What is the capital of Bhutan?

The capital of Bhutan is Thimphu. It is Bhutan’s largest city and the country’s political, administrative, and economic center.

Thimphu sits in a valley along the Wang Chhu River in western-central Bhutan. The city replaced Punakha as the national capital in 1955 and was officially declared the capital in 1961 by King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. Its government buildings, monasteries, traditional dzongs, and royal institutions reflect Bhutan’s effort to modernize while preserving its distinctive culture.

Thimphu is often remembered for its high elevation and unusual urban character. It is among the world’s highest national capitals, and it famously has no conventional traffic-light network; traffic police traditionally direct vehicles at busy intersections. Visitors sometimes confuse Thimphu with Paro, the town served by Bhutan’s international airport. Paro is the gateway most travelers use, but Thimphu—not Paro—is the capital. The city also hosts Tashichho Dzong, a major center of Bhutanese government and monastic life.