

App

Customer Support

Find bookings

Thimpu

Thimpu independent travel guide (2025): top things to do, popular tourism attractions, itinerary planning, accommodation, food, transportation, weather, and more - everything you need to know (updated August 2025) | Trip.com

Name: The Station, Bistro Bar & Entertainment
Address: Thimpu

About Thimpu

View local experiences on map

Popular Destinations

More popular destinations



Thimphu

Chimithangkha

Tshalunang

Phajoding

Semtokha

Langdru

Gida

Khasakha

Things to do in Thimpu

What to do

Looking for things to do in Thimpu? We provide up-to-date info on everything from must-see scenic spots to local hangouts.

Where to stay

Discover the most popular places to stay in Thimpu, complete with recommendations from fellow travelers and special hotel offers

What to eat

Want to eat like a local? Don't miss out on these top Thimpu dishes and foodie spots.

Babesa Village Restaurant

1 Review

帽匠HatterWei:“Before coming to Bhutan, my impression of this small country in South Asia was that it was a mysterious Buddhist country, a country that used the National Happiness Index as a development goal, and the place where Tony Leung and Carina Lau held their wedding... But the first stop of my trip to Bhutan was a little unexpected. - P1: Simply Bhutan This was the first attraction I visited in Bhutan, the Folk Museum of Bhutan, which has rammed earth walls and folk song performances, exhibits Bhutan's traditional kitchen, and you can also experience Bhutan's national skill - archery, but the most impressive thing is a small courtyard, which is filled with the totem of Bhutanese fertility worship. The tour guide said: Don't be shy, this is our Bhutanese amulet, similar to blue eyes 🧿. In the following days, I repeatedly saw this symbol in the driver's car, on the exterior wall of the house, and in the souvenir shop. It is almost the national totem of Bhutan. - P2: Babesa Village Restaurant A restaurant in an old Bhutanese house, you need to climb a wooden ladder to go upstairs. I ate Bhutan's national dish Ema Datshi (cheese and peppers) here. - P3&4: Buddha Dordenma The 51.5-meter-high Sakyamuni statue is one of the tallest seated Buddhas in the world. - P5&6: Royal Takin Sanctuary The sanctuary is not large, but you can see the national animal of Bhutan, the Takin, up close. In Bhutanese legend, the Takin, like the 🍆 totem, also originated from the legendary figure "Drupak Gunle" in history. Legend has it that once he combined an antelope and a yak to create the Takin in order to show his miracle. - P7-10: Tashi Cho Dzong This is the center of Bhutan and the place where the King of Bhutan works. Unlike the flag-raising ceremony, tourists are always brought here to watch the flag-lowering ceremony (P8) at 17:00, because the Dzong will only be open to tourists after the flag-lowering ceremony. On the hillside northwest of the Dzong, you can take a bird's-eye view of the entire building. - P11&12: Dochula Chorten At the pass from Thimphu to the old capital Punakha, there are 108 pagodas, which were built to commemorate the fallen soldiers and are a must-see attraction. - During the Tsechu Festival in Paro this year, I traveled in Bhutan for 4 days and met the King of Bhutan at the Tsechu Festival. This is the first article of this travel diary. In the next article, I will go to the old capital of Bhutan, Punakha, where the temple of Drukpa Gunley, which left the fertility worship tradition for Bhutan, is located. - #Bhutan Travel #Niche Discovery Club #Overseas Niche Travel Recommendations #City Humanities Notes #Capture City Humanities”

