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Where to stay in Thimphu
Thimphu is the capital of Bhutan, a small, calm city in a river valley at about 2,300 metres. Bhutan's tourism policy means many visitors travel with a licensed guide and a planned itinerary, and hotels range from simple places in the centre to luxury resorts on the valley slopes.
Central Thimphu (Norzin Lam)
Hotels on and around Norzin Lam, the main street, are close to the Clock Tower Square, craft shops, cafes and the famous traffic police booth. It is the most convenient base for strolling in the evening.
Motithang and the hillsides
Hotels on the hillsides above the centre, around Motithang, are calmer and offer views of the valley and the Tashichho Dzong. You will drive into town, which your guide usually arranges.
Luxury lodges on the valley edge
Several luxury lodges sit on the edges of the Thimphu valley, among pine forests, with spa treatments and mountain views. They are a short drive from the city and often form part of a circuit of luxury lodges across Bhutan.
One thing to think about
Check the current Sustainable Development Fee and visa rules before booking, as they set the cost of your trip. Thimphu has no airport; flights land at Paro, about an hour's drive away.
Other places to stay in Bhutan: COMO
Once you have a bed
The things that sell out first in Thimphu are the small-group tours and the skip-the-line tickets.
Common questions
Do I need a guide to visit Thimphu?
Bhutan's rules have changed over the years. Most visitors book through a licensed tour operator, and a guide is required for many sites and for travel outside Thimphu and Paro. Check the current rules on the official Bhutan tourism website before you travel.
What should I see in Thimphu?
Visit the Tashichho Dzong, the giant Buddha Dordenma statue overlooking the valley, the National Memorial Chorten, the takin preserve and the weekend market. The Institute for Zorig Chusum, which teaches Bhutan's traditional arts and crafts, is also worth a stop.
When is the best time to visit Thimphu?
Spring, from March to May, and autumn, from September to November, have the clearest skies and pleasant temperatures. The Thimphu Tshechu festival, held in autumn, is one of the most popular. Winter is cold but clear, and summer brings monsoon rain.
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