Travelling solo is sometimes fun if you are going to the right place with an open mind and an explorer’s soul. My thirst for such an adventure took me to Thimphu, the capital of the Kingdom of Bhutan. 

If travelling by road from Sikkim, as I did, Phuentsholing is the first stop. It is about 7.5 hours give or take from Gangtok or Siliguri, West Bengal. You can also enter Bhutan through the border town of Samdrup Jonkhar, which is about a 2.5 hours drive from Guwahati (Assam); your immigration happens at either of these places. For Indians and citizens of SAARC countries, you need a permit, while for other nationals, a visa is required. If travelling solo, you will need an additional letter of undertaking to be addressed to the Director of Immigration there. 

 Thimphu, the capital of this bountiful nation, is about 2.5 hours drive from Phuentsholing. The weather is very pleasant here, and you can also find snow for a few days during peak winter.

Here are my top 5 things to do in Thimphu other than the regular sightseeing that everybody talks about:

1.  Take a walk around Clock Tower Square

This is the main town square and is dotted with an array of shops catering to different needs: from clothes to knick-knacks, essentials to antiques. You name it and you will find it. NOTE: If you are looking to buy the Bhutanese national dress ‘kira’ (for women) and ‘Gho’, you will find better bargains close to Century Market or even better at Phuentsholing/Jaigaon.

2.  Saunter through Crafts Bazaar 

Situated right next to the Indian Embassy and the local Immigration office below Norzin Lam, is an alley decked with a single row of 70-80 bamboo huts. Taking a walk through it will open you up to the world of traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan such as thangka paintings (Buddhist paintings on silk with appliqué) to Chubus (silk lanterns) that adorn monasteries across the nation. You may even catch a glimpse of an artisan at work. Ms. Sonam Lhamu’s shop (No. 13) has an eclectic mix of crafts, textiles, and interesting traditional musical instruments such as Drangyen (a Bhutanese lute) and Nga (drums used during traditional occasions). There is also a wide assortment of souvenirs that you can pick from all along the crafts market.

3.  Spend time at Centenary Market 

The old Thimphu Market was renovated in 2008 and renamed as Centenary Market. It is a two-story complex with close to 400 stalls selling fresh fruits, vegetables, meat, fish, and other products from all regions of Bhutan. It is a 20-minute walk from the town square or a 5-minute drive from the same. Some interesting ingredients you can procure here are local cheese (datshi), wild honey, seasonal produce, Japanese rice, dried fish and meats, sausages, and even edible dried yak skin! The market is open on all days except Mondays. 

4.  Sample authentic local foods 

There are many establishments all through Thimphu that offer authentic Bhutanese meals. Whether vegetarian or non-vegetarian, there is a wonderful array of dishes to try from like the ubiquitous ‘datshi’ which comes in many forms (ema- chilli, kewa- potato, saag – ferns, shamu-mushroom, and also non-vegetarian versions of the same) served with red rice and asparagus and other seasonal vegetables and meat preparations. There are many small eating joints that offer hearty meals at very affordable prices. On the pricier side, City Hotel has a luxurious setting for a great meal with the family and is close to Centenary Market.

5.  Try your hands at archery; even buy a real bow! 

Similar to Sikkim, Bhutan also has archery as its national game. You can learn, observe, and even buy real bows and arrows from Bhutan. They come in an easy to carry zip bag and can be bought and carried in flight too. Now that’s a souvenir worth carrying to remember your trip to Bhutan by!

Read: Entry formalities to Bhutan and various Himalayan states