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.
Trekking experiences near Thimphu
If you enjoy trekking, there are several rewarding hikes you can add to your stay in Thimphu.
You can choose a shorter 1 – 1.5 hour walk through blue pine forest to Tango Monastery, an important centre of Buddhist learning set against a dramatic cliff face. The monastery has been a place of study and meditation for centuries and still houses monks training in Buddhist philosophy. For a longer trek, allow around 3 – 4 hours to reach Phajoding Monastery, perched high above the capital with wide views across the valley. Once one of Bhutan’s richest monasteries, it remains an active monastic community in a peaceful mountain setting above the city.
If either of these treks sound appealing, ask your Travel Specialist to add to your travel plan.
Accommodation
For this bite-sized trip we offer the following options
A Taste of Thimphu - In Style accommodation
If you’re looking for a little more comfort during your stay in Thimphu, we can offer an In Style option for your accommodation. The property blends traditional Bhutanese design with modern comfort, with spacious, well-equipped rooms that look out over the river or surrounding hills. If you’d like to upgrade your accommodation for this bite-sized trip, select our In Style option below.
A Taste of Thimphu - Special Stay accommodation
For something extra special why not upgrade to our Special Stay accommodation in Thimphu? Located beside the river just outside the city, it’s a grand hotel with a luxurious vibe. When you’re not exploring, you can unwind with a traditional hot stone bath in the spa, take a dip in the pool, or visit the small temple in the courtyard where a resident monk can bless your journey. If you’d like to upgrade your accommodation for this bite-sized trip, select our Special Stay option below.