Entertainment in Bhutan
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A
Royal Academy of Performing Arts
The home of the Royal Dance Troupe works to preserve Bhutan's folk-dancing heritage and trains professional dancers who perform several of the dances at the Thimphu tsechu. With advance notice they will provide a one-hour performance for visitors, or ask your guide if there's a practice session you could attend.
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Archery
Tournaments are scheduled on many weekends at the Changlimithang Archery Ground. Whether it's the traditional bamboo or the high-tech carbon fibre bows, the skill, antics and camaraderie are always entertaining. For dates of events check the papers. Archers practise at the target field at the south end of Changlimithang Stadium on most mornings.
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B
Mila Restaurant
Mila Restaurant features singers and a Dzongkha comedian most nights. There is a largely local audience and the performers, both amateur and professional, sing traditional Bhutanese songs. When there are professional acts expect a Nu 50 cover charge. After 8pm members of the audience can request songs at Nu 100 each.
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C
Club K
Check out another of Bhutan’s many faces at this swanky basement nightclub, which boasts a bouncer (normally it’s the female owner, Sonam), a mirrorball and a fairly upper crust crowd. Ladies get in for free on Wednesdays. The Sonam Troephel Hotel is being built above the club.
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Karmapa Restaurant and Bar
The garden of the Druk Deothjung Hotel is a favourite place to savour a cold beer. If you prefer something more Bhutanese in flavour, try the Karmapa Restaurant and Bar but drink quickly, because the entire town starts to close at 20:00.
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All Stars Disco
Don't expect the discos to kick off much before midnight. Depending on the entertainment and the time you rock up, a cover charge may be applicable. Nightclubs and discos close at midnight weekdays and at 02:00 Friday and Saturday.
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Football
The national football tournament takes place in August at Changlingmithang Stadium, with teams from schools throughout the country competing. At major matches the Royal Bhutan Army band provides the half-time entertainment.
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Tashi Nemcha Theatre
A more relaxed atmosphere prevails at this theatre near the Zangto Pelri Lhakhang, home to the Lha-Yee Performing Arts troupe. The studio can provide a Bhutanese meal and an evening of classical and folk music around a bonfire.
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F
Om Bar
A popular place for young locals and a good late-night option, as it's next to two clubs. It's on the 2nd floor of the shopping complex; the entrance is on the north side.
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G
Zone
Favourite after-work bar (which doubles as a restaurant) includes the Zone, with its modern décor and great chips, burgers and pizzas for late-night munchies.
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Luger Cinema
This usually crowded and always uncomfortable cinema screens Hindi and Bhutanese movies as well as the occasional ancient English/foreign-language movie.
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Millennium Club
You’re more likely to get chatting to locals at this older local disco, normally open Saturday nights only.
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Hotel Greenville
The garden bar at the Hotel Greenville is a good place to get some peace and quiet.
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Boomerang
A bright venue with big-screen TV, try-out bands and a young crowd.
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Space 34
Cosy and thumping and right next to the Om Bar.
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Gravity
Hidden, but follow the signs.
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Buzz Club
Big, bold and popular.
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Splash
Underground disco, lounge and bar. Find it on Facebook.
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Space 34/Dept of Sound
Cosy and thumping and conveniently next to Om Bar. Alternatively try the downstairs Rumours.
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Khuju Luyang
This troupe of 30 performs a popular hour-long selection of religious, regional and folk songs and dances, including cham masked dances and songs from Laya and Sakten, accompanied by live music on the zither, flute, fiddle and dranyen (lute). It's stagey but enjoyable and worth it, especially if you haven't timed your trip with a major festival.
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Hive
Big, bold and popular, with the Boomerang Club next door.
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Club Ace
Popular place just outside the centre.
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Benez Bar
Thimphu's friendly neighbourhood pub is a lively and inviting place with a cosy back bar that is popular with locals and expats, especially on Fridays. Pop in for a pint of draft Red Panda and you could end up sharing a drink with a minister or visiting diplomat. In addition to main courses there are excellent bar snacks such as momos, samosas and fried cheese balls.
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