Senior travel: Thimphu
An easier pace for an older traveller: how many stops fit in a day, which places are step-free, and what the guide says about getting around, medicines and stairs.
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Pace for a day
About 2 stops a day. 5 h out − 45 min rest, divided by an average visit of 57 min (from this city’s guide) + 30 min to move.
Places, easiest access first
- Buddha DordenmaStep-free: partial (check before you go) · about 60 minA flight of stairs from the car park to the plaza; a few steps at the hall.
- Memorial ChortenStep-free: partial (check before you go) · about 60 minA few low steps to the shrine door; the circuit and the park are flat and paved.
- National Textile MuseumStep-free: partial (check before you go) · about 60 minStairs between galleries; the ground floor is level after the entrance ramp.
- Trashi Chhoe DzongStep-free: partial (check before you go) · about 60 minStone forecourt, wooden steps and thresholds inside; several level changes between courtyards.
- Changangkha LhakhangStep-free: no (check before you go) · about 40 minA short slope, uneven stone and steps at the doors.
- Folk Heritage MuseumStep-free: no (check before you go) · about 60 minSteep wooden ladder-stairs between floors; uneven stone in the courtyard.
Getting around in Thimphu
Thimphu is hard for wheels and for anyone unsteady on steps: dzongs, temples and museums have steps, high thresholds and few lifts. The centre and the chorten circuit are flat and workable with help.
- Pavements:
- Uneven and narrow in places; flat in the Norzin Lam grid.
- Getting around:
- Operator cars and taxis are the step-free way; most cars are small (ask for a van if you carry a folding wheelchair).
- Accommodation:
- Ask specifically about step-free rooms and lifts: many hotels are low-rise with steps at the entrance.
- Toilets:
- Available at hotels, cafés and museums; accessible toilets are rare (check).
Medicines and health on the ground
The Bhutan guide lists no medicine paperwork. Check the official customs page for your medicines.
- Altitude:
- Thimphu is about 2,300 m: rest on the first afternoon, drink water, avoid heavy alcohol on the first night and ask your doctor about altitude tablets if you are prone to sickness.
- Food and water:
- Bottled or boiled water only; eat hot, freshly cooked food; chilli can upset a sensitive stomach.
- Vaccinations:
- Routine vaccinations and often hepatitis A and typhoid are advised; check with a travel clinic several weeks before you go.
- Cold and sun:
- Layers and a warm jacket; strong sun at altitude: hat and sunscreen.
- Insurance:
- Take travel insurance with medical evacuation cover; the main hospital is in Thimphu and serious cases go abroad.
More: how much medicine to pack, medicine times across time zones.
Ask your insurer
Age limits and prices differ by policy and the guides do not hold them, so put these to the insurer before you buy.
- What is the oldest age the policy covers, at purchase and on the last day of the trip?
- Does the price or the cover change after a certain age?
- Are existing conditions covered, and what must be declared?
- Does the cover include medical evacuation and trip interruption?
Not medical advice. This page does not know anyone’s health. Ask a doctor before the trip, and carry a list of medicines and conditions.