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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 historic city replaced the ancient capital of Punakha in 1955 and was officially declared the capital of the Kingdom of Bhutan in 1961.

Quick facts

Population
—
Currency
Bhutanese ngultrum (BTN)
Language
Dzongkha
Timezone
+06 (UTC+6)
Local time now
03:01:29

Hotels in Thimphu

Thimphu offers a range of accommodation options for visitors to Bhutan's capital city. Hotels such as Namgay Heritage, Hotel Kenny, Khamzum Inn, and hotel relax provide various choices for travelers seeking lodging in the region. 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 connectivity to Bhutan's capital city. This airport is the primary gateway for international travelers visiting Thimphu and the rest of the country. See all airports →

སྤ་རོ་གནམ་ཐང༌།
22.0 km from centre

Car Hire in Thimphu

Thimphu offers car hire services for visitors looking to explore the city and surrounding regions. Local rental agencies, including the Motorcycle and Car Rental Agency, provide options for travelers seeking flexible transportation during their stay. See all car hire →

Things to Do in Thimphu

Thimphu offers a blend of cultural and historical attractions for visitors to explore. From the Bhutan Postal Museum and Clock Tower Square to local tour operators like Simply Bhutan, there are diverse experiences available in the 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 ranging from casual eateries to distinctive local venues. Whether you're looking for international cuisine at Cloud Kitchen Pizza, traditional Bhutanese fare, or a relaxed atmosphere at places like Yuljong Bistro or Tshering Choden and Konig Beer Garden, the capital's restaurant scene provides options for different tastes and occasions. 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. Options include the Swimming Pool, Namgay Heritage Gym, and Lha Chab Swimming Pool, providing venues for swimming and aquatic activities 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 modest but welcoming nightlife scene for visitors and locals alike. Popular venues include karaoke spots like Chum Karaoke and rooftop bars such as Bhutan Dooros Roof's, where you can enjoy an evening out in the capital. 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 offers a selection of bars where you can enjoy drinks and socialise with locals and fellow travellers. Notable venues include Avenue28 Club and The Basement, providing options for an evening out 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 selection of cafes where visitors and locals can enjoy coffee, baked goods, and casual dining. Popular spots include Celestial Cafe and Bar, Busy Beans, Swiss Bakery, Black Sheep, and Central Cafe, each providing a distinct atmosphere for relaxation and refreshment. 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

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

Nature & Wildlife in Thimphu

Thimphu offers visitors a range of natural spaces to explore and connect with Bhutan's rich biodiversity. From the Bhutan Ecological Park to peaceful green spaces like Centenary Park and Tarayana Park, the city provides opportunities to experience the region's wildlife and pristine landscapes. 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 distinct seasonal variations typical of the Himalayan region. The city has cooler winters and milder summers, with significant rainfall during the monsoon season.

Interesting Facts About Thimphu — Weird & Wonderful

  • Thimphu replaced Punakha as Bhutan's capital in 1955, marking a major shift in the nation's administrative centre.
  • The city was officially declared the capital of the Kingdom of Bhutan by the 3rd Druk Gyalpo Jigme Dorji Wangchuck in 1961.
  • Thimphu is surrounded by the Thimphu District valley, one of Bhutan's dzongkhags (administrative divisions).

Frequently Asked Questions About Thimphu

What is the official language spoken in Thimphu?

Dzongkha is the official language of Bhutan and is spoken in Thimphu.

What currency is used in Thimphu?

The Bhutanese ngultrum is the currency used in Thimphu and throughout Bhutan.

What region of Bhutan is Thimphu located in?

Thimphu is situated in the western central part of Bhutan within the Thimphu District valley.

When did Thimphu become Bhutan's capital?

Thimphu was officially declared the capital of the Kingdom of Bhutan in 1961, replacing the ancient capital city of Punakha.

Map of Thimphu

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