What to do in Thimphu

visit the Buddha Dordenma. This gigantic Shakyamuni Buddha statue is filled with over 100,000 smaller Buddha statues, each like the Buddha Dordenma itself, made of bronze and gilded in gold. At a height of 51.5 m (169 ft), it is one of the tallest Buddha statues in the world. The statue fulfils an ancient prophecy dating back to the 8th century CE, discovered by Terton Pema Lingpa, the Religious Treasure Discoverer of the time. It is said to bring peace and happiness to the entire world.

Enjoy a short hike to Tango Goempa Monastery, initially built in the 13th century, and perfected by the 4th temporal ruler in 1688. Tango literally translates to ‘horse head’ in honour of the main idol, Hayagriva, consecrated in the Monastery. Legend states that a lama heard the echo of a horse neigh in the direction of the cliffs, only for the crags to take the form of the god Tandin, consumed by flames. It was prophesised that a monastery and temple would be built on the site and dedicated to meditation and prayer. Walk through an iridescent violet and crimson rhododendron woodland for about an hour to the Monastery. Revealing a rich history with saints once meditating within its walls during times of war, today the Monastery serves as a Buddhist university with nearly 300 monk scholars in residence. Walk around the Drolay loop, pass by Drolay Goemba meditation centre and end with unparalleled views of the Cheri Monastery, surrounding mountain ranges and the city of Thimphu, meaning ‘the meadow of pearls’, before enjoying a picnic in the Jigme Dorji National Park.

Immerse yourself in a sensory experience at the Thimphu farmers market, on the western bank of the Wang Chu River. Drawing in Thimphu’s residents, the market comes alive with colourful stalls brimming with local and imported goods, friendly locals eager to chat and vendors happy to stuff your bags with arts, crafts and delicious food products. On the upper level of the market, relish contemporary and traditional Bhutanese dishes, infused with spices and savoury herbs that waft throughout the market. The lower levels are a feast of international dishes sure to awaken a taste sensation. Watch crimson clad monks browsing through glimmering brass cymbals and trumpets as you peruse antique brass, woven textiles, incense, fruit, vegetables, clothing, handicrafts and jewellery. Keep your camera handy for excellent photographic opportunities.

Dochu La is an incredible Bhutanese mountain pass peaking at 3 140 m (10 301 ft) above sea level. Boasting exceptional views of the snow-capped eastern Himalaya on clear days, the pass links the capital city of Thimphu and Punakha. Stop to see the Druk Wangyal Chortens, where 108 memorial stupas and chortens stand in honour of Bhutanese soldiers slain in the insurgency against Bodo militants from India. The Queen Mother, Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck, commissioned the shrine in 2003 after King Jigme Singye Wangchuck overcame the insurgents. From here you can opt to hike through beautiful forests down to the Lampelri Botanical Garden or for something more strenuous, hike up to the Lungchutse Temple through thick woodlands of broad hemlock trees. At the foot of the temple lies a rich bamboo underbrush and dense juniper shrubs flourishing against a backdrop of the Himalaya. One of Bhutan’s highest peaks, Gangkhar Puensum, and the world’s highest unclimbed mountain, can also be seen from here. Alternatively view the nearby monastery, Druk Wangyal Lhakhang, built in reverence of the king.

After exploring around beautiful valley, walk down to Jimi chu and climb up to Janey Tsho where we camp at scenic spot surrounded by dwarf rhododendron trees.

Phajoding Monastery was founded in the 13th century by Phajo Drugom Zhigpo. It is a 3 hours hike from the nearest road and is located above Bhutan’s capital Thimphu. The Tibetan lama who spread the Drukpa Kagyu teachings of Buddhism in Bhutan known as the ‘current of compassion’. It is one of the most sacred meditation sites in Bhutan.