Thimphu

Situated at 7,500 feet above sea level, Thimphu has been the capital city of Bhutan since 1961. As capital, Thimphu is home to several buildings of national importance, including the Institute of Traditional Medicine, the National Library, and the Botanical Garden. Despite its population of approximately 104,000, Thimphu is nonetheless remarkably free of traffic, and is ideal for exploring by foot or on bicycle.

Some of Thimphu's evocative sights include the National Institute for the Thirteen Arts, where students learn respected, centuries-old crafts; the comprehensive, beautiful grounds of the Royal Botanical Garden; and the invigorating, alternative Institute of Traditional Medicine, dedicated to traditional remedies for modern illnesses.

Experiences

A handpicked selection of experiences endorsed by our experts. If you can’t see what you’re looking for, let us know, as our extensive network of local contacts can open many doors.

Archery

Have private lesson in archery, Bhutan's national sport. (Subject to availability, you can also attend an archery tournament at the local stadium.) Today, the Bhutanese use bows employing the latest technology, though historically hunting bows were crafted from bamboo and leather, and a version of this original bow still appears in local matches.

Cheri Monastery

Meet with a professor of Buddhism and explore the Cheri Monastery, home to Bhutan’s first community of monks. Established in 1620, Cheri Monastery has hosted its share of distinguished guests, from visiting Tibetan lamas to the founder of the Bhutanese state. A short distance outside Thimphu, Cheri Monastery sits atop a hill, and offers striking views of the valley below.

Dinner with a Member of Parliament

Pending availability, have dinner with a member of Bhutan’s parliament who is also a close friend of Remote Lands. This is a great opportunity to learn firsthand about the challenges facing Bhutan as it seeks to balance modernization with tradition.

Institute of Traditional Medicine

Visit the National Institute of Traditional Medicine, established in 1967 to preserve the healing traditions of Bhutan – which, until now, have only been transmitted orally. A unique fusion of various elements, Bhutanese medicine combines Ayurvedic philosophy from India with Tibetan influences and Chinese techniques. Go for a medical checkup at the Institute, and tour its impressive laboratory for a primer in this ancient art.

Motithang Takin Preserve

Visit the Motithang Takin Preserve. The national animal of Bhutan, the takin and is a large and somewhat clumsy animal that continues to fascinate taxonomists. Thimphu's preserve was originally a zoo, which was disbanded, but the freed takins simply wandered the streets of Thimphu, so they were returned to their present home to be cared for.

National Library of Thimphu

Discover the National Library and Archives of Bhutan, which houses many ancient Dzongkha and Tibetan texts and is a vibrant example of traditional Bhutanese architecture (built in 1967). The library’s raison d’etre is the preservation of holy Buddhist texts – it is not uncommon to see Bhutanese circumambulating the outside perimeter, due to the texts’ presence.

National Textile Museum

Visit the National Textile Museum. Still very much a living art, the weaving techniques you’ll glimpse here (there are sometimes actual weavers at their looms in addition to permanent exhibits) bear on everything from the simple gho and kira robes that are the national dress for men and women, to the giant thondroel (appliqué tapestries) that are unfurled at the holiest of the annual religious festivals.

Royal Botanical Garden

Pay special attention to the garden’s approximately 369 species of orchid, indigenous to the various micro-climates of this tiny Himalayan country, and which bloom at various times throughout the year. Opened in 1999, the Royal Botanical Garden offers an excellent look into Bhutan's varied flora. The Garden boasts one of the largest rhododendron collections in the world, as well as beautiful assemblages of various trees, bamboo, and medicinal plants, derivatives of which are used in roofing, paints, furniture-making, dyes and incense.

Tarayana Foundation

Visit an orphanage or one of the programs run by the Tarayana Foundation, an organization set up by Her Majesty The Queen of Bhutan to alleviate poverty through training and education, meeting the children and the adults who care for them.

