Centenary Farmers Market
A two-storey market by the Wang Chhu river with chilies, cheese, red rice and all kinds of mountain produce, plus a row of handicraft stalls across the bridge.
The Centenary Farmers Market stands on the west bank of the Wang Chhu river in Thimphu. Its two-storey covered halls bring together farmers and traders from across the country, with piles of red and green chilies, sun-dried yak cheese (chugo), red rice, fiddlehead ferns, wild mushrooms, betel nut and all kinds of spices. It is the best place to get to know Bhutanese food. The market is busiest on weekends, from Friday to Sunday. Cross the traditional wooden cantilever bridge, Kundeyling Bazam, to the other side of the river, where a row of handicraft stalls sells prayer flags, prayer wheels, wooden bowls, masks and hand-woven textiles, and bargaining is expected. Getting there: about 10 minutes on foot from the city centre. Note: ask permission before photographing vendors, and let the hard dried cheese soften slowly in your mouth before chewing.
Opening hours
About 07:00–19:00 (liveliest on weekends; check on site)
Nearby sights
- Clock Tower Square & Norzin Lam
- National Memorial Chorten
- Folk Heritage Museum
- National Institute for Zorig Chusum
- Changangkha Lhakhang
- Tashichho Dzong
- Buddha Dordenma
- Motithang Takin Preserve