Tashichho Dzong
The impressive Tashichho Dzong is situated on the west bank of river Wang Chu in the capital Thimphu. This gigantic two-storied building with a three-storied tower has stood the trials of time, by not only sustaining damages caused by fire three times but also withstanding a severe earthquake. With beautiful landscapes to fill your eyes at every corner of this fortress, visit it during the night to gain a splendid view of the building bathed in lights.
Buddha Dordenma Statue
The huge 51m-tall steel statue of Buddha Dordenma commands the entry to the Thimphu valley. The massive three-storey base houses a large chapel, while the body itself is filled with 125,000 smaller statues of Buddha. The Buddha looks best in the morning light, or at night when it is illuminated.
Changangkha Lhakhang
This popular temple, perched like a fortress on a ridge above central Thimphu, hums with pilgrim activity. It was established in the 12th century. The interior murals are particularly fine. Give the resident astrologer your birth date and he will consult divination charts to decide which kind of protective prayer flags will benefit you (Nu 150 for the flags).
National Memorial Chorten
Revered as the ‘most visible religious landmark of Bhutan’, the Memorial Chorten is indeed a unique structure. Located in the heart of the city, the chorten is built in Tibetan style, with an out flaring structure giving it the shape of a vase. This stupa doesn’t house any human remains as most of the stupas do. Inside the stupa, a photo of Druk Gyalpo can be found. With impressive exterior and interior designs, this is a must visit place in Thimphu.
Jigme Dorji National park
The Jigme Dorji National Park is the second largest National Park of Bhutan. It is a unique place which brings together the four national representatives of Bhutan - The National Bird (raven), National Animal (Takin), National Flower (Blue Poppy) and National Tree (Cypress). Many glaciers and glacial lakes can be found within this enormous park as well, such as Thorthormi, Teri Kang, Luggye and so on.
Dochula Pass
Marked by an array of prayer flags & 108 chortens, “The Dochula pass” is at an altitude of 3,050 meters above sea-level and it is the first high pass in the western region which is 23 kilometers from Thimphu on the way to Punakha.On a clear day a panoramic view of the Bhutanese Himalayas can be seen from here.
National Textile Museum
Thimphu's best museum is part of the Royal Textile Academy and is the place to learn about Bhutan's living national art of thagzo (weaving). The ground floor focuses on royal ghos, including the wedding clothes worn by the fourth king and his four wives.
Cheri Goemba
An uphill hike of 45 minutes leads to Cheri Goemba, Bhutan's first monastery. Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal established the monastery in 1620 with the first monk body.
Weekend Market
Thimphu's 'Weekend Market' occupies the west bank of the Wang Chhu, just north of Changlimithang Stadium. Vendors from throughout the region start arriving on Thursday and remain until Sunday night.
National Institute for Zorig Chusum
This institute, commonly known as 'the painting school', operates four- to six-year courses that provide instruction in Bhutan's 13 traditional arts. Students specialise in painting (furniture, thangkas – painted religious pictures, usually on canvas), woodcarving (masks, statues, bowls), embroidery (hangings, boots, clothes) or statue-making (clay).
Clock Tower Square
It has a tower with four clock faces located in Thimphu. It is a famously known landmark in Thimphu. There are many shops, hotels and restaurants surrounding the square.