Dochu La is a beautiful mountain pass (alt 3,140 m) with fluttering prayer flags and a spectacular set of 108 miniature chortens (stupas) called the Druk Wangyel Chortens. On a clear day, you will get awe-inspiring glimpses of the towering Himalayan peaks around.

This Monastery was renovated by Her Majesty The Queen Mother Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck sometime in 2010. It is a beautiful 2.5 hours (3.5 km) uphill hike from Dochula pass. This hike is beautiful especially in Spring with rhododendrons and other flowers blooming.

The park which is spread over an area of 125 acres features a rhododendron garden, a children’s play ground and an information center for visitors. Around 300 different plant species can be found in the park. The Rhododendron festival which happens every Spring showcases different species that are in full bloom, exhibition, local cuisines, arts and crafts, cultural programs and entertainment for children.

Take the beautiful drive up to Buddha Point. Buddha Point has the largest statue of Buddha Dordenma in the whole kingdom. You can get a very good view of Thimphu valley from here. There are also several hiking trails in the area.

The Centennial Park beside the Wangchu River has a huge statue of Walking Buddha and a play ground for children. It is nice to take a stroll along the footpath right beside the river in the evenings.

Built in the 13th century by Lam Phajom Drugom Zhigpo, Changangkha Lhakhang is one of the oldest temples in Thimphu. The temple is considered to be the spiritual home of all children born in the Chang valley.

Enjoy a 50 minute hike to Cheri Monastery. The trail starts by crossing a lovely wooden bridge (Cheri Zam) that spans the Wangchu River, one of the last remaining traditional suspension bridges in the Himalayas. The monastery was established by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel in the 17th century.

You can see various levels of students learning wood-carving, sewing, painting, drawing, embroidery etc. at the Institute. The concentration and skill of the students is fascinating. You can have firsthand experience on how the students are grossly involved in their own field of work with teachers guiding them.  You can also have a painting session for about an hour by paying an extra fee.

Visit the Dechenphodrang monastic school located to the north of the city. It became a monastic school in 1971 and currently has over 400 student monks enrolled in eight-year courses. The monastery contains a number of important historical Bhutanese artifacts including the 12^th century paintings monitored by UNESCO and a noted statue of Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal.

Built in 2001, the Folk Heritage Museum gives a glimpse of how life was lived in a Bhutanese village a hundred years ago.

The thangka paintings do not talk about the abstract ideas but rather the values and beliefs that dictate our lives. They interpret religious history, beliefs, values and our tradition and culture. They have their own professional painters who have done their six years diploma in painting from the Institute of Zorig Chusum or Thirteen Arts and Crafts.

Commonly known as the Painting School, the Institute offers a glimpse of novices learning 13 traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan.  It is a hands-on trip for you. Enjoy few moments with the future artists of the country at the Painting School.

The Ludrong Memorial Garden is a gift from Her Majesty the Royal Grandmother to the people of Bhutan. It was inaugurated on 21st May, 2015 by His Majesty the Fourth King of Bhutan. the Memorial Garden stands between the 15th century Tashichhodzong and the country’s present day Parliament house, with the Wangchu (river) drawing a fine line between these two monumental giants.

The National Library was established in the late 1960s primarily to conserve the literary treasures which form a significant part of Bhutan’s cultural heritage. It now houses an extensive collection of Buddhist literature mostly in block-printed format, with some works that are several hundred years old. On display is also the world’s biggest book (which was on Bhutan).

It was built in 1974 in memory of the late Third Druk Gyalpo (King) of Bhutan. At the chorten, you will find an extraordinary depiction of Buddhist teachings in the form of paintings and sculptures.

It offers an in-depth look into the Bhutanese art form of weaving. You can see examples of weaving techniques from different areas of Bhutan, as well as styles of local dress and textiles made by local people. A small group of weavers usually work their looms inside the shop giving you the chance to see weaving firsthand.

At the paper factory, you can watch the workers make traditional paper from the daphne plant. Traditional Bhutanese paper (called ‘Desho’) is said to last longer than regular paper.

The Phajoding Goemba (3,640m) consists of 10 lhakhangs and 15 monastic residences, many of which are used for extended meditation retreats. It is a 3-4 hour hike uphill hike from Motithang, Thimphu. One can get a beautiful view of Thimphu valley from there.

It was inaugurated on 7 November 2015. It tells the story of Bhutan’s progress and development through the evolution of communications and postal system in the country. The story is told through anecdotes, artifacts and the rich assortment of stamps the country has produced over the years. You can make personalized stamps with your photos at the post office.

It is the first dzong built by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel in 1629. There are over 300 finely worked slate carvings behind the prayer wheels in the courtyard of the dzong. There is a believe that it provided protection against a demon which had disappeared into a rock close to the site.

The best place for photographers is perhaps a visit to the Sangaygang hill or the BBS tower. A short drive from the town, the hill provides visitors with an opportunity to pause and reflect in the hustle-bustle of a busy city-life. You can also have a panoramic view of the valley. On the way back you can visit the small sanctuary dedicated to the Takin, the national animal of Bhutan.

It is an interactive ‘living’ museum developed for and by the youth of Bhutan through the Bhutan Youth Development Fund. One gets a glimpse of how people in Bhutan lived in the early days and also a chance to try out archery.

It was built in the 13^th century. From the base point at Dodena, it’s an enjoyable one hour walk uphill to Tango. Visit the monastery and attend a special prayer ceremony at the monastery. Tango is presently the residence of the 7th reincarnate of the 4th Desi (Temporal ruler) of Bhutan, Gyalse Tenzin Rabgye.

Tashichhodzong means ‘the fortress of the glorious religion.’ It is a majestic fortress in all its grandeur and serves as the seat of Bhutan’s government. The Dzong houses the secretariat, the throne room, the offices of His Majesty the King and the ministries of home affairs and finance. The fortress was initially erected in 1641 and later rebuilt in the 1960s by the third king, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck.

Take this gentle hike from the BBS tower to Wangditse Monastery. The hike offers great views of the Tashichho Dzong, the Parliament building and upper Thimphu Valley. Continue your hike towards Dechenphodrang Monastic school. Visit the Monastic school and interact with the little monks.

Most of the Thimphu’s population and many valley dwellers converge on the bustling weekend market, held by the side of Wang chu (Thimphu river).  A wide range of food and local arts and crafts are sold at the market, which runs from Thursday till Sunday evening.  A visit to the market provides great photo opportunities, as well as the chance to mingle with local people and to buy souvenirs.