General Post Office and Bhutan Postal Museum

Landmark Updated 14 Apr 2025

Intro
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Bhutan Post Office Headquarter is situated close to the Changlam Square in Thimphu. It’s home to the world’s largest photo book and most bizarre collection of Bhutanese stamps that will intrigue any philatelist.

One of the most interesting things that you can do in Bhutan is to get your own personalized stamps at the General Post Office for 500 Ngultrum. It contains 12 stamps with a mix values of 30 Ngultrum, 45 Ngultrum and 50 Ngultrum. Imagine the pleasant surprise of your family and friends when you send them a postcard with your face on the stamp! The General Post Office is open from Monday- Saturday from 9:00 AM - 5 PM during Summer and 9:00 AM - 4 PM during Winter. Do note that the Post Office will be closed for lunch from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM.

Bhutan Postal Museum

The Bhutan Postal Museum was opened on 7th November 2015 at the General Post Office building in the capital city Thimphu. The small museum is dedicated to the history of the Bhutan postal service, from its earliest days (when messages were delivered from dzong to dzong by the King’s bodyguards) to the arrival of modern postage stamps and delivery methods. There are also display of coins and religious artefacts. It’s definitely an interesting place for the philatelic enthusiasts!

The five galleries in the museum trace the development of the Bhutanese postal system, from the earliest mail runners to Bhutan's often unusual and highly collectable stamps:

Gallery I is for temporary exhibitions, changing according to special occasions in the country and stamp releases.
Gallery II traces the history of communication during the pre-postal era when messengers were used to deliver government decrees and letters.
Gallery III tells the story of the development of the postal and telegraph system in the Bhutan and showcases old postal and telegraphic equipment, devices and furniture.
Gallery IV exhibits the stamp issues dedicated to the Wangchuck dynasty, with information provided on the start of the monarchy in Bhutan in 1907 and a brief life history of the successive kings of Bhutan.
Gallery V displays Bhutan’s postage stamps, which have been used as "Little Ambassadors" to promote Bhutan’s independence, rich culture, fauna and flora. On display are among others Bhutan's famous 'Talking Stamps'

The Museum is open from Monday- Saturday from 9:00 AM - 5 PM during Summer and 9:00 AM - 4 PM during Winter.

Admission fee: Tourists – Nu. 250 (approx. USD3.70); SAARC Tourists – Nu. 150; Locals – Nu. 50