Thimphu

Castles & palaces

Tashichho Dzong

A Buddhist monastery and fortress on the west bank of the Wang Chhu River, north of Thimphu. It has long served as the center of Bhutan's government and once functioned as the summer capital.

Temples & religious sites

Memorial Chorten

Built in memory of Bhutan's third king, this stupa is adorned with golden spires and bells. It's considered Thimphu's most prominent religious landmark, popular with locals and travelers alike.

Castles & palaces

Dechencholing Palace

A palace on the outskirts of Thimphu, Bhutan, built in 1953 by the third king, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. It sits in a quiet spot just north of Tashichho Dzong.

Temples & religious sites

Dechen Phodrang Monastery

This Buddhist monastery sits on a hill north of Thimphu, and its name means "Palace of Great Bliss." Just outside the city center, it offers a quiet setting to explore.

Museums & galleries

Folk Heritage Museum

A museum in Thimphu that opened in 2001, offering a look at Bhutan's traditional way of life and folk heritage.

Nature

Dochula Pass

Dochula Pass is a Himalayan mountain pass along the road from Thimphu to Punakha. Lined with 108 chortens and a temple honoring fallen soldiers, it's known as a great spot for photos against a backdrop of snow-capped peaks.

Temples & religious sites

Changangkha Lhakhang

This temple sits at the end of a ridge overlooking Thimphu and, built in the 13th–14th century, is considered the city's oldest monastery. Parents regularly visit to seek blessings for their children.

Parks & gardens

Clock Tower Square

A square in downtown Thimphu, marked by an iconic clock tower with a clock face on each of its four sides. Shops, hotels, and restaurants cluster around it, making it a pleasant place for a stroll.