Folk Heritage Museum Restaurant

1 Review

云雨吹晚风:“#創創塵計劃分萬萬现金 Thimphu, a city located in western Bhutan, is the capital of Bhutan. It is like a lost pearl, exuding unique charm. It not only has magnificent natural scenery, unique cultural customs, but also mouth-watering food. Below, follow this guide to start a wonderful journey in Thimphu. 1. Preparation before the trip Visa Bhutan implements electronic visas for tourists from all over the world. You need to provide a photo of the first page of your passport. After paying the itinerary fee, the visa can be issued within three working days📄 It should be noted that Bhutan does not allow free travel. You must travel in a group through a travel agency, and the travel agency will assist in applying for a visa. Air tickets There are no direct flights between Bhutan and China. More than 90% of tourists choose to enter Bhutan from Bangkok or Kathmandu. These two cities have 1-2 flights a day directly to Bhutan Paro International Airport✈️ You can book tickets through the official websites of major airlines or travel agencies. Currency The currency of Bhutan is Ngultrum, which is equivalent to the Indian rupee. You can exchange some US dollars in China, and exchange local currency at the airport or bank after arriving in Bhutan💴 Luggage Thimphu is cold in winter and cool in summer, with an average annual temperature of 7.9℃. Even in summer, the temperature is relatively low. It is recommended to bring warm clothes🧥 such as down jackets, sweaters, etc., and prepare sunscreen products, common medicines and other necessities. 2. Best travel time March to May and September to November are the best travel times in Thimphu🌳 March to May is spring, and peach blossoms and alpine rhododendrons are blooming all over the mountains, which is beautiful; September to November is autumn, with clear skies and bright sunshine, and you can enjoy the magnificent natural scenery. In addition, Thimphu will hold grand festivals in early April and early October. Tourists who want to experience the unique local culture can choose to go during these two time periods🎉 3. Transportation Guide External Transportation After arriving at Paro International Airport by plane from Bangkok or Kathmandu, you can take a vehicle arranged by a travel agency to Thimphu, which takes about 1.5-2 hours🚗 Internal Transportation When traveling in Thimphu, travel agencies generally arrange exclusive drivers and vehicles to facilitate tourists' travel. The urban area of Thimphu is not large, and some attractions can also be walked to🚶‍♀️ 4. Food Feast Traditional Bhutanese Cuisine 1. Ema Datshi (Chilli Cheese Stew): One of the most famous dishes in Bhutan, it is stewed with chili and cheese, with a strong spicy flavor. The milky aroma of cheese and the spicy chili are perfectly blended🥘 2. Phaksha Paa (Pork Stewed Radish): Pork and radish are the main ingredients. After stewing, the pork is tender and the radish is tasty. It is a common dish on the table of Bhutanese families. 3. Shamu Datshi: Made of cheese and Himalayan mushrooms, stewed and added with butter, it has a rich and milky flavor🍄 Specialty restaurants 1. Bhutanese Cuisine: Famous for authentic Bhutanese cuisine, you can taste authentic Ema Datshi and Phaksha Paa. 2. Folk Heritage Museum Restaurant: Located in the Folk Heritage Museum, you can not only taste traditional Bhutanese cuisine, but also feel the strong cultural atmosphere🏮 V. Check in at the beautiful scenery Zhaxi Quzong This building, built in the 13th century, has been renovated twice, recreating the construction method of the "zong" in Thimphu history, with a typical Thimphu architectural style. There are more than 100 houses in the fortress-style courtyard, where the Thimphu King's Office, Zandu (National Assembly) and the country's largest temple are located🏰 Thimphu Pagoda The Thimphu Pagoda is a landmark building in Bhutan. The pagoda has a beautiful appearance and Buddha statues are enshrined inside. Here, you can feel the strong religious atmosphere and enjoy the beautiful scenery of the city🌅 Motitang Takin Reserve This is the exclusive reserve for Bhutan's national animal, the takin. It was originally a small zoo and was later converted into a reserve. Visitors can observe the takin up close and learn about their living habits🐮 VI. Precautions 1. Religious etiquette: More than 75% of the people in Bhutan believe in Tibetan Buddhism. When visiting temples, you must respect local religious customs, do not make loud noises, and do not touch Buddha statues and religious items🙏 2. Cultural taboos: Before eating, drinking, or drinking tea, you need to throw a little food, tea, or wine into the air to ask for God's blessing. In addition, the Bhutanese government tries its best to protect domestic culture and traditions. Tourists should not buy unapproved religious relics and antiques. If you need to buy, you can go to designated stores🛍️ 3. Smoking ban: Bhutan is the first country in the world to ban the sale of cigarettes. Since December 17, 2004, Bhutan has banned the sale of cigarettes nationwide and smoking in public places🚭 4. Environmental awareness: Thimphu is rich in natural resources and has extensive forest coverage. During the trip, you must protect the environment, do not throw away garbage at will, and protect the local ecological environment🌱 Thimphu, this mysterious city, is waiting for you to explore and discover. Here, you will have a unique travel experience and leave beautiful memories💕”

