Background

Majestic Buddha Dordenma Statue: A Spiritual Marvel in Thimphu

Discover tranquility and spiritual enlightenment at the stunning Buddha Dordenma Statue in Thimphu, Bhutan's iconic symbol of peace and devotion.

4.7

The Buddha Dordenma Statue, an awe-inspiring 51-meter tall statue of Buddha Shakyamuni, stands majestically atop a hill in Kuenselphodrang, Thimphu. This magnificent structure is not only a significant Buddhist temple but also a prominent tourist attraction that embodies the spiritual heart of Bhutan. Constructed in celebration of the 60th anniversary of the Fourth King of Bhutan, the statue is made of bronze and covered in gold, radiating a serene aura that captivates visitors. The tranquil surroundings, complemented by sprawling gardens and panoramic views of the Thimphu valley, make it an ideal spot for contemplation and reflection. Visitors are welcomed to explore the beautifully landscaped grounds, which feature smaller Buddha statues and prayer wheels, each adding to the spiritual ambiance of the site. The statue houses over 100,000 smaller Buddha statues within it, making it a unique sacred space. The atmosphere is imbued with the fragrance of incense and the sound of prayer flags fluttering in the breeze, creating a meditative environment for tourists and locals alike. Open daily from 9 AM to 5 PM, the site provides a perfect opportunity for photography, relaxation, and experiencing Bhutanese culture up close. Whether you are seeking spiritual solace or an insight into Bhutan's rich traditions, the Buddha Dordenma Statue is an essential stop on your journey through the heart of Thimphu.

Local tips

  • Visit early in the morning to avoid crowds and enjoy a peaceful atmosphere.
  • Bring a camera to capture the stunning views of Thimphu from the statue's vantage point.
  • Dress modestly, as this is a religious site; comfortable shoes are recommended for walking around the grounds.
  • Take time to explore the surrounding gardens and smaller statues for a complete experience.
widget icon

Buy Tickets

    No tickets available

Book Tours

    No tours available

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

Getting There

  • Walking

    From the center of Wangdue Phodrang, head towards the main road leading out of town. Walk south on the Wangdue Phodrang-Thimphu Highway (also known as the Punakha-Thimphu Highway). Continue walking for approximately 20 kilometers until you reach the junction leading to Thimphu. The Buddha Dordenma Statue is located in Kuenselphodrang, which is a short detour from the highway.

  • Public Transport

    From Wangdue Phodrang, take a local bus or shared taxi heading towards Thimphu. The buses leave from the main bus station in Wangdue Phodrang frequently throughout the day. The journey will take around 30 to 40 minutes. Upon reaching Thimphu, ask the driver or locals for directions to Kuenselphodrang, where the statue is located. You may need to take a short walk or a local taxi from the bus station to the statue.

  • Hiking

    For those looking for a more adventurous route, consider hiking from Wangdue Phodrang to Thimphu. Start your hike from Wangdue Phodrang town and follow the trails that lead towards Thimphu. This route will take you through beautiful landscapes, but be prepared for a strenuous journey. Upon reaching Thimphu, navigate towards Kuenselphodrang to find the Buddha Dordenma Statue.

Popular Experiences near Buddha Dordenma Statue སྟོན་པ་རྡོར་གདན་མ།

Popular Hotels near Buddha Dordenma Statue སྟོན་པ་རྡོར་གདན་མ།

Select Currency