FAQ

Getting to Parliament 

Where is Parliament located?

The Parliament of Bhutan complex is located on the left bank of the Wangchu river, opposite Trashichhodzong, in Langjopakha, about two and half kilometres from the city centre. (See map)

The National Assembly and National Council buildings are located within walking distance of each other within the gated complex.

How do I get to Parliament?

There are several ways to get here. You could take the city bus or come by taxi. Most taxis know where Parliament is located. There are different entry points by car to the National Assembly and the National Council (Click here for Map).

Is parking available for visitors?

The National Assembly (Gyelyong Tshokhang) has a spacious parking area divided in two terraces. The upper terrace facing Langjopakha, is generally available for visitors as it directly overlooks the public entrance to the National Assembly. The National Council has a large parking area to the left of the main building.(Click here for Map).

How can I contact the Secretariats of the National Assembly and the National Council?

The National Assembly secretariat may be contacted via mail at

• sonamyangki@nab.gov.bt or by calling +975-2-322729 (Monday-Friday). 

The National Council secretariat may be contacted via mail at

• sonamtobgye@nationalcouncil.parl.bt and by calling +975-2-33737(1)(2)(4) on weekdays. 

Visiting Parliament

Are Parliament proceedings open to public?

Yes, Parliament proceedings are open to the public and broadcast on national TV and on the social media pages of both houses. But both houses have the authority to has closed door sessions if there is a compelling need to do so.

How do I know if Parliament is sitting?

Information of Parliament sittings is generally made public through the media. Such information can also be found on the websites of the two houses.

How can I attend a Parliament sitting ?

One needs a gallery pass to attend a sitting. Passes are issued from a counter on the ground floor of the Gyelyong Tshokhang on the left side of the eastern or public entrance. Admission is given if seats are available in the public galleries.

You can contact the secretariats of the National Assembly or the National Council via email or telephone to confirm any change in schedule or availability of seats.

How long is a sitting?

Sittings start at 10 am and ends at 1:30 pm with a recess at 11 am. But on occasions sittings can extend into the afternoon if the items of business for the day have not been discussed.

Visiting Parliament on a Sitting Day

Are Parliament proceedings open to public?

Yes, Parliament proceedings are open to the public.

How can I attend a Parliament sitting ?

Passes to attend a sitting is generally issued from a counter on the ground floor of the Gyelyong Tshokhang on the left side of the public entrance. Admission is given if seats are available in the public galleries. You can get in touch with the secretariats of the two houses to confirm any change in schedule or availability of seats.

Are foreigners allowed to observe the proceedings?

Yes. Foreigners are allowed to observe Parliament proceedings and requirements for admission are the same as for Bhutanese citizens.

What documents do I need to bring along to apply for a gallery pass?

You need to bring your identity card or passport which will be kept at the public entrance security check where your admission pass will be issued.

What is the acceptable dress code while visiting a Parliament proceeding?

Visitors are required to dress formally. Parliament reserves the right to refuse entry to all visitors who are inappropriately attired.

How do I know if Parliament is sitting?

Information of Parliament sittings is generally made public through the media. Such information can also be found on the Parliament website.

How long is a sitting?

Sittings start at 10 am and end at 1:30 pm with a recess at 11 am. But on occasions sittings can extend into the afternoon if the items of business for the day have not been discussed.

Do I have to remain for the entire duration of the sitting?

Visitors do not need to come before a sitting starts or remain for its entire duration. They can arrive and leave at any time between the start of and the end of a sitting.

What are the rules I must observe during a sitting?

Visitors must remain silent and not create any disturbance or interruption during parliamentary proceedings.

Where can I find the agenda for a sitting?

The agenda for each sitting is usually posted a day in advance on the websites of the National Assembly and the National Council.

Where can I find the Official Report of the proceedings?

The official Report of the proceedings can be found on the National Assembly and National Council websites.