National Folk Heritage Museum, Thimphu City: How To Reach, Best Time & Tips

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National Folk Heritage Museum Overview

Also known as Phelchey Toenkhyim by the locals in Bhutan, the National Folk Museum was established to preserve and showcase Bhutan’s folk culture. Took its shape in the year 2001 as an initiative by the Queen Mother of Bhutan, the purpose it was to connect visitors with Bhutanese rural culture and traditions through antique exhibits, educational programs, demonstrations as well as documentation. The Museum itself is situated in a 150-year-old establishment that perfectly enshrines the cultural essence of Bhutan and it is one of the best places to visit in Thimpu.

If you really wish to dive into Bhutan’s true culture and history, the National Folk Heritage Museum is the best place to start from as it beautifully preserves and flaunts the centuries-old folk traditions of the country.

This unique Heritage museum preserves traditional Bhutanese dishes, farming tools, household objects, and as well as important traditional trees. The surroundings of the establishment in which the museum has been constructed have beautifully preserved some of the most authentic folk elements of the historic Bhutan. From traditionally important flora and fauna to the authentic Bhutanese hot baths and water mills, this museum has been preserving Bhutan’s culture in the best way possible. If you visit this place, you will also get a chance to explore through unique and authentic historical Bhutanese furniture too, including chairs, benches, flooring, and other goods. No other tourist place can provide you with a better insight into the lives of the folk people of Bhutan.

How To Reach

- By Bus:

There are no regular buses from Paro to Thimphu. However, if you make your bookings well in advance, you may be able to get yourself a bus from Paro to the Local Bus Station of Thimphu. You can take a taxi from the Bus station to the Museum which is just 4 kilometres from there.

- By Rail:

Unfortunately, Bhutan does not have any railroads till date; therefore, the only option available for travellers is to travel via road.

- By Road:

There are excellent cab services connecting Paro International Airport to all the parts of Thimphu. You can book yourself a cab from the Airport itself to reach the Museum which is only 49 kilometres from there and should not take you more than 1 and a half hour, even in the worst of the conditions.

Best Time To Visit

The best time to visit Thimphu is either during the spring season or the autumn season. The temperatures during these seasons remain quite pleasant and the natural surroundings are also at their best. Here is a detailed overview of seasons in Thimphu to pick up the best one for you:

- Spring:

Months from March to May experience spring in Thimphu. If you wish to witness the colourful valleys of Thimphu filled with blooming flowers, this is the best time to visit. The temperatures during this time also remain quite pleasant, ranging from 7 degrees Celsius to 18 degrees Celsius.

- Summers:

Months from June to August experiences high temperatures, ranging up to 28 degrees Celsius. Not one of the best season to visit Thimphu:

- Autumn:

Months from September to November brings back cool breezes to Bhutan and makes it pleasant for travellers from around the world. Average temperatures range from 4 degrees to 22 degrees Celsius.

- Winters:

Thimphu experiences really harsh winters from December to February with temperatures dropping down to up to -10 degrees Celsius. It is inadvisable for tourists to visit the city during this period.

Other Essential Information

Location:

The Museum is situated well within the capital city Thimphu, 4 Kilometers from the Local Bus Stand. The Museum is situated at a walking distance from the popular Clock Tower Square.

Opening Hours:

The Museum is open 7 days and week except for National Holidays.

- Summer Timings (April to October): 9:15 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Winter Timings (November to March): 9:15 a.m. to 4 p.m

- Saturdays (winters): 10:15 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Entry Fee:

The entry fee to the National Folk Heritage Museum is as follows:

- Bhutanese Resident: Nu 10

- Indian Tourist: Nu 50

- Any other Foreigner: Nu 200

- Bhutanese Monks, Nuns, students, and children under 10 years of age: Free

Distance from Nearest Airport:

The nearest Airport to the Museum is Paro International Airport which is 49 Kilometres away and takes almost 1 hour 20 minutes to reach by taxi or private vehicle.

History of National Folk Heritage Museum:

The National Folk Heritage Museum was commissioned by the Queen mother of Bhutan in 2001 to preserve and showcase the cultural heritage of Bhutanese rural people. The museum itself was established inside a restored traditional 3 storeyed Bhutanese style house dating back to the 19th century. The museum is located in a rural setting surrounding with paddy and wheat fields with a preserved traditional watermill as well as traditional hot stone baths situated well within the complex, thus making it a perfect historical location for the purpose.

The architecture of the National Folk Heritage Museum:

The three-storied traditional Bhutanese house within which the museum is set up is constructed using locally available timber and rammed earth. The courtyard situated in the center of the house provides the building with a spacious and as well as an enclosed feel. The ground floor is solely dedicated to providing shelter to the cattle and other animals. The second floor acts as storage for grains and other food products. The third floor is ultimately the one where the residents live.

Tips for Visiting the Folk Heritage Museum:

- No not touch any of the ancient exhibits showcased inside the museum.

- Photography is not allowed within the museum, therefore, avoid indulging in the same and enjoy the rural setting to its best.

- Try to indulge with the locals and get to know about Bhutan’s rich history and culture.

National Folk Heritage Museum FAQs

What are the best places to stay near the National Folk Heritage Museum?

Le-Meridien Thimphu, Taj Tashi, Druk Hotel Thimphu, and Hotel Norbuling are a few of the many well-equipped hotels and guesthouses situated in the near vicinity of the National Heritage Museum.

What are the Places to Eat near the National Folk Heritage Museum?

Coffee Culture, Seasons Restaurant, Hayate Ramen, and Central Café are a few of the eateries situated well within a distance of 500 meters from the museum. Including these, there are a lot of other cafeterias as well as restaurants in the near vicinity of the Museum which serve delicious lip-smacking food.

When was the National Folk Heritage Museum built?

The National Folk Heritage Museum was built in 2001 as an initiative to preserve and showcase Bhutan’s rich folk heritage for the locals as well as foreign tourists. The initiative to set up the same was taken by the Queen Mother of the Kingdom of Bhutan.

Why is the National Folk Heritage Museum Famous?

The National Folk Heritage Museum is famous due to its unique setting inside a traditional 15th-century Bhutanese house. It is also famous amongst the tourists who wish to explore and admire Bhutan’s rich culture and heritage as it is one of the best places to admire the same.

Is there any Transportation facility available to reach the museum?

Yes, you can easily get a taxi directly to the museum from any place in Thimphu. Also, it is within a walking distance from the Clock Tower Square where most of the major hotels and eateries are situated.

Is there any network connectivity at the museum?

Yes, the museum is situated well within the city of Thimphu, therefore, you shall not get a problem getting network connectivity through any of the major network providers in Bhutan.