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.
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.
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Bhutanese Ngultrum (BTN)What do the experts say?
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.
I love how Bhutan feels alive with spirituality—every valley has temples, fluttering prayer flags, and quiet paths.
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