National Library and Archives of Bhutan
National Library and Archives of Bhutan
3.9
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
Closed
Sunday
Closed
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
3.9
152 reviews
Excellent
33
Very good
73
Average
39
Poor
5
Terrible
2
AZCasualTraveler
Mesa, AZ2,437 contributions
Nov 2019
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 nice example of Bhutan architecture that is unique to this country - very distinctive and good looking architecture. One of the Library's main claim to fame it that it has "the largest published book in the world" (largest in physical size). This book is very large and it is enclosed in a large glass covered case - nice looking picture book.
The Library has 4 floors levels that contains Bhutanese literature from ancient to present day. Our small group tour was allowed to roam through the different floor levels to just look at the different varieties of literature documenting Bhutan's history, religion and lifestyle.
Note: Inside the library, there are signs posted with "No Photographs allowed". However, photographs of the library building is allowed on the outside.
The Library has 4 floors levels that contains Bhutanese literature from ancient to present day. Our small group tour was allowed to roam through the different floor levels to just look at the different varieties of literature documenting Bhutan's history, religion and lifestyle.
Note: Inside the library, there are signs posted with "No Photographs allowed". However, photographs of the library building is allowed on the outside.
Written 14 May 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Charles_and_Susan
Nottingham, UK7,679 contributions
Nov 2023 • Couples
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 see that this is an important part of Bhutan history.
Written 28 December 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tricia
Livonia, MI105 contributions
Mar 2016 • Friends
It was neat to see the books, the highlight is the world's largest book. A bit of a gimmick, but nice for a break.
Written 1 April 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Suchaita
32 contributions
Dec 2024 • Family
If you like the look and feel of libraries, the National Library is definitely a visit. It is a treasure trove of literature capturing diverse aspects of Bhutanese cultural, historical and religious heritage. The architecture of the building is excellent, too. But from a tourist perspective, you can't pick up any of the books and can only scan the shelves and most of the texts are religious so you can't really make sense of them. A large part of the library is not accessible to common tourists. There are a few interesting photos of the royal family through the ages across all four floors and tables and chairs in case you want to rest. The library also has the largest physically published book in the world but it can only be viewed from a distance, which is understandable given its historical significance. Overall, consider visiting the library only if really have that time or have a specific objective. You can also consider just photographing the building from the outside as the interior designs are similar to other places in Thimphu.
Written 26 December 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
travelsalot45
CT116 contributions
Sept 2018 • Friends
The second I stepped in here - I could tel that there is some sort of compound that is being used to preserve all the books. I am very sensitive to things like that so I was only able to stay in for a very short period of tie. I did get to hang outside for a few minutes which was nice
Written 14 October 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
iweber13
Vienna, Austria210 contributions
Mar 2018 • Couples
It is not a typical library you would expect in Europe. Most books are for monks and the whole library is totally differerent than european libraries. As well you can find the largest published book in the library. Definitely worth to see.
Written 2 May 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Charlie B
Brompton, UK603 contributions
Nov 2015 • Couples
Described as the National Library the holdings on view to the visitor are very limited. The one attraction that is interesting to see is the world's largest book. It measures open at 5 x 7 feet - very impressive in scale and is beautifully illustrated.
Written 19 November 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
suketu124
Ahmedabad, India71 contributions
Apr 2019 • Family
Mesmerizing library experience. old bhutanese religious documents kept here. world largest book also kept here. library with good interiors and architecture.
Written 22 June 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sharad Shrimali
Ahmedabad, India403 contributions
May 2019 • Family
The National Library of Bhutan located in Thimphu houses many historic manuscripts and books, alongside an array of photographs depicting India-Bhutan relationship and the cultural practices of Bhutan. It also houses the world's biggest published book, contained in a giant glass container.
It has three-four floors. Doesn't require an entry fee. It was on our pre-planned itinerary but even if it was not to be, I would've visited it anyway.
Worth visiting.
It has three-four floors. Doesn't require an entry fee. It was on our pre-planned itinerary but even if it was not to be, I would've visited it anyway.
Worth visiting.
Written 26 May 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
robert gibbons
17 contributions
May 2019 • Solo
interesting to see all the old scrolls, and the largest book in the world, couldnt take a pic, it was too big.
Written 26 May 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
What are the entry-fee charges for National Handicrafts Emporium, National Library, Takin Presevagion center, Taschicho Dzong and Buddha Point ?
Written 8 January 2018
National Handicraft Emporium=Nu.150.
National Library=Nu.100
Takin Preserve=Nu.100
Tashichhodzong=Nu.300
Buddha Point=Free
(Tourists on minimum daily package don't have to pay those fees)
Written 9 January 2018
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