The National Institute for the Thirteen Arts

Visit the National Institute for the Thirteen Arts, or the Zorig Chusum, Bhutan’s leading institution charged with preserving and promoting traditional aesthetics, and contributing to the country’s economy through production of high quality arts and crafts. Observe students’ lessons in painting, calligraphy, embroidery, wood and slate carving, sculpture, and boot making – among others.

Bhutan Regions

Explore in-depth information, experiences and highlights by navigating to specific regions using the links below.

Thimphu Itineraries

Classic Bhutan

Duration
12 days / 11 nights
Price Per Person
From $16,800
See Itinerary

A Mindful and Cultural Journey 2025 | Aman Jet Expeditions

Date
Oct 19–Nov 2, 2025
Price Per Person
$104,888
See Itinerary

Ancient & Modern: Bangkok and Bhutan

Duration
16 days / 15 nights
Price Per Person
From $19,500
See Itinerary

Bhutan Luxury Road Trip

Duration
14 days / 13 nights
Price Per Person
From $24,700
See Itinerary

Druk Path Trek

Duration
7 days / 6 nights
Price Per Person
From $12,200
See Itinerary

Following Buddha's Footsteps Across the Himalayas

Duration
19 days / 18 nights
Price Per Person
From $15,600
See Itinerary

Intimate India and Beautiful Bhutan: Overland from New Delhi to Bumthang

Duration
22 days / 21 nights
Price Per Person
From $20,600
See Itinerary

Riding the Dragon: A Cycling Adventure in Bhutan

Duration
7 days / 6 nights
Price Per Person
From $13,600
See Itinerary

An Intimate Himalayan Adventure: Through China, Nepal, Bhutan and India

Duration
22 days / 21 nights
Price Per Person
From $21,500
See Itinerary

Beautiful Bhutan by Bike

Duration
16 days / 15 nights
Price Per Person
From $27,900
See Itinerary
Amankora Thimphu
Preferred Hotel

Amankora Thimphu

Thimphu, Bhutan

Amankora Thimpu is located on a hillside in a verdant pine forest far above Bhutan’s capital city. The hotel’s architecture is reminiscent of Bhutanese temples, or dzongs, and incorporates white-washed stone buildings around an enclosed courtyard. Sixteen suites are composed of living and sleeping areas, with views of the forest and nearby streams. The spacious terrazzo-tiled bathrooms have soaking tubs and twin vanities. Guests may dine either in an elegant dining room or on the adjacent terrace, both of which...
Six Senses Thimphu
Preferred Hotel

Six Senses Thimphu

Thimphu, Bhutan

The capital and largest city of the Kingdom of Bhutan, Thimphu sits at around 8,000 feet above sea level and is 34 miles from the nation's international airport in Paro. As the nation's cultural heart, people venture to this remote capital to catch glimpses of rare Buddhist scriptures at the National Library or marvel at the Buddha Dordenma's 149-foot bronze statue. The Six Senses Thimphu is situated on the valley hillside just south of the town with spectacular views of...
Taj Tashi
Preferred Hotel

Taj Tashi

Thimphu, Bhutan

Situated in the Thimphu Valley, this new property seamlessly blends Bhutan’s Dzong architecture and modern design. Adorned with classical hand-drawn Buddhist murals, its 52 deluxe rooms, 5 luxury rooms, 3 deluxe suites, 2 duplex suites and 4 luxury suites all afford guests an authentic peek into the region’s art and color. All accommodations have wired and wireless Internet access. Food and beverage options include an all-day, international cuisine restaurant, Ara Bar, an authentic Bhutanese restaurant, and a tea lounge. The...

Multi-Country Specialists

Bhutan Goes Well With

Why Remote Lands?

Exclusively Asia

With Remote Lands you'll travel with people who have made Asia the solitary focus of their own lifelong adventure. As our guest, you'll discover Asia on a journey that is completely, authentically your own, adapted from our own remarkable experiences and adventures over the years.

Travelogues

An Asia-focused magazine brought to you by Remote Lands - a platform for adventure, luxury, and authenticity from experts and explorers around the continent.

What Others Say

Here is a small selection of the kind words our clients have said about us recently.