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Buddha Dordenma: The Majestic Guardian of Thimphu

Discover peace and breathtaking views at the iconic Buddha Dordenma Statue in Thimphu, a must-visit spiritual landmark in Bhutan.

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The Buddha Dordenma Statue, a breathtaking 51-meter-tall bronze statue of Buddha Shakyamuni, stands majestically overlooking the city of Thimphu. This revered site is not only a symbol of peace and harmony but also offers stunning panoramic views of the lush valley below, making it a must-visit destination for tourists seeking both spiritual enrichment and natural beauty. As you approach the statue, the serene atmosphere and the intricate details of the statue captivate visitors, providing an unforgettable connection to Bhutanese culture and Buddhism.

Plan your visit

A brief summary to Buddha Dordenma Statue སྟོན་པ་རྡོར་གདན་མ།

Opening times, essentials, and a few local tips gathered into one calmer, easier-to-scan planning section.

Plan your visit

📍
Kuenselphodrang, Thimphu, BT
Monday
9 am-5 pm
Tuesday
9 am-5 pm
Wednesday
9 am-5 pm
Thursday
9 am-5 pm
Friday
9 am-5 pm
Saturday
9 am-5 pm
Sunday
9 am-5 pm
Eve
From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Buddha Dordenma Statue སྟོན་པ་རྡོར་གདན་མ།.

Local know-how to help you travel smarter and make the most of every moment.

Visit early in the morning or late afternoon for fewer crowds and stunning light for photography.
Don't forget to wear comfortable shoes, as there is a bit of walking involved to reach the statue.
Take some time to explore the surrounding gardens and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.
Be respectful of local customs, especially when it comes to photography and behavior within the temple area.

Discover more about Buddha Dordenma Statue སྟོན་པ་རྡོར་གདན་མ།

The Buddha Dordenma Statue is an awe-inspiring landmark located in Kuenselphodrang, Thimphu, Bhutan. Towering at an impressive height of 51 meters, this magnificent statue of Buddha Shakyamuni is one of the largest in the world and serves as a symbol of peace and prosperity for the Bhutanese people. Constructed to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the Fourth King of Bhutan, its serene presence is a testament to the country's rich Buddhist heritage. Visitors are encouraged to explore the surrounding park, which offers beautifully landscaped gardens and pathways that enhance the tranquil atmosphere of the site. The statue is adorned with intricate carvings and holds a special place in the hearts of locals, making it an essential stop for anyone wishing to gain insight into Bhutanese spirituality. As you ascend the hill towards the statue, you will be treated to breathtaking views of Thimphu and the lush mountains that cradle the valley. The site attracts both locals and tourists, offering a unique opportunity to witness traditional Buddhist practices, including prayer flags fluttering in the wind and the sound of chanting monks. The peaceful ambiance invites visitors to meditate or reflect on their own journeys, making it a perfect spot for personal growth and contemplation. The statue is accessible year-round, and its hours of operation are consistent throughout the week, providing ample opportunity for exploration. It is advisable to plan your visit during early morning or late afternoon to experience the beauty of sunrise or sunset, which casts a magical glow over the statue and the surrounding landscape. Whether you are a history enthusiast, a spiritual seeker, or simply a traveler in search of stunning views, the Buddha Dordenma Statue promises an enriching experience that will stay with you long after your visit.

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    Getting There

    Car

    To reach the Buddha Dordenma Statue from Chhukha by car, start on the main highway (Thimphu-Chhukha Highway). Drive towards Thimphu for approximately 30 kilometers. As you approach Thimphu, keep an eye out for signs directing you to Kuenselphodrang, where the statue is located. Once you reach the roundabout at the entrance of Thimphu, take the first exit towards Kuenselphodrang. Follow the road uphill for about 3 kilometers until you see the statue on your right. Parking is available near the statue area.

    Public Transportation

    To reach the Buddha Dordenma Statue using public transportation, take a local bus from Chhukha to Thimphu. Buses are available at the main bus terminal in Chhukha, and the fare is approximately 150-200 BTN (Bhutanese Ngultrum) per person. The journey takes around 1 to 1.5 hours. Once you arrive at the Thimphu bus terminal, you can hire a taxi to Kuenselphodrang for about 300-400 BTN, which will take around 15 minutes. Alternatively, you can ask the bus driver for directions to local taxis or shared vehicles that can take you to the statue.

    Taxi

    If you prefer a more direct route, you can hire a taxi from Chhukha to the Buddha Dordenma Statue. This option may be more expensive, costing approximately 1000-1500 BTN for the trip. The taxi will take you directly to the statue, which is about a 30-minute drive. Make sure to negotiate the fare before starting your trip.

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