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Thimphu

Thimphu is the capital and largest city of Bhutan, situated in the western central part of the country within the Thimphu District valley. This unique destination replaced the ancient capital of Punakha in 1955, becoming officially recognized as the kingdom's capital in 1961.

Quick facts

Population
—
Currency
Bhutanese ngultrum (BTN)
Language
Dzongkha
Timezone
+06 (UTC+6)
Local time now
08:58:57

Hotels in Thimphu

Thimphu offers a range of accommodation options for visitors, from heritage hotels like Namgay Heritage to more contemporary choices such as Hotel Kenny, Khamzum Inn, and Hotel Relax. Whether you're seeking a traditional Bhutanese experience or modern amenities, you'll find suitable lodging throughout the capital. See all hotels →

Namgay Heritage
193 m from centre
Namgay Heritage
208 m from centre
Hotel Kenny
275 m from centre

Airports in Thimphu

Thimphu is served by སྤ་རོ་གནམ་ཐང༌།, which provides air connections to the capital city. This airport is the primary gateway for visitors traveling to and from Bhutan. See all airports →

སྤ་རོ་གནམ་ཐང༌།
22.0 km from centre

Car Hire in Thimphu

Thimphu offers car rental options for visitors looking to explore the capital and surrounding regions. Local services like the Motorcycle and Car Rental Agency provide vehicle hire solutions for your travels in Bhutan. See all car hire →

Things to Do in Thimphu

Thimphu offers a variety of cultural and historical attractions for visitors to explore. From the iconic Clock Tower Square to museums and traditional temples, there are numerous places to discover in Bhutan's capital city. See all things to do →

Simply Bhutan
238 m from centre
Bhutan Postal Museum
590 m from centre
Clock Tower Square
601 m from centre
Changangkhang Lhakhang
624 m from centre
རྒྱལ་འཛིན་ཐག་རིག་སློབ་སྡེ།
884 m from centre
Folk Heritage Museum Kawajangsa
1.3 km from centre

Restaurants in Thimphu

Thimphu offers a variety of dining experiences for visitors and locals alike. Whether you're looking for casual fare at Swimming Pool Canteen, contemporary cuisine at Yuljong Bistro or Cloud Kitchen Pizza, or traditional hospitality at Khamsum INN and Tshering Choden and Konig Beer Garden, the capital has options to suit different tastes. See all restaurants →

Swimming Pool Canteen
30 m from centre
Tshering Choden and Konig Beer Garden
49 m from centre
Yuljong Bistro
fish · 85 m from centre

Swimming Pools in Thimphu

Thimphu offers several swimming facilities for residents and visitors. Notable options include the Swimming Pool, Namgay Heritage Gym, and Lha Chab Swimming Pool, providing recreational opportunities in the capital. See all swimming pools →

Swimming Pool
66 m from centre
Namgay Heritage Gym
202 m from centre
Lha Chab Swimming Pool
4.1 km from centre

Spas in Thimphu

We're still gathering spas listings for Thimphu — check back soon.

Nightlife in Thimphu

Thimphu offers a relaxed nightlife experience with a selection of bars and karaoke venues scattered throughout the capital. Popular spots like Lil Bhutan, Chum Karaoke, and Bhutan Dooros Roof's provide casual atmospheres where locals and visitors can unwind after dark. See all nightlife →

Lil Bhutan
377 m from centre
Chum Karaoke
412 m from centre
Bhutan Dooros Roof’s
414 m from centre

Bars in Thimphu

Thimphu's bar scene offers several venues for visitors and locals to enjoy drinks and socialise. Notable establishments include Avenue28 Club and The Basement, which provide options for evening entertainment in the capital. See all bars →

Avenue28 Club
308 m from centre
The Basement
348 m from centre
The Basement
358 m from centre

Cafes in Thimphu

Thimphu offers a variety of cafes where visitors and locals can relax and enjoy refreshments. Popular options include Celestial Cafe and Bar, Busy Beans, Swiss Bakery, Central Cafe, and Black Sheep, each providing their own unique atmosphere and menu. See all cafes →

Celestial Cafe and Bar
317 m from centre
Busy beans
415 m from centre
Swiss Bakery
422 m from centre

Shopping in Thimphu

See all shopping →

Miniso
409 m from centre
Zangdogpelri Shopping Complex
429 m from centre
Lhaden Sale
485 m from centre

Nature & Wildlife in Thimphu

Thimphu offers several natural spaces for wildlife and nature enthusiasts to explore. Visit destinations like Bhutan Ecological Park, Centenary Park, and Tarayana Park to experience the city's commitment to preserving its green environment. See all nature & wildlife →

Thai Pavilion
304 m from centre
Bhutan Ecological Park
367 m from centre
Bhutan Ecological Park
386 m from centre
Centenary Park
874 m from centre
Tarayana Park
1.0 km from centre
Motithang Children's Park
1.1 km from centre

Climate snapshot

Thimphu experiences a temperate climate with distinct seasons shaped by its Himalayan location. The city enjoys mild conditions during spring and autumn, with cooler winters and warmer summers in the valleys.

Interesting Facts About Thimphu — Weird & Wonderful

  • Thimphu officially became Bhutan's capital in 1961, replacing the ancient city of Punakha.
  • The city is situated in a valley that forms the Thimphu District, one of Bhutan's administrative dzongkhags.
  • Thimphu was declared capital by the 3rd Druk Gyalpo Jigme Dorji Wangchuck in 1961.

Frequently Asked Questions About Thimphu

What is the currency used in Thimphu?

Thimphu uses the Bhutanese Ngultrum (BTN), the official currency of Bhutan.

What language is spoken in Thimphu?

The primary language spoken in Thimphu is Dzongkha, the official language of Bhutan.

When did Thimphu become the capital of Bhutan?

Thimphu was officially declared the capital of Bhutan in 1961 by the 3rd Druk Gyalpo Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, replacing the ancient capital city of Punakha.

Where is Thimphu located in Bhutan?

Thimphu is situated in the western central part of Bhutan within the Thimphu District, a valley area in the country.

Map of Thimphu

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