Buddha Dordenma statueAbout Buddha Dordenma statue
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.
Nearby Attractions to Buddha Dordenma statue
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.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Very Good | -2° - 12° | 4° | 11 mm | some cloud | 65% | 1.7 m/s | 1.0 moderate | 10.5h |
| February | Good | 0° - 13° | 5° | 19 mm | partly cloudy | 67% | 1.9 m/s | 1.3 high | 11.1h |
| March | Very Good | 3° - 16° | 9° | 33 mm | partly cloudy | 69% | 2.1 m/s | 1.6 very high | 11.9h |
| April | Good | 6° - 18° | 12° | 68 mm | overcast | 73% | 2.3 m/s | 1.7 very high | 12.7h |
| May | Good | 10° - 21° | 15° | 85 mm | overcast | 79% | 2.2 m/s | 1.9 very high | 13.4h |
| June | Good | 12° - 22° | 17° | 167 mm | overcast | 84% | 1.8 m/s | 1.9 very high | 13.7h |
| July | Good | 14° - 23° | 18° | 274 mm | overcast | 88% | 1.4 m/s | 1.9 very high | 13.6h |
| August | Good | 13° - 22° | 18° | 230 mm | overcast | 88% | 1.4 m/s | 1.9 very high | 13.0h |
| September | Good | 12° - 22° | 17° | 147 mm | overcast | 88% | 1.5 m/s | 1.6 very high | 12.2h |
| October | Very Good | 7° - 19° | 13° | 67 mm | partly cloudy | 82% | 1.3 m/s | 1.6 very high | 11.4h |
| November | Excellent | 3° - 16° | 9° | 9 mm | some cloud | 76% | 1.2 m/s | 1.2 high | 10.7h |
| December | Very Good | -1° - 13° | 5° | 6 mm | some cloud | 67% | 1.5 m/s | 0.9 moderate | 10.3h |
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.