Buddha Dordenma statue
Area Massive Buddha statue overlooking Thimphu valley
A large Shakyamuni Buddha overlooks Thimphu Valley, housing thousands of small Buddha statues inside. Pilgrims and visitors come for the statue’s religious significance and panoramic views over Thimphu.
Buddha Dordenma is a large seated Shakyamuni Buddha statue overlooking Thimphu, Bhutan, standing 51.5 metres tall. It is one of the country’s most prominent modern religious monuments.
The statue sits on a large base and is surrounded by landscaped terraces and prayer halls within Kuenselphodrang Nature Park. The interior houses a large number of smaller Buddha figures and chapels, and the site offers panoramic views over Thimphu Valley.
Construction was undertaken in the 21st century as a major national project to house Buddhist relics and promote peace and devotion; the statue was completed and consecrated in the 2010s. It has since become a major pilgrimage and sightseeing site.
The monument stands on a hill in Kuenselphodrang Nature Park above the city of Thimphu in west-central Bhutan, within easy driving distance of the city centre.
- Size and interior: Statue measures 51.5 metres (169 feet) tall and contains over 125,000 small Buddha statues inside the structure.
- Setting: Sited within Kuenselphodrang Nature Park, it provides wide views across the Thimphu Valley and is visible from much of the city.
How to Get to Buddha Dordenma statue #
The Buddha Dordenma is located on Kuenselphodrang Hill just north of central Thimphu. It is reachable by a short drive or a steep walk from central Thimphu; local taxis and tour operators commonly include the site on city circuits.
Tips for Visiting Buddha Dordenma statue #
- Walk the paved path up the hill for incremental views of Thimphu valley rather than heading straight to the base of the statue.
- Check opening hours before travel - local visitor arrangements can change with festivals or official functions.
- Bring local currency (Ngultrum) for any small entry or donation fees.
Best Time to Visit Buddha Dordenma statue #
Best visited in spring or autumn for clear skies and comfortable walking conditions.
Weather & Climate near Buddha Dordenma statue #
Buddha Dordenma statue's climate is classified as Subtropical Highland (Dry Winter) - Subtropical Highland (Dry Winter) climate with mild summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -2°C to 23°C. Abundant rainfall (1116 mm/year), wettest in July with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 12°C and lows of -2°C. Light rainfall.
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February
February is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 0°C. Light rainfall and partly cloudy skies.
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March
March is cold with highs of 16°C and lows of 3°C. Moderate rainfall (33 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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April
April is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 6°C. Moderate rainfall (68 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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May
May is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 10°C. Regular rainfall (85 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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June
June is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 12°C. Significant rainfall (167 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is the warmest month with highs of 23°C and lows of 14°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (274 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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August
August is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 13°C. Heavy rain (230 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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September
September is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 12°C. Significant rainfall (147 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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October
October is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 7°C. Moderate rainfall (67 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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November
November is cold with highs of 16°C and lows of 3°C. Almost no rain.
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December
December is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of -1°C. The driest month with just 6 mm.
