Pemako Thimpu

A magnificent presence in the heart of Bhutan’s capital, Pemako Thimphu offers a seamless blend of heritage and modernity. Once the celebrated Taj Tashi, the hotel was reimagined in 2023 and is now a standout among city hotels in the region — well located for exploring, yet designed to feel like a retreat.

Its design echoes the fortress-like Dzongs of Bhutan, softened with contemporary lines and layered with artisanal detail. The 66 rooms and suites look across to the surrounding peaks of the Thimphu Valley, with elegant interiors and butler service in all suites. This is an ideal base for travellers keen to delve into Bhutanese life, as the hotel is within easy reach of markets, museums, monasteries, and the ever-unfolding rhythm of the city. Yet within its doors, it offers a quiet, restorative experience with a Lotus Realm Spa, indoor heated pool, infrared saunas, and ample space to unwind.

Cultural rituals, archery lessons, and curated dining — whether at the fine-dining Bhutanese restaurant Chig Ja Gye or over tea at Rimps Lounge — offer an engaging immersion into Bhutanese traditions. Pemako Thimphu brings a quiet sense of elegance to the capital and is a sophisticated inclusion on a luxury vacation to Bhutan.

Accommodation

Pemako Thimphu offers 66 thoughtfully designed rooms and suites, blending Bhutanese motifs with warm wood, soft lighting, and expansive views of the pine-covered mountains. Deluxe Rooms are inviting and well-proportioned, some with private balconies. Luxury Rooms are corner-set, offering a greater sense of space and elevated outlooks across the valley. The suites bring additional comfort and privacy: Deluxe Suites include a separate sitting area and walk-in wardrobe, while Duplex Suites span two levels, with a striking spiral staircase connecting the living and sleeping quarters. The spacious Luxury Suites are ideal for longer stays, with canopy beds, home theatre systems, and panoramic mountain views.

Food and Drink

There are four distinctive food and beverage venues at Pemako Thimphu. Thongsel is the all-day dining space, while Chig Ja Gye offers refined, authentic Bhutanese cuisine. Ara Bar provides a warm, intimate space for cocktails and local spirits, and Rimps Tea Lounge is ideal for slow afternoons or relaxed meetings. Outdoor areas are also available for private dining experiences under the stars.

Experiences

Pemako Thimpu is ideally located for exploring the capital city of Bhutan. Activities include browsing the weekend market, visiting monasteries and the National Textile Museum, experiencing street festivals, or going trekking into the wilderness. Guests can also take part in a curated selection of on-site cultural experiences — from donning traditional Bhutanese attire to attending evening performances or receiving blessings from a local monk. The hotel also offers access to deeper encounters such as textile weaving demonstrations, riverside picnics, or the lighting of butter lamps for merit at nearby monasteries.

Children

Pemako Thimphu welcomes children aged six and above. Interconnecting rooms are available for families, and extra beds can be arranged on request. The hotel’s central location, cultural activities, and quiet comfort make it a good fit for families exploring Bhutan together.

Sustainability

Sustainability efforts at Pemako Thimphu include eliminating plastic bottles, planting native trees, and conducting regular community cleaning campaigns. The hotel’s approach is understated but meaningful, with a focus on responsible urban hospitality.

How to Get There

Nestled in the heart of Thimphu Valley, hidden deep within the Himalayas, Pemako Thimpu is approximately 50 minutes by road from Paro International Airport. Private transfers can be arranged, and the journey offers scenic views through the Paro Valley and across mountain passes into the capital.