A Journey Through Time at the National Memorial Chhorten
Discover the spiritual heart of Bhutan at the National Memorial Chhorten, a serene Buddhist temple rich in history and tradition.
A brief summary to National Memorial Chhorten རྒྱལ་ཡོངས་རྗེས་དྲན་མཆོད་རྟེན།
- FJ8Q+J47, Chhoten Lam, Thimphu, Chang Khorlo, BT
- Monday 9 am-4:30 pm
- Tuesday 9 am-4:30 pm
- Wednesday 9 am-4:30 pm
- Thursday 9 am-4:30 pm
- Friday 9 am-4:30 pm
- Saturday 9 am-4:30 pm
- Sunday 9 am-4:30 pm
The National Memorial Chhorten, also known as the Thimphu Chhorten, stands as a prominent symbol of Bhutanese culture and spirituality. Built in 1974 to honor the third King of Bhutan, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, this stunning stupa is adorned with intricate Buddhist iconography and surrounded by a peaceful courtyard. Visitors can witness the locals performing kora, a traditional circumambulation ritual, as they spin the prayer wheels and offer their respects. The ambiance is serene, making it a perfect spot for quiet reflection or meditation. As you explore the Chhorten, take in the stunning views of the Himalayan backdrop, where the snow-capped peaks create a breathtaking contrast to the vibrant colors of the temple. The structure itself is a masterpiece of traditional Bhutanese architecture, with its golden spire and elaborate murals depicting various deities and Buddhist teachings. This location serves not only as a tourist attraction but also as a spiritual hub for the local community. The best time to visit is during the early morning or late afternoon when the sunlight casts a golden hue over the stupa, enhancing its beauty. Additionally, the ambiance during these times allows for a more intimate experience as fewer tourists are present. The National Memorial Chhorten is more than just a monument; it’s a gateway to understanding Bhutan’s rich cultural heritage and the deep-rooted spirituality that permeates the country.
Local tips
- Visit during early morning for a peaceful experience with fewer crowds.
- Dress modestly in respectful clothing when visiting the temple.
- Take your time to walk around and observe the intricate details of the architecture.
- Bring a camera to capture the stunning views and beautiful surroundings.
Getting There
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Car
If you are driving from Punakha Valley, head north on the Wangdue-Punakha Highway (NH 5) towards Thimphu. After approximately 70 km, you will reach Thimphu. Follow the signs to Chhoten Lam, where the National Memorial Chhorten is located. Look for the coordinates FJ8Q+J47, which will guide you to the exact location. There is no entry fee for visiting the chhorten, and parking is available nearby.
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Public Transportation
To reach the National Memorial Chhorten using public transport, take a bus from Punakha to Thimphu. Buses depart regularly from the Punakha bus station. The journey takes about 2-3 hours. Once you arrive at the Thimphu bus terminal, you can take a taxi or walk to Chhoten Lam, where the chhorten is located. It is advisable to negotiate the taxi fare beforehand, which should be around 100-200 BTN. The chhorten is open to visitors, and there is no entrance fee.
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Taxi
For a more comfortable journey, consider hiring a taxi from Punakha to Thimphu. This option allows for flexibility in your schedule and is convenient if you are traveling with luggage. The ride will take about 2 hours and costs around 2000-2500 BTN. Upon reaching Chhoten Lam in Thimphu, you can easily locate the National Memorial Chhorten.
Attractions Nearby to National Memorial Chhorten རྒྱལ་ཡོངས་རྗེས་དྲན་མཆོད་རྟེན།
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Travel Bro
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Art Gallery
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