Clock Tower Square & Norzin Lam
Clock Tower Square
The Clock Tower Square and Norzin Lam, the main street in central Thimphu, lined with shops and cafés and home to the city's famous traffic police booth, which has no traffic lights.
Clock Tower Square sits on the east side of Norzin Lam, Thimphu's central street. In the middle of the square stands a clock tower decorated with traditional Bhutanese painting and carving. Around it are handicraft shops, restaurants and cafés, and the square often hosts concerts and trade fairs. Walking along Norzin Lam, the city's main shopping street, you will find a carved traffic police booth at the intersection. Bhutan's capital still has no traffic lights, so police officers direct traffic with graceful hand signals, making this one of the most photographed scenes in the city. In the evening, try chili cheese (ema datshi), momos (dumplings) and red rice at the small restaurants nearby. Admission is free. Getting there: within walking distance of the city centre. Note: keep your distance when photographing the traffic police, and do not stand in the traffic lanes.
Opening hours
All day
Nearby sights
- National Memorial Chorten
- Centenary Farmers Market
- Changangkha Lhakhang
- Folk Heritage Museum
- National Institute for Zorig Chusum
- Tashichho Dzong
- Buddha Dordenma
- Motithang Takin Preserve