National Library of Bhutan Tourism

Type of destination: Library

The National Library of Bhutan is a cultural and literary landmark located in the capital city of Thimphu, Bhutan. It was established in 1967 to preserve and promote Bhutan's rich cultural and religious heritage. The library houses an extensive collection of Bhutanese texts and manuscripts, some of which date back several centuries and are crucial records of the nation's history, religion, culture, and governance. Many of these texts are written in classical Tibetan or Dzongkha, the national language, and are intrinsic to the study and research of Himalayan culture. The architecture of the building is traditionally Bhutanese, featuring intricately painted woodwork and carved cornices that represent the fine architectural aesthetics of Bhutan. Servicing as a repository of knowledge, the establishment plays a significant role in supporting researchers, scholars, and students, offering resources that span the breadth of Bhutanese traditional knowledge and modern academic works. It stands not only as a library but also as a testament to Bhutan's dedication to the preservation of its unique cultural identity in the face of globalization.

Top 5 Reviews on National Library of Bhutan

Charles_and_Susan

Wrote on 28th Dec, 2023

Impressive store of Bhutan books

We visited as part of our Bhutan tour. Although the library itself and the books it contained were impressive the books were stored and we wouldn't have been able to read them anyway. Even so, you can..

namgayt

Wrote on 20th Mar, 2023

If you haven't visited Bhutan's National Library yet, you're missing out on more than just books!

The National Library is not just a place to read books, it's a sacred site that must be respected. As you remove your shoes and hats, take a moment to appreciate the holy Buddhist scriptures and the w..

AZCasualTraveler

Wrote on 14th May, 2020

Interesting Bhutan National Library

The National Library and Archives of Bhutan has a primary function of "collecting and preserving Bhutanese literature on religion, culture, history and social traditions." The Library building is a ..

wallacejain

Wrote on 18th Nov, 2019

NATIONAL LIBRARY AND ARCHIVES

Located on the northern end of THIMPU, Bhutan’s National Library and Archives, houses a collection of priceless Buddhist manuscripts. It was established in 1967 To provide a permanent home for the sac..

amandap837

Wrote on 11th Jul, 2019

Interesting

We enjoyed going to the Library. The largest booked in Bhutan is there - you don't get to turn any pages though, unless you are prepared a hefty sum!. We enjoyed as we love books. This a histori..