Are you planning a trip to Bhutan? If yes, have you decided which city of the last Himalayan kingdom you would love to spend most of your time in? Well, I am here to tell you about Thimphu, Bhutan’s capital and the country’s largest city.
Located only an hour’s drive from Paro, Thimphu is arguably the best place to visit in Bhutan. The city offers a unique blend of modernity and tradition, thanks to its myriad of modern restaurants established alongside beautiful forests, old monasteries, and fortresses. Besides planning an itinerary for your trip and packing the essentials, remember to get reliable travel insurance for Bhutan. Travel insurance can help protect you from potential financial losses resulting from travel-related issues such as loss of personal belongings. Get one for you and your travel companions to ensure a safe and worry-free trip.
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Tourist attractions in Bhutan
It wasn’t until 1974 that Bhutan was opened for touring by outside travelers. Within the 50 years, the country has earned a reputation as an absolute “Bucket List” of a destination for all types of tourists. Whether going for a family escape, a lovers’ retreat, or a friend’s getaway, the country has some of the best tourist attractions to cater to the varying needs. All you have to do is travel there and experience them first-hand!
There are plenty of tourist attractions to visit in Bhutan. Thimphu city is perhaps the best place to start the trip, thanks to its status as the cultural hub of the Bhutanese people. The capital city is home to plenty of the country’s cultural landmarks, including museums and numerous monasteries. You can also visit other towns, such as Punakha, known for its 17th-century fortress at the juncture of the Pho and Mo Chhu rivers.
Regardless of all the attractions available in the other towns, Paro is perhaps the only Bhutanese town that can rival the beauties offered by Thimphu. The city derives its name from the word ‘Padro,’ which means ‘beautiful.’ If you are traveling to Bhutan by air, Paro is where you will land, considering it has the country’s sole international airport. In addition, it has 155 temples and monasteries constructed in the 14th century. So, you can start your cultural tour to Bhutan as soon as your plane touches down in the country.
Is Thimphu worth visiting?
Absolutely. Thimphu is a must-visit location for any tourist visiting Bhutan. As the country’s capital, the city is the headquarters of all operations and tourist entertainment. The pace of evolution has always been a cause for worry for many tourists and locals. However, at the moment, the city still possesses its renowned breathtaking scenery, vibrant festivals, and welcoming locals.
The most beautiful thing about Thimphu as a city is the fact that the old and cultural structures sit side-by-side with modern buildings. Locals are slowly building contemporary buildings, including city shops and centers while maintaining their intricately-detailed wooden townhouses. So, while visiting the city affords you top-notch accommodation and essentials, you can still experience the feeling of walking around in an old town.
Activities to do when visiting Thimphu
There are plenty of activities to do in Thimphu during your tour to Bhutan. From scenic hikes and cycling routes to bird watching and camping. Here are a few activities you should consider when visiting Thimphu:
- Hiking in Thimphu: The capital city has plenty of scenic hiking trails that pass through peaceful forests and provide a panoramic view of Thimphu Valley. An example is the Wangdiste hiking trail that starts from the Radio Tower and ends at the Wangdiste Monastery.
- Cycling in Thimphu: Besides hiking, you could also go cycling around the city. The key landmarks you could visit during these sessions include the National Memorial Chorten and Tashichho Dzong.
- Bird watching in Thimphu: For lovers of nature, especially bird watching, there are a few perfect locations, including Jigme Dorji National Park and its surrounding areas. These locations are home to diverse bird species, including various Himalayan species.
- Camping in Thimphu: In addition to bird watching, visitors can also enjoy camping in the serene natural environment at Thimphu. With beautiful stars and sweet sounds of nature, nothing beats spending your time in the city’s natural spaces.
What is special in Thimphu Bhutan?
Thimphu is not only the capital of Bhutan but also the most attractive city to visit in the country. It is home to many landmarks and beautiful sceneries, making it a special place for tourists. Here are some of the cultural sites that make Thimphu a special city:
- Folk Heritage Museum: With over 150 years, the Folk Heritage Museum in Thimphu is one of the oldest historic locations in the country. It is essentially a traditional Bhutanese house that takes you back to the older times of their ancestors. As such, you can see various traditional artifacts, including kitchen items and farming tools. On the exterior, you will also catch a glimpse of the traditional water mills and kitchen gardens.
- Motithang Takin Preserve: The Motithang Takin Preserve at the heart of Thimphu is home to the country’s national animal, Takin. The people of Bhutan had initially established the preserve as a mini-zoo; however, they later modified it into a preserve to provide the animals with the space they need to roam freely. Takin is a rare animal with features of both a goat and antelope, and visiting the preserve provides a perfect opportunity to enjoy the rare sight.
- Royal Botanical Garden: The Royal Botanical Garden is the first ever botanical garden in Bhutan and was established as a way to conserve the country’s rich biodiversity. It is located at the foot of Dochula Pass and plays a crucial role in environmental education and conservation. In the garden, you will find a wide range of beautiful trees and flowers. In addition, there are well-maintained walking trails and picnic spots to sit and relax as well.
- Tashichho Dzong: If you are interested in the history of Bhutan’s governance, you can’t fail to visit Tashichho Dzong. The fortress was established in the 1640s by one of the most iconic figures in the history of the country, Zhabdrung Ngawang. Ngawang is widely considered the unifier of Bhutan because he introduced a system of governance that combines both spiritual and temporal authority. The system is still used to date. Tashichho Dzong has been the seat of the country’s government since the mid-20th century.
- Wang Chhu: is one of the biggest rivers flowing across Thimphu. It has always been an integral part of agriculture. Today, it plays an important role in Thimphu’s beautiful landscape. There are plenty of activities along the river banks, including scenic walks, cycling, fishing, and picnicking.
Which is better, Paro or Thimphu?
With all the beautiful sites and activities available in both cities, deciding between Paro and Thimphu can be a little challenging. However, making a choice will be a lot easier if you first determine what type of experiences you are seeking during your tour. Let’s elaborate further.
Paro is home to the only international airport in the country. As a result, if you travel by air, you must arrive at the city first before you proceed to Thimphu. Some of the iconic attractions in Paro include the Tiger’s Nest Monastery (Paro Taktsang) and Paro Dzong, an impressive fortress and monastery crucial for the town’s administration. Besides these historical sites, the town is surrounded by lush valleys and terraced fields, which make up stunning landscapes.
On the other hand, Thimphu is the capital city and home to arguably the best attractions sites, and sceneries in the country. It also boasts the most modern amenities and a beautiful urban and natural blend.
With all these in mind, the two locations have lots to offer. So, before making a decision, start by assessing what you want to achieve during your tour. If possible, visit both places.
Don’t forget your Heymondo Travel Insurance
Although some of us can make perfect plans, we cannot cover all eventualities when traveling abroad. Due to this unpredictability, it may be essential for travelers to have comprehensive travel insurance. Travel insurance offers you the protection you need to ensure peace of mind as you tour Bhutan or any other country. Heymondo travel insurance covers all the unexpected events that may arise during your travels, including medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and loss of possessions.
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