can explore this beautiful capital town on wheels. One just have to get a map and roam around the city by himself/herself. The beautiful roads are great option for mountain biking.
One Day hiking: One can for a day hike to nearby Tango & Cheri monastery. The hike takes around 2 hrs to reach at the place. Both the monasteries have ancient history and decorated with traditional paintings.
Places to Visit: Tashichho Dzong, Simtokha Dzong, Tango Monastery, Cheri Monastery, Buddha Dordenma, Memorial Chorten, Motithang Takin Preserve, National Post Office, etc.
Travel Guide
Weather
The general temperature in Thimphu stays cold all time. During summer, mercury hardly crosses 25°C in daytime and during night it stays around 14°C. The average temperature for Thimphu is 12°C during winter. This city gets snowfall during the winter and this city looks so beautiful during that time. Thimphu gets good amount of rainfall during monsoon.
Local Words
Generals greetings and words: Welcome greetings: Kuzo-zangpo la, Yes: Ong, No: Mengo, Little bit: Atshi-chi, Thank you: Kaadin-chhey la, Road: Lam, Shop/Store: Neyer Tshang, Market: Throm, Medicine: Mein.
Food and Drinks: Hot water: Chhu Tshe, Cold Water: Chhu Khem, Rice: Chum/ Tuoe, Mushrooms: Shamu, Lentils: Sem Chum Chung Ku, Vegetables: Tshe-sey, Butter Tea: Suja, Milk Tea: Naja.
Emotions: Good (Food): Shim-bay, Not Good (food): Me Shim-bay, Good (Places, things): Sacha Legshom, Not Good (Place,things): Yoebab mabmi.
Time: Morning/day: Do-paa, Evening: Cheru, Night: Nub-mo.
Relationships: Elder-brother: Acho, Younger brother: Nuchu, Elder Sister: Ashim, Younger sister: Num.
How are you?: Gadaybay zhu ga?
I’m fine: Layshom.
What is your name?(informal) Chhey-gi ming ga chi mo?
What is your name? (formal) Na gi tshen ga chi mo?
My name is Lucy: Ney-gee ming Lucy een la.
How far is it from here? Dikhar lay tharee gademchi mo?
How much? Gaa-dem-chi mo la?
Getting here
The nearest airport name is Paro airport (PBH). It is well connected with Bangkok, Kolkata and Bagdogra airport. But the flight are limited. The nearest popular airport beside Paro is Bagdogra airport which is in India.
There is no railway connectivity in Bhutan. The nearest railway station name is Hashimara station (HSA) and New Jalpaiguri Junction (NJP) which are in India.
Thimphu is well connected by roads with other parts of Bhutan.
Permit
Tourists need VISA or permit to get into Thimphu. The visa procedure for Bhutan is different comparing to other countries. Indian, Bangladeshi and Maldives national have different visa procedure. Please contact us to know about the visa procedure in details.
Custom
Bhutan is a Buddhist country where people are very respectful to their culture. While visiting in any religious place please remove your footwear before entering into the main temple. Also it is advisable to wear modest clothes while visiting any religious place. People will happily pose for a picture but please ask them before taking any picture.
Safety
Bhutan is one of the few countries in the world where you hardly find any crime. People are very respectful towards each other. But for any safety concern you can reach to the nearest police station or tourist information center.
Health
You won’t find any mosquitoes here in Thimphu. Due to alpine climate tourist generally doesn’t get sick. But if you are allergic to plants and pollen then take precaution. The local hotels and restaurants serve safe drinking water but if you are not sure then you can buy packaged drinking water almost at every place.