10 Places you should not Miss in Thimphu

  1. Buddha Point

The newly constructed Buddha point which is the largest in the world measuring 169feet stands on top of the hill overviewing the whole Thimphu City. It is a 10 minutes’ drive from the main town and the road passes through green passages up hill. Once in Buddha point, one can view every part of Thimphu city. It is a heavenly cloister, a place where every individual visits very often. Along the way to Buddha point, it is a place where everyone comes to relax after a day’s hard work. It welcomes with fresh air, greeneries and a clear view over the Thimphu valley below. Just before reaching the Buddha point, there is another interesting place called Kuensel Phodrang which is like a park overviewing the Thimphu valley. It is a place of rejoice, a perfect spot for family picnic and to get away from all emotions in life. Visit Buddha point and near areas if you happen to visit Thimphu.

  2. Memorial Chorten

The Memorial Chorten is located in the town. Before entering into the main town, it lies magnificently at the side of the road. As the name suggest, it was built in the memory of the third King of Bhutan. It is a place of worship for many all, both young and old. It is a three storied structure which are being held firm by the four lions in four directions with the help of an iron chains. Everybody starting form morning till late night, people go there to pray and receive blessings. It is a place where many old people from all walks of life come there to pray and spend time with their old buddies talking of old times.     

  3. Dzongs/Fortress

The Dzongs in Bhutan are mostly built by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in the 16^th Century who came to Bhutan from Tibet. There are two important Dzongs in Thimphu City. One is the oldest Dzong in Bhutan, the Simtokha Dzong which was built in 1629. It is located south of Thimphu City at about 4.5 Kms. The other Dzong is the seat of His Majesty and the Je Khenpo (Secular Head), Tashichho Dzong. The Dzong was rebuilt several times and the current Dzong was renovated and enlarged at the time of His Majesty the Second of Bhutan. The huge magnificent Dzong was built without using a single nail or without having drawn a single line on paper. It was built by the Bhutanese Architects.  

  4. Monasteries

There are many monasteries within and at the extremity of Thimphu Thromde. The Changangkha Monastery lies within the city, about 5-10 minutes’ drive from the main town. It is also located over viewing the Thimphu City below. The Tandin Ney (sacred place) is located at the top of the hill facing Thimphu City. There is no settlement nearby and it also overlooks the most of the part of the city. Dechenphodrang Monastery lies above Tashi Chhodzong. It is a monastic school; many small monks are being trained there. Going above Dechenphodrang monastery are Wangdue Tse and Chhoekhor Tse which lies high up in the woods. Towards north is Tango and Chari Monastery which is a seat of Desi Tenzin Rabgay. Towards south we have Thada goenpa and Talakha Monastery located high in the hills. These monasteries and very significant and are considered very holy. People during the auspicious day visit these monasteries to pray and receive blessings.

   5. Coronation Park

The coronation park is located within Thimphu City along the Wangchhu River. It was constructed to commemorate the coronation of the 5^th King of Bhutan. This is a place of rejoice and many people young and old go there to relax with the clear view of the stream flowing nearby. It is decorated with beautiful flowers and also there is a statue of a 45 feet standing Budhha on a lotus facing the city. The place is green and lively.     

   6. Sangaygang

Sangaygang point is located about 5-6Kms away from Thimphu main city. It is located on the way to Wangduetse and Chhoekhortse monasteries discussed above. The point is located above with a clear view over Thimphu valley, especially the northern part of the city. The point is a place where many people visit during holidays. The place is decorated with colorful prayer flags.

   7. Takin Zoo

Takin is a National animal of Bhutan. The Zoo is located on the way to Sangay point some 5KMs from the main town. The story says the Takin is a combination of goat and cow. It has a goat head and a body of a cow. The biography of Lam Drukpa Kuenly (The divine mad man) says that the lama after having the meat of a goat and cow, he snapped his finger and said “go and graze” and the animal stood and went to graze. It so happened that, the animal has a goat head and a body of a cow. This story is clearly narrated on the sign. The zoo is open to all unless we disturb the animals in any way.

   8. Botanical Garden

The Royal Botanical Garden is located about 15 Kms south of Thimphu city. The garden contain all kinds if flora and fauna which are native to Bhutan. The place is also a lovely picnic spot for Bhutanese and tourist. The place is green with beautiful flower and trees and other animals. It gives the true beauty of nature where by the people go on leave and camping.   

   9.  Dochula

Dochula is a pass just before entering Thimphu valley if we dive form east. It is 30 Km drive uphill from Thimphu town at about 3000m above sea level. It experiences early snowfall and lies in the think forest. The place also has 108 chortens built in the middle of the road. The travellers make a round around the chortens as it is believed that they are being blessed. It is also a famous tourist destiny.

  10.  Phajoding

Phajoding is located quite far away from Thimphu City but it is a famous hiking place for both local men and the tourist. It is located high above the hill and a perfect destiny for trekking. There are also monasteries and lakes in the Phajoding. It is a three hour hike up hill. People during holidays go for camping and it is the also the perfect spot for early snow fall.