Gaga's Restaurant

1 Review

落日拾梦旅人:“#創創彈計劃分萬萬现金 In the mysterious corner of South Asia, Bhutan is like a pearl forgotten by the world, exuding a tranquil and charming light. Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan, carries the country's profound cultural heritage and unique natural scenery. Let's walk into Thimphu together and start a journey full of surprises and touching moments! 1. Preparation before the trip - Visa: Bhutan currently has no direct flights with China, and visas must be processed through local travel agencies in Bhutan. Prepare a color scan of the passport information page. The visa fee is US$20 per person. Remember to print the scanned visa and carry it with you. - Currency: The currency of Bhutan is Ngultrum (Nu.), and Indian rupees can also be used in some places. It is recommended to exchange some US dollars in China in advance and then exchange them locally. - Clothing: Thimphu has a large temperature difference between day and night. The average temperature in spring (March-May) is 0℃-15℃, so you need to prepare warm clothes such as down jackets and sweaters; the temperature in summer (June-August) is 15℃-25℃, so remember to bring rain gear in addition to light clothes; autumn (September-November) is similar to spring; winter (December-February of the following year) is colder, so thick cotton clothes are essential🧥 - Other items: common medicines (cold medicine, gastrointestinal medicine, motion sickness medicine, etc.), power conversion plugs (Bhutan sockets are different from those in China), and sunscreen products (sunglasses, sunscreen, hats). 2. Climate and temperature Thimphu has a temperate climate. Due to its high altitude, the climate is relatively cool throughout the year. Spring and autumn are the most comfortable seasons, with suitable temperatures, bright sunshine, and colorful flowers🌼 There is more rain in summer, so remember to bring an umbrella when traveling, but the fresh air after the rain and the misty valley are also a different kind of beauty. Winter is relatively cold, with a large temperature difference between morning and evening, but you can also enjoy the snow-capped mountains. 3. Must-see attractions 1. Tashi Quzong: This is the most important Buddhist temple in Thimphu and also the government center. Built in the 13th century, the temple building is two-story with gray and white exterior walls. Religious leaders and central religious institutions gather here in summer. Security checks are required to enter the gate, and you can take photos freely in the inner courtyard, but you must keep quiet🙏 2. Takin Zoo: Come to see Bhutan's national animal Takin, which has a strange appearance, a cow's head and a sheep's body. Legend has it that it was created by lamas using sheep and cow bones. In addition to Takin, there are reindeer, mountain muntjacs, etc. in the park. 3. Bhutan National Monument: Built to commemorate the late king, it carries the beliefs of the Bhutanese people and is an important religious and cultural landmark. Surrounded by green mountains and forests, you can also see the Himalayas if you are lucky. 4. Thimphu Buddha: Located on the mountainside south of Thimphu, it is more than 50 meters high and is a spectacular seated statue of Sakyamuni Buddha. There are many Buddhist halls inside, which can accommodate 125,000 small Buddha statues. It is also a great place to overlook the beautiful scenery of Thimphu Valley. 5. Weekend market: When night falls, come here to feel the fireworks of the world. The stalls are full of agricultural products and delicacies. The incense area is the soul. After shopping, you can also go to the largest handicraft market next to it to choose souvenirs🎁 IV. Food recommendation 1. Cheese pepper: Bhutanese specialty food, cheese and pepper are mixed, the taste is rich and unique🌶️ 2. Butter tea: Bhutanese daily drink, rich milk flavor, warm body and heart. 3. Red rice: local specialty staple food, the taste is different from ordinary rice. 4. Bhutanese dumplings (Momo): There are various fillings, steamed or fried, with special dipping sauce, very delicious. V. Precautions 1. Cultural customs: Most Bhutanese believe in Tibetan Buddhism and must respect local religious customs. Take off your shoes when entering the temple and visit in a clockwise direction; do not touch the temple offerings and believers; before eating, drinking, or drinking tea, throw a little food, tea, or wine into the air to pray for God's blessing; do not touch children's heads; do not enter Hindu temples without permission. 2. Shopping tips: The Bhutanese government strives to protect cultural traditions. Purchases of religious relics and antiques must be made in designated stores to ensure legality. 3. Smoking ban regulations: Bhutan is the first country in the world to ban the sale of cigarettes. From December 17, 2004, the sale of cigarettes was banned nationwide, and smoking in public places was prohibited🚭 4. Tourism policy: Bhutan does not allow free travel. Itineraries must be arranged through travel agencies, with guides and drivers. 5. Environmental awareness: Bhutan attaches great importance to environmental protection. Please do not throw away garbage at will during your trip, and take care of every plant and tree in the area. Thimphu, a city full of mystery and tranquility, is waiting for you to explore every beauty of it. Pack your bags and go to this romantic date with Thimphu💕”