Bhutan's laid-back capital isn't exactly short on charm, but tucked into the pine-covered hillside of Upper Motithang, this boutique newcomer adds something a little different to the Thimphu scene. With just 12 glass-fronted cottages scattered through the forest, each individually named and deliberately spaced for privacy, it's a genuine retreat — even though you're only ten minutes from the Memorial Chorten and the buzz of the town. The setting does most of the heavy lifting here: birdsong, mountain streams and views across the valley to rolling hills. Add genuinely warm Bhutanese hospitality, a spa steeped in local wellness traditions and food made with organic, locally sourced ingredients, and you've got a pretty compelling base for exploring Thimphu.
Waking up in your glass cottage to nothing but pine forest in every direction.
The Motithang Takin Preserve is a five-minute drive away — go early morning when the animals gather near the fence to feed. They're wonderfully odd.
The property is relatively new and still growing into itself, so don't expect big-brand polish. What you will get is genuine warmth and a cracking setting.
Start with a recommended trip or create one from scratch
Himalayan Keys Forest Resort can be booked with Timbuktu as part of a tailor-made Bhutan trip, rather than as a standalone room reservation. Start online, customising one of our recommended Bhutan trips featuring Himalayan Keys Forest Resort or get advice and suggestions from one of our Bhutan specialists who will design the trip around your dates, check availability and handle every booking for you.
A young capital city with a beating heart and a unique brew of modernity and tradition.
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