Thimphu, Bhutan: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2024]

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Ready to pack for Thimphu, Bhutan? If you're planning to go to Thimphu, I have some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.

Contents

When to go to Thimphu, Bhutan

Based on the climate and weather in Thimphu, Bhutan, the best time to go is July. See below for details.

What to wear/what to pack for Thimphu, Bhutan

Already know when you're traveling?

Here are some general tips on what to wear in Thimphu, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.

What to wear/what to pack for Thimphu, Bhutan by month

January

January in Thimphu is cool. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the low 30s F (single digits below 0 C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Bhutan has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Thimphu. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing luggage these days, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Travel pillow

    A great choice is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, D and G. Be sure to get the necessary kind. The vast majority of adapters currently available are simply plug changers and expect your devices to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should be appropriate for most places.

If you go to Botanical Gardens, you'll probably do a lot of walking. These are a must:

February

February in Thimphu is relatively cool. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the low 30s F (single digits C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Bhutan has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing things nowadays, an AirTag can locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Thimphu. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge penalties for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Travel neck pillow

    Our favorite is this one

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, D and G. Make sure to choose the necessary type. Most adapters for sale now are simply plugs and require your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get fried. This one works in most countries.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

If you go to Botanical Gardens, you'll probably do a lot of walking. These are a must:

March

March in Thimphu can be chilly. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the low 30s F (single digits C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Bhutan has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Thimphu. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, D and G. Ensure that you choose the correct kind. Most adapters on sale are simply plugs and require your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should work in most locations.

  • Travel neck support pillow

    Our fave is this one

If you go to Botanical Gardens, you'll probably do a lot of walking. These are a must:

April

Traveling to Thimphu in April, you will notice that it is balmy. Daytime temperatures are in the high 60s F (low 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Bhutan has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Thimphu. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing luggage recently, an AirTag can locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, D and G. Make sure to choose the right kind. The vast majority of adapters for sale now are simply plug changers and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one is sufficent for most places.

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge amounts for overweight luggage. Save money with this

If you go to Botanical Gardens, you'll probably do a lot of walking. These are a must:

May

May in this region is mild. Temperatures average in the low 60s F (low 20s C) during the day.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Bhutan has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Thimphu. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing things these days, an AirTag can locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive amounts for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Travel pillow

    A great choice is this one

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, D and G. Be sure to choose the necessary type. Most adapters currently sold are just plug changers and expect your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could burn up. This one should be appropriate for most countries.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

If you go to Botanical Gardens, you'll probably do a lot of walking. These are a must:

June

If you go to Thimphu in June, you will notice that it is mild. Daytime temperatures are in the low 70s F (low 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Bhutan has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Thimphu. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing things recently, an AirTag can find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Travel pillow

    Our favorite is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, D and G. Make sure to pick the correct type. A lot of adapters on sale are simply plug changers and expect your devices to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should work in most places.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

If you go to Botanical Gardens, you'll probably do a lot of walking. These are a must:

July

July here is warm. Temperatures average in the high 70s F (mid 20s C) during the day.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Bhutan has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing luggage recently, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Thimphu. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large penalties for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, D and G. Take care to choose the right type. The vast majority of adapters available online are simply plug changers and require your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should be sufficient for most countries.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck pillow

    An excellent option is this one

If you go to Botanical Gardens, you'll probably do a lot of walking. These are a must:

August

August here is a perfect temperature. Temperatures average in the 70s F (mid 20s C) during the day.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Bhutan has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Thimphu. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, D and G. Ensure that you choose the correct kind. Many adapters for sale now are just plug changers and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get destroyed. This one works in most countries.

