1. Shop from Centenary Farmer’s Weekend

Centenary Farmer’s Market is not just a market; it is an iconic place in the capital of Bhutan. Visiting the market is one of the best things to do in Thimphu. In 2008, HRH Ashi Dechen Yangzom Wangchuk revamped the old farmer’s market with tents and shacks and replaced it with a two-storey building and 400 stalls inside. On every weekend, locals from nearby cities and villages gather here to sell their fresh farm products to the residents and tourists of Thimphu. Crossing a small cantilevered bridge festooned with brightly colored prayer flags will take you to the handicraft stalls. This is one of the best places for trinket shopping in Thimphu. You can find small prayer wheels, Buddha statues, thangkas, masks, wooden and bamboo handicrafts and more. Shopping in this market on the weekends is an important activity of Thimphu nightlife.

2. Visit the historic sites of Thimphu

The capital city has its share of historic sites which must be a part of the itinerary of Thimphu-Bhutan points of interest. The Memorial Chorten in the city’s heart in memory of the Third Dragon King of Nepal, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, is a poignant mausoleum with mandala paintings, elaborate figurines and other Buddhist works of art. The Tashichho Dzong and its golden-red roofs are also a must-visit. This building houses the monk body, the throne, and offices of the king as well as other important government offices. Visit this after 5 pm to get a good glimpse of the garden and the gallery.

3. Witness archery matches

It is certainly a unique thing to do in Thimphu Bhutan to witness archery matches at the Changlimithang Archery Ground. Thimphu is famous for archery, and it is also the national sport of the country. In other villages of Bhutan, matches between two locals are held in open places. But in the capital, there are serious tournaments in the stadium many times during the year. The traditional bamboo bows are replaced with carbon ones for better precision. More than the match itself, the verbal combat between the cheerers and supporters of the two teams, and their impromptu breaking into song and dance whenever their team scores, is an extremely fun thing to witness.

4. Hike to the caves and chortens of Dochula Pass

Dochula Pass in itself is a secret gem of a destination in Thimphu. If you have a free day and are wondering what to do in Thimphu, hire a cab or go for hiking up Dochula Pass. It is perched atop an altitude of 10,200 feet and falls right in between Thimphu and the former capital Punakha. The pass is mostly known for the 108 Druk Wangyal Chortens that adorns it. Chortens are mausoleums of Buddhist sages and saints, and circumambulation of them earns blessings for the person. However, even more fascinating are the small sanctuaries for meditation tucked within the forest in the hills just above the pass. They are small caverns built from stone, painted in bright colors and Buddhist symbols like Druk – the dragon – the logo of Bhutan right at its top.

5. Collect some stamps

Thimphu is heaven for not only nature and history lover but a philatelist as well. A philatelist is a person who collects and/or studies about postage stamps. The philately counter at the National Post Office at Chang Lam is a great Thimphu point of interest. It has a mind-blowing collection of stamps from different era and sizes. There are even 3D stamps and personalized stamp-making facilities. Whether or not you are a philatelist, an original Bhutanese stamp will surely be a great souvenir to take back as a memory.