1. Visit the National Memorial Chorten: The National Memorial Chorten in Thimphu is a stunning Buddhist stupa that was built in 1974 to honor the memory of Bhutan’s third king, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. It is a popular place of worship for Buddhists and a must-see for visitors to Thimphu.
2. Explore the Tashichho Dzong: The Tashichho Dzong is an impressive fortress that houses the throne room of Bhutan’s King and the secretariat of the government. It is also a popular tourist attraction in Thimphu and is open to visitors during the day.
3. Visit the Folk Heritage Museum: The Folk Heritage Museum is a great place to learn about Bhutan’s traditional lifestyle and culture. The museum is set in a traditional Bhutanese house and contains displays of traditional tools, textiles, weapons, and photographs.
4. Visit the Thimphu Zoo: The Thimphu Zoo is home to a variety of animals, including tigers, leopards, snow leopards, red pandas, and black bears. Visitors can also enjoy the zoo’s aviary, which is home to a variety of birds, including peacocks, eagles, and parrots.
5. Take a Hike in the Himalayas: Thimphu is surrounded by the majestic Himalayas and there are plenty of hiking trails in the area. Whether you’re looking for a short day hike or an overnight trek, there are plenty of options for all levels of hikers.
6. Visit the Buddha Dordenma Statue: The Buddha Dordenma Statue is a 169-foot tall bronze statue of the Buddha that stands atop a hill overlooking Thimphu. The statue is said to contain over 100,000 miniature Buddha statues inside and is a popular tourist attraction.
7. Enjoy the Local Cuisine: Thimphu is home to a variety of delicious local dishes, including momos (dumplings), ema datse (chili with cheese), and phaksha paa (pork with chili). Be sure to try some of the local dishes when you visit Thimphu.
8. Shop at the Weekend Market: The weekend market in Thimphu is a great place to shop for local handicrafts, textiles, and souvenirs. It is also a great place to try local street food and watch Bhutanese traditional dances.
9. Take a Tour of the Textile Museum: The Textile Museum in Thimphu is a great place to learn about Bhutan’s traditional textile arts. The museum offers guided tours and workshops, and visitors can also shop for unique textiles and handicrafts.
10. Visit the Thimphu Zoo: The Thimphu Zoo is a great place to observe a variety of animals, including tigers, leopards, snow leopards, red pandas, and black bears. The zoo also has a variety of birds, including peacocks, eagles, and parrots. Visitors can also enjoy interactive activities and educational programs.