  • Travel neck support pillow

    What we like is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

If you go to Botanical Gardens, you'll probably do a lot of walking. These are a must:

September

September here is balmy. Temperatures average in the low 70s F (low 20s C) during the day.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Bhutan has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Thimphu. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel pillow

    What we like is this one

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, D and G. Be careful to choose the right type. The vast majority of adapters that you can buy are just plugs and expect your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get fried. This one works in most countries.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive amounts for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

If you go to Botanical Gardens, you'll probably do a lot of walking. These are a must:

October

If you vacation in Thimphu during October, you might notice that it is mild. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 70s F (low 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 50s F (low 10s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Bhutan has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing things recently, an AirTag can find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Thimphu. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Travel neck support pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, D and G. Make sure to pick the right kind. The majority of adapters available online are just plugs and require your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get destroyed. This one is sufficent for most places.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

If you go to Botanical Gardens, you'll probably do a lot of walking. These are a must:

November

November in Thimphu is mild. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the 40s F (single digits C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Bhutan has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Thimphu. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing luggage recently, an AirTag can find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Travel pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, D and G. Make sure to find the correct kind. A lot of adapters available are just plug changers and require your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should work in most locations.

If you go to Botanical Gardens, you'll probably do a lot of walking. These are a must:

December

If you are traveling to Thimphu in December, you will notice that it is crisp. Daytime temperatures are in the 60s F (high 10s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Bhutan has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing things nowadays, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Thimphu. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, D and G. Make sure to find the necessary type. Most adapters currently being sold are simply plug changers and require your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get fried. This one should be sufficient for most countries.

  • Travel neck pillow

    A good option is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

If you go to Botanical Gardens, you'll probably do a lot of walking. These are a must:

What to do in Thimphu, Bhutan

Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan, is a charming and culturally rich destination for tourists who seek adventure, history, and spirituality. Known for its impressive dzongs, striking architecture, and beautiful natural landscapes, Thimphu attracts visitors from all corners of the world. If you’re planning to visit the city, be sure to put these top tourist attractions on your itinerary:

1. Tashichho Dzong: This impressive fortress-monastery is one of the most important landmarks in Thimphu. Built in the 17th century, Tashichho Dzong serves as the seat of the Bhutanese government and houses several important religious and administrative offices. Its stunning architecture, intricate woodwork, and beautiful courtyards make it a must-see attraction for any visitor to Thimphu.

2. National Memorial Chorten: The National Memorial Chorten is a large white stupa that was built in honor of Bhutan's third king, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. Surrounded by serene gardens and prayer wheels, the chorten is a popular spot for locals and visitors alike to come and offer prayers, meditate, and take in the serene atmosphere.

3. Buddha Dordenma: The massive statue of Buddha Dordenma is one of the most iconic landmarks in Thimphu. Standing at a height of 169 feet, the bronze statue is visible from almost anywhere in the city. Visitors can climb up to the statue and marvel at the intricate details and stunning views of the city below.

4. Changangkha Lhakhang: This ancient temple, built in the 12th century, is perched on a ridge overlooking Thimphu. It is the oldest temple in the city and a popular destination for tourists and locals alike. Visitors can admire the beautiful architecture and stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valley.

5. Motithang Takin Preserve: The Takin, the national animal of Bhutan, can only be found in the wild in a few select locations. The Motithang Takin Preserve is one of those locations and is home to a small herd of these unique animals. Visitors can roam the preserve, take photos, and learn more about Bhutan's fascinating wildlife.

6. Folk Heritage Museum: This museum is a great place to learn about Bhutan's history, culture, and traditions. Visitors can explore the traditional Bhutanese homes and take part in workshops on Bhutanese textile weaving, pottery-making and other handicrafts.

Thimphu is a unique destination, rich in history, culture, and natural beauty. Whether you choose to explore the city's historic landmarks or partake in its spiritual practices, Thimphu is sure to leave a lasting impression on any visitor. With so many wonderful attractions to choose from, Thimphu is one of the best places to visit in Bhutan.

About your travel guide

Hi! I'm Dev. I've traveled all over the world and in my travels, I have made many packing lists. In this series, my team and I have compiled the most useful information, as well as things we couldn't live without, to help you plan your trip.

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