Weekend Market, <em>Thimphu City</em>
Thimphu City

Weekend Market, Thimphu City

About Weekend Market

Held from Friday to Sunday along the banks of the Wang Chhu River, it attracts farmers, artisans, and traders from across Bhutan. The market is divided into sections, from fresh organic produce and aromatic spices to traditional handicrafts, handwoven textiles, and religious artefacts.

You can explore stalls filled with dried chillies, yak cheese, and Bhutanese red rice. You can sample Bhutanese street food, including momos, Ema Datshi, and butter tea while engaging with friendly locals. The market also serves as a social gathering place where Bhutanese people shop, barter, and share stories. 

The vibrant atmosphere, filled with the scent of incense, the chatter of vendors, and the rhythm of traditional music, makes it a must-visit destination. Whether you are looking for souvenirs or simply immersing yourself in Bhutanese culture, the Thimphu Weekend Market offers a truly enriching experience.

Day Wise Timings

Burj Khalifa opening hours through the week.

Open 3 days a week
Free entry
MondayClosed
TuesdayClosed
WednesdayClosed
ThursdayClosed
Friday07:00 – 20:00
Saturday07:00 – 20:00
Sunday07:00 – 20:00
Hours are seasonal — confirm your date at checkout. Special events may extend closing time.

Weekend Market Highlights

• Visit the famous Thimphu Weekend Market, a bustling hub of culture, flavours, and traditions, and have an authentic glimpse into Bhutanese life.
• Discover Bhutanese artistry in handwoven fabrics, wooden carvings, and intricate Thangka paintings while exploring colourful stalls in the market.
• Get a chance to buy fresh, locally grown vegetables, exotic spices, and aromatic dried chillies and get insight into Bhutan’s rich culinary heritage.
• Learn about traditions, beliefs, and sustainable way of life as you engage with Bhutanese farmers, artisans, and monks.
• Enjoy the vibrant, community-driven ambience with lively bartering, colourful stalls, and the rhythmic sounds of traditional Bhutanese music.

How To Reach Weekend Market

Here is the important information that tells you how you can reach the Weekend Market from the nearest airport i.e. Paro International Airport.

By Bus - From the airport, there is constant bus service which takes you to Thimphu from Paro. It takes about 2 - 2.5 hours to reach from the airport to Thimphu via bus route.

By Rail - There is no facility for the travellers to access railways in Bhutan.

By Road - From the Paro International Airport, you will get a lot of private cab and taxi services. Get hold of one of them and you'll reach Thimphu more comfortably. It takes 1 hour and 30 minutes to reach the Weekend Market by cab from the airport.

Best Time To Visit Weekend Market

Here are some important information regarding the best time to visit the Weekend Market -

March to May - This is one of the best times to visit the Weekend Market. It is ideally the spring season here and you will experience soothing and comfortable weather. You will be able to experience the true aura of the Weekend Market during this time of the year. With comfortable temperatures throughout the day, roaming around the market won't be a problem.

June to August - This period of the year is the onset of the summer season in Thimphu. But we do not suggest you travel to the Weekend Market during this time because the place experiences mild to heavy showers on many of the days throughout the week. That is why you will not be able to explore the market properly.

September to November - Another brilliant time of the year when you can visit the Weekend Market is during the months from September to November. This is the time when you will experience the autumn season around this place. With clear skies all over and comfortable weather, you will have a fun time exploring the market and shop for your favorite goods.

December to February - Not the ideal time to visit the Weekend Market because of the severe winter season. Most regions become inaccessible and that is why the market is not buzzing with too many items and products. It remains empty most of the days.

Weekend Market Essential Information

Here are some quick and useful information about the Weekend Market in Thimphu -

Location - Chhogyel Lam, Kurdey Lam Street, Thimphu, beside Thimphu Chu River.

Opening Hours - Friday to Sunday, from 7 am to 8 pm.

Distance from Nearest Airport - the Paro International Airport is the nearest airport to the market and it takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes to reach the market from the airport via car. The total distance is about 48 kms.

What To Shop At Weekend Market?


1. The Weekend Market in Thimphu is a great place to get your hands on almost everything. Here are the best items you need to buy here - 

2. You need to buy spices from Bhutan for sure. The locals bring in a wide range of Bhutanese spices which are absolutely fresh and organic. Some of them are really expensive because of their rarity. Chilli powder, tea leaves, noodles, etc. are always available in this market.

3. Buy Buddhist statues and souvenirs from the market. There will be several shops selling different sized statues of Buddha and other Buddhist elements. Buy them at a cheap rate and bring them back home.

4. Local paintings or Thangkas are really sacred amongst the people in Bhutan. These beautifully crafted paintings are of great importance and value. They are easily identified because these come in rolled containers and are drawn over traditional silk or cloth appliques.

5. Wooden products are also a great buy for the tourists who visit this market. One of the most popular items is the Dappa which is a wooden bowl. Other beautiful items include tables, partitions, jewellery boxes, and full-sized wooden sculptures.

Where To Eat At Weekend Market?


Feeling hungry? Then head here to have a meal - 

1. Seasons Restaurant is a popular eatery in this area and they offer a wide range of confectionery and traditional Bhutanese cuisine dishes which are really delicious.

2. Visit the Ambient Cafe if you are up for some tasty coffee. There is also a wide range of food options on the menu, starting from sandwiches to pancakes and much more.

3. Don't forget to try out the local cuisines from the food stalls in the weekend market. Chicken, yak meat, dried beef, pork, pork fat, and lamb soup are some of the must-try food items in the market.

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Point of Interest for Weekend Market

Discover Local Handicrafts & Textiles

Discover Local Handicrafts & Textiles

Discover Bhutanese craftsmanship in stalls filled with handwoven fabrics, wooden masks, and intricate Thangka paintings. Artisans showcase their skills, offering authentic souvenirs like yak wool scarves and traditional jewellery. Each item reflects Bhutan’s rich culture, making this section a must-visit for unique keepsakes and cultural appreciation.

Explore Fresh Organic Produce & Spices

Explore Fresh Organic Produce & Spices

Farmers from across Bhutan gather to sell fresh organic vegetables, fruits, and aromatic spices like Sichuan pepper and dried chillies. You can purchase locally grown red rice, a Bhutanese staple while exploring the market. The colourful display of produce, combined with the earthy scents. It offers a sensory experience that highlights Bhutan’s deep connection with nature and sustainable farming practices.

Traditional Bhutanese Street Food

Traditional Bhutanese Street Food

Food stalls serve delicious local specialities, including steaming momos, Ema Datshi (chilli cheese), and butter tea. Vendors prepare fresh, authentic dishes that provide a taste of Bhutan’s culinary traditions. The lively food section is perfect for trying unique flavours and experiencing Bhutanese hospitality firsthand.

Weekend Market FAQs

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