Activities/Experiences

Khang residency is located close to Sangay Gang where many of the local residents go to exercise, jog, and bike or just enjoy a leisurely walk. Although there is a road that winds up the hill, there are also many short cuts used by diehard walkers and joggers. There are also many monasteries close to Sangay Gang that offer destinations for short day hikes.

Changangkha Monastery

Khang Residency is blessed by one of the most revered and oldest Buddhist monasteries overlooking the hotel.

Perched on a ridge, the revered Changangkha Lhakhang is the oldest monastery in Thimphu. The fortress-like temple was built by Lama Phajo Drukgom Shigpo who came to Bhutan from Ralung in Tibet in the 12th century. The monastery houses a huge statue of Chenrizig (an 11-headed, thousand-armed manifestation of Avolokitesawara). Other relics in the monastery include a set of Buddhist prayer books that are larger than the usual Buddhist texts.

Local residents visit the monastery as early as dawn to perform their Kora (pilgrim path). Parents traditionally come here to get auspicious names for their newborn or blessings for their young children from the protector deity Tamdrin.

Motithang Takin Preserve

The Motithang Takin Preserve is a short drive from Khang Residency.

The Takin, Bhutan’s national animal is an unusual looking mammal, listed by scientists as an endangered goat-antelope species.The story of the Takin is associated with Lama Drukpa Kuenley (1455 – 1529), the Divine Madman and Bhutan’s favorite Saint, who is known for his outrageous antics. One day Drukpa Kuenly’s devotees asked him to perform a miracle. The saint, in his usual unorthodox and outrageous way, demanded that he first be served a whole cow and a goat for lunch. Having devoured both and leaving only the bones, he stuck the goat’s head to the bones of the cow.To everyone’s amazement, upon a command from Lama Drukpa Kuenley, the animal came to life, rose and ran into the meadow to graze. The animal came to be known as “Dong Gyem Tsey” and can be seen grazing in the mountain meadows of the Kingdom.

Hiking

Should you want to get out of the city, there are many opportunities around Thimphu for short walks.

The Thimphu valley is surrounded by monasteries and lookouts points which are good destinations for day hikes. Listed below are some of the short hikes around Thimphu.

  1. Tango Goemba
  2. Cheri Goemba
  3. Wangditse Goemba
  4. Phajoding Goemba
  5. Talakha Goemba
  6. Lungchuzekha Goemba
  7. Thadranang Goemba
  8. Trashigang Goemba

For more details on these day hikes, visit www.bhutan-trails.or/index.html

Trekking

Bhutan attracts mountain-lovers and adventurers from all over the world. The amazing Himalaya’s provide a spectacular setting for long and short treks.

It is possible to walk from Paro to Thimphu along the ancient route between the two cities.
Another popular trek that starts in Thimphu, is to the Dagala Thousand Lakes, numerous high altitude lakes.
Get in touch with our staff at Khang Residency and see what trek suits your level of fitness, time and interests.

Mountain-biking

Another great way to discover the countryside around Thimphu is by mountain bike. Head out into the surrounding hills and explore small trails and interesting sights.

Mountain-biking is fairly new to Bhutan but it is gaining popularity with both locals and tourists. The roads to Sangay Gang and Kuenselphodrang (Buddha Statue area) are favorite biking routes used by locals in the mornings and evenings.
More serious riders can explore the trails and roads around the valley or ride to Paro.
We offer mountain-bikes for rent.

Jogging

As elsewhere around the world, Bhutanese too are getting more health-conscious. There are many walking/jogging tracks around the hotel.

Favorite early-morning and evening destinations for jogging are the roads up to Sangay Gang and the Buddha Statute and the Centenary Park near the Thimphu Chu.

Riverside

Along the riverside in Thimphu, is a walk-way which makes a perfect place for an early-morning jog or late-afternoon stroll.

Every weekend, the riverside turns into a lively and interesting market. Farmers of neighboring villages sell vegetables and other food items. It is also a great place for souvenir-hunting as beautiful Bhutanese crafts and religious ornaments are on offer.
The riverside can easily be reached on foot from Khang Residency.

Radio tower

Another popular place for walks and exercise is the area around the broadcasting tower.

It has amazing views on the city below and is garlanded with many Buddhist prayer-flags.

Golf

Among the peaks of the Himalaya’s, the Royal Thimphu golf course is a pleasant nine-hole course.

At an altitude of 2,500 meters and the centuries-old Tashichho Dzong as the backdrop, the Thimphu Golf Course is one of the most impressive golf courses in the world. The Royal Thimphu Golf Course is a nine-hole par 33 layout measuring 2,700 yards.

The Golf Course is the perfect place to spend a weekend and to meet Bhutanese from all walks of life.

Archery

Archery is the national sport of Bhutan and very popular amongst Bhutanese men. Whatever the season, there will be some archery tournament at the Changlimithang grounds.

Archery tournaments are played on both traditional bamboo bows and imported high-tech carbon-fibre bows. The games are accompanied by a lot of singing and dancing and are a good way to witness Bhutanese culture at its best.

The Changlimithang grounds are a short downhill walk from Khang Residency.

Monasteries

Several monasteries can be visited during your stay in Thimphu. All are built in the typical, Bhutanese architectural style and adorned with prayer-flags.

Dechen Phodrang Monastery, founded several centuries ago, was turned into a monastic school. Several historical artifacts and statues can be seen in the premises of this monastery.

Tango Monastery, located to the North of Thimphu, is revered by Buddhists from Bhutan and Tibet. Saints performed meditation and miracles at the caves near the monastery. The monastery is built in dzong-style (type of fortress).

Cheri Monastery, about 15km from the city, is a major retreat and teaching centre.

Several other Buddhist shrines, chortens (structure often containing Buddhist relics), dzongs and meditation places can be visited on day-tours from Thimphu.

Architecture

Bhutan has a typical architectural style that is a mix of old, traditional styles and modern architecture. This unique style can be found in numerous buildings around Thimphu.

The Tashichho Dzong, seat of government, and Dechencholing Palace, the royal palace, are the best examples of traditional Bhutanese architecture in the valley.

City life

The city centre of Thimphu can be reached by foot from Khang Residency.

This will give you the chance to go shopping, explore the traditional life of the city or go out for a drink in the evening.