A Taste of Thimphu

Bite-sized trip

Itinerary:
Thimphu
Duration:
2 days / 1 night
Price:
from £ 269.- per person (excluding flights)

Your first encounter with the last Buddhist kingdom in the world usually begins with a spectacular flight over the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas. As soon as you set foot for the first time on Bhutanese soil, you'll spot the colourful prayer flags fluttering in the wind among the brightly painted wooden houses. You’ll have an easy start to your travels as you're met by your guide and driver as soon as you arrive. They'll whisk you away to your central hotel in the capital city of Thimphu, and will be showing you the best of Bhutan during your adventures.

Day 1 – Arrival in Thimphu

Many travellers start their journey in Thimphu. Unlike many other capitals, it’s a small quaint town, with traditional Bhutanese architecture aside from a few modern buildings. You’ll soon notice locals mostly wearing national dress, an important part of Bhutanese culture where the traditions are kept and carried with pride. Your guide will tell you all about the local outfits, the meaning of different symbols and accessories and the difference between the day dress and the outfits worn for the festivals. If you like, you can even try it on!

Together with your guide, you’ll have the opportunity to visit the splendid Trashi Chhoe Dzong (monastery fortress), the place of coronation of the reigning king. Another famous sight worth visiting is the world’s largest sitting Buddha, which stands at over 50 metres high atop the hill overlooking Thimphu (the panoramic views of the capital are spectacular!). After the sightseeing, you’ll head to your hotel where the buffet dinner will be served. All your meals in Bhutan will be arranged by your guide (and are included in the service so you won’t need to pay extra).

Day 2 – Thimphu – explore & departure

If you’re in Thimphu from Thursday to Sunday, do visit a local market, it’s a great place to get a real taste of local life. People from all over the region come to town to sell their goods and you’ll see many local delicacies, including heaps of red rice, dried yak’s cheese and chillies of all colours and sizes.

If you have free time before your departure, you could visit the Thimphu Memorial Chorten with your guide. The small temple is an important place of pilgrimage for the locals which was built in 1974. You could also take a wander around The Folk Heritage Museum. It’s free to enter and displays various materials related to the Bhutanese culture and way of life. Exhibitions include rural household artefacts, equipment, objects and tools. When you’re ready, your guide and driver will be on hand to take you to your next destination.