My Wishlist
1.800.557.2841or Contact Your Travel Advisor
Great Buddha Dordenma is a gigantic Shakyamuni Buddha statue in the mountains of Bhutan, near Thimphu, the capital

Thimphu Tours and Vacation Packages

Buddha Dordenma

Overview

Take a trip to Thimphu on your Bhutan Vacation

When travelling on Bhutan vacations, you will naturally head to Thimphu, the largest city in Bhutan. Ranging 2,248-2,648 metres above sea level, in the hills of Thimphu Valley and along the banks of the Thimphu Chuu River, the city was established in 1955, with the king then declaring it Bhutan’s capital in 1961. For centuries before, Thimphu Valley had previously supported small settlements in the region.

Home to the Bhutanese Royal Family, the Royal Government and Judiciary and to several foreign missions, Thimphu is considered Bhutan’s political and economic centre, with agriculture and livestock being its dominant industry. An excursion to Punakha, just over 70kms away from Thimphu and famous for its rice farming, illustrates the abundance of this fertile land.

Within Thimphu’s various districts are monasteries, Dzongs (fortresses), and other culturally- rich, historic sites scattered throughout, as well as modern libraries, museums, and galleries, all to be enjoyed on a Bhutan vacation.

The National Memorial Chorten, found in the heart of Thimpu, was built in 1974 to honour the third king. Adorned with golden spires and bells, this white structure is considered the most visible religious landmark of Bhutan.

Continuously undergoing massive development, tourism on a Bhutan vacation is heavily regulated as Thimphu tries to preserve its cultural heritage and the fragile ecology of Thimphu Valley.

With the long-term objective of making Thimphu a ‘dream city’ by 2027, Thimphu has so far done an excellent job of maintaining and blending its cultural heritage with modern expansion.

At a Glance

Languages

Dzongkha

Currency

Bhutanese Ngultrum (BTN)

Trending Trips

Unforgettable Journeys.
2 Trips Found
Show
per page
2 Trips Found

Goway Select

Buddhist stupa in Jomolhari base camp, Paro Bhutan
+1

Bhutan In Style: Thimphu, Gangtey, Paro & More

Paro, Paro Taktsang (Tiger's Nest), and Thimphu
Uncover the mystique of Bhutan on this private-guided journey, where sacred monasteries, Himalayan peaks, and timeless traditions shape a land like no other.
8 days
From US$8,174/p.p.
Request a Quote
Paro Taktsang "The Tiger's Nest" monastery
+1

Bhutan Escape: Thimphu, Punakha & Paro

Paro, Paro Taktsang (Tiger's Nest), and Thimphu
Uncover Himalayan serenity on this private-guided journey through Bhutan, where cliffside monasteries, misty valleys and vibrant traditions await.
6 days
From US$2,618/p.p.
Request a Quote

Don't see the
perfect trip idea?
Request a custom quote.

Turn your travel dreams into reality with Goway. Our customized vacations take travellers to all corners of the world.

What do the experts say?

Amelia Chee

Amelia Chee

Destination Specialist
Learn More About This Expert
You should absolutely attend a tshechu festival when visiting Bhutan, especially the one in Paro or Thimphu. These religious dance festivals are colourful, energetic, spiritual, and deeply rooted in local community life.
Amelia Chee

Amelia Chee

Destination Specialist
Learn More About This Expert
I love how Bhutan feels alive with spirituality—every valley has temples, fluttering prayer flags, and quiet paths.

Most Popular Time to Travel

Know when to go.

Place
Conditions
Daily max temperatureMonthly rainfall
ThimphuMostly Sunny
28°C / 82°F
60mm / 2.3"
Weather data is based on monthly averages.
-
Popularity rating

Travel Stories

Get Inspired About Your Trip to Bhutan

Unlock more by subscribing to our newsletter.

