Above the Thimphu–Paro road at Serbithang, the Royal Botanical Garden is a little untidy but there are rock sculptures, water features, ornamental beds, greenhouses of tropical plants from southern Bhutan and good views across the valley and north to the Buddha Dordenma. It's a favourite weekend picnic spot for Thimphu residents.
Royal Botanical Garden
Thimphu
Lonely Planet's must-see attractions
16.86 MILES
Punakha Dzong is arguably the most beautiful dzong in the country, especially in spring when the lilac-coloured jacaranda trees bring a lush sensuality to…
4.53 MILES
This splendid dzong, north of the city on the west bank of the Wang Chhu, dominates the valley, looking out over a cascade of terraced fields. It's…
18.3 MILES
The 'Tiger's Nest Monastery' is one of the Himalaya's most incredible sights, miraculously perched on the side of a sheer cliff 900m above the floor of…
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17.01 MILES
Kyichu Lhakhang is one of Bhutan's oldest and most beautiful temples. The main chapel has roots as far back as the 7th century, with additional buildings…
3.58 MILES
This traditional Bhutanese temple perched like a fortress on a ridge above central Thimphu hums with pilgrim activity. It was established in the 12th…
3.78 MILES
Thimphu's best museum is part of the Royal Textile Academy. It features a stunning display of ancient and modern textiles, and explores the rich…
14.04 MILES
Paro Dzong ranks as a high point of Bhutanese architecture. The massive buttressed walls that tower over the town are visible throughout the valley,…
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1.39 MILES
About 5km south of Thimphu on the old road to Paro and Phuentsholing, the handsomely proportioned Simtokha Dzong was built in 1629 by Zhabdrung Ngawang…
Nearby Thimphu attractions
1.3 MILES
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 full of…
1.39 MILES
About 5km south of Thimphu on the old road to Paro and Phuentsholing, the handsomely proportioned Simtokha Dzong was built in 1629 by Zhabdrung Ngawang…
1.71 MILES
Poised high above Simtokha Dzong at 3080m, this 15th-century goemba offers spectacular views over the peaks to the north and south of the capital and…
2.94 MILES
This large chorten is one of the most visible landmarks in Thimphu, and for many Bhutanese it is the focus of daily worship. The Tibetan-style stupa was…
2.97 MILES
This government workshop, behind Thimphu's long-distance bus station, is a good place to see metalworkers producing repoussé work (with designs hammered…
6. Changlimithang Archery Ground
3.05 MILES
Most days of the week you'll find arrows flying at the city's most important archery ground, just down from Changlimithang Stadium. Teams compete to hit…
3.15 MILES
This riverside park is a popular hang-out for local youths, with a large golden Standing Buddha statue, and views up and down the Wang Chhu.
3.18 MILES
The national stadium occupies the site of the 1885 battle that helped establish the political supremacy of Ugyen Wangchuck, Bhutan's first king. There are…