With our newsletter, you’ll get access to regular communications that inspire you and help you explore the world your way.
Exclusive Savings
Insider Benefits
Trending Stories
Newsletter signup visual
ExcellentBased on 5,321 Reviews
Verified
Suzzette and her team provided exceptional support throughout our year‑long planning process for our Bali group. Despite multiple changes, updates, and last‑minute cancellations, she remained organized, responsive, and solution‑focused. Asia Trails Indonesia delivered a seamless experience from arrival to departure, and our guides, Dayu and Adit, were outstanding; prompt, knowledgeable, and attentive to every detail. The coordination across multiple departure cities, the curated excursions, and the overall flow of the itinerary were executed beautifully. My group thoroughly enjoyed the trip and is already asking about returning. I highly recommend Suzzette as a group coordinator for her professionalism, dedication, and high‑quality service.Anchored Memories Travel
Verified
Mike K. graciously provided us with a perfect itinerary, offering us flexible high quality options for our trip. We added in a few complex details and he maneuvered around them creating smooth transitions. Planning an overseas 11 day trip can be overwhelming and Mike made everything feel easy. I highly recommend!Amy Challgren
Verified
Goway staff was available to us throughout our entire trip to Costa Rica. Their involvement was seamless and surprisingly smooth between them and all of our hotels and tours. We have been totally impressed with their involvement with our travel agent and their complete resolution of the only problem we had during the 2 different international trips that we have taken.Diana McCrory
Verified
Thank you to Goway for a great and enjoyable 7 day tour in China, for our Canadian group of 14! Very special thanks to the local guides in Shanghai, Xi’an and Beijing ( Richard, Richard and James) who were second to none! Each was a knowledgeable ambassador for their home city, working hard to ensure our enjoyment and comfort, and to showcase the beauty of each area and its current and historical sites. They very kindly and patiently assisted everyone, and especially accommodated 2 of our group who encountered unexpected wellness challenges. The local bus drivers for our group were experts too, keeping us on time and safe on the roads and highways. Hotels were beautiful, welcoming, well located and appointed, quiet, comfortable and clean. Additional travel arrangements by air and high speed train went off without a hitch. KATHLEEN LLOYD
Verified
This was the first time we used Goway Travel and Brooke Theron was absolutely the best to deal with. Our safari in Africa was fabulous and we were able to have all four questions answered before we left. It was a trip to remember and we would recommend both Brooke and Goway to other who are looking for a great experience. Thanks Brooke and Goway.Joyce Robinson
Verified
We decided to go to France for 3 weeks in September and knew we needed help planning the trip (we made this decision in August so a very short time frame. We had traveled with Goway a few years ago and were hoping they could help. Our specialist, Farnaz Bagheri, was fantastic, she listened to what we wanted to do and where we wanted to go. She literally arranged everything with her French partners. The guides and drivers were wonderful the accommodations were excellent. Communication was easy from the first discussion to the time we got home. Farnaz planned for us an exceptional trip in a very short time frame. Promise next trip we will contact Goway much earlier. Thanks againSue Blake
Verified
Our experience was amazing! The booking process went great. We just had to pack our clothes and everything else was taken care of thanks to Goway Travel… Lori Mezzomo!!! Lori was fantastic. Everything from flights to transfers to excursions was perfect! Can’t wait to go back and i would definitely use Goway Travel again!!!Marie Idol
Verified
Maria Spitman provided exemplary service to us! Her expertise, attention to detail, timely replies and kindness were unmatched. We will definitely recommend her to others who we know are considering travel to Asia. Alice Staniforth
Verified
Michael Keon and his crew did a fine job coordinating our trip to Turkey. His contact in Turkey, Mr. Omer was in contact with us almost daily reminding us of our schedule and pick up info. He was terrific. Very informative and insightful guides. And large comfortable vehicles on every trip. Awesome trip. Tom and Sharon Tom and Sharon, Toronto, Canada
Verified
We loved the trip itinerary and everything was organized so well! Lori was always very responsive and answered our questions promptly. Thank you for an amazing trip!Jelena Poprzen
Follow Us On
instagramfacebook
Contact UsCustomer ServiceGeneral Inquiries
Featured in
Travel + LeisureAfarCondé Nast TravellerSmithsonian
Accreditations & Memberships
ASTA — American Society of Travel AdvisorsUSTOA — United States Tour Operators Association
 
© Copyright 2026. Goway Travel