Plizio Visual Lab
Buddha Dordenma
Plizio editorial teamData Sources
Landmark
The Buddha Dordenma is a monumental landmark towering over the city of Thimphu from a nearby hilltop. This giant depiction of Buddha Shakyamuni was completed in 2015 to celebrate the 60th birthday of Bhutan's fourth king, Jigme Singye Wangchuck. Standing at an impressive height of 51.5 meters, it is among the largest Buddha statues in the world. The statue is made of bronze and is entirely gilded in gold, giving it a brilliant appearance visible from kilometers away. Inside the massive structure, there are 125,000 smaller Buddha statues, each also gilded in gold. The construction site, known as Kuensel Phodrang, was once the palace grounds of Sherab Wangchuck, the 13th Druk Desi. The monument was built not only as a tourist highlight but also to fulfill an ancient prophecy stating that a statue at this location would bring blessings, peace, and happiness to the entire world.
- Location: Bhutan
- Top sights: Royal Botanical Garden Serbithang · Majaling Palace · Steam Castle
- Nearby: Laya (5 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Sep, Oct.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | -2 | 0 | 2 | 6 | 9 | 12 | 13 | 12 | 11 | 7 | 3 | 0 |
| Rain mm | 5 | 12 | 32 | 60 | 108 | 153 | 259 | 207 | 134 | 51 | 3 | 3 |
📋 Practical info
Visiting
The Buddha Dordenma statue is a giant gilded Buddha figure on a hill in Thimphu, freely accessible. Inside the base are thousands of smaller Buddha statues.
Typical hours
The grounds are open during daytime, typically from 7:00 to 19:00. The interior may have different opening hours.
Photography
Photography is allowed outdoors at any time, inside usually without flash. The statue provides dramatic panoramic shots over the Thimphu valley.
Time needed
Allow about one hour for visiting the statue and surroundings. Those who explore the interiors should plan for more time.
Combine with
Combine the visit with a tour of Thimphu, such as Tashichho Dzong or the National Memorial Chorten. A walk through the city is also a good option.
Getting there
The statue is located on a hill about 10 kilometers from Thimphu city center. You can reach it by taxi or local bus.
Insider tip
Visit the statue early in the morning to see the mist over the valley and avoid crowds. Bring a jacket, as it can be windy on the hill.
Geography
Facts
- Height of 51.5 meters
- Completed in the year 2015
- Contains 125,000 small Buddha statues
- Made of bronze and gilded in gold
- Construction cost of $100 million
- Located at the Kuensel Phodrang site
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Buddha Dordenma (13)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
How big is the Buddha statue?
It is 51.5 meters tall and made of bronze, gilded in gold.
What is inside the statue?
125,000 smaller gilded Buddha statues.
Is the view good from there?
Yes, it gives one of the best panoramic views over all of Thimphu.
How do you get there?
Best by taxi or car from Thimphu (about 15 mins).
Can you take photos in the temple under the statue?
Outside yes, inside the temple it is forbidden.
Buddha Dordenma: where is it located?
Buddha Dordenma is located in Bhutan.
Buddha Dordenma: what is there to see?
Highlights include Royal Botanical Garden Serbithang, Majaling Palace, Steam Castle.
Buddha Dordenma: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Sep, Oct.
Buddha Dordenma: why is it worth visiting?
The Buddha Dordenma is a monumental landmark towering over the city of Thimphu from a nearby hilltop.
Explore with Plizio
Discover more places in Asia
More places in Bhutan →
Nearby cities
Thimphu
Thimphu is the capital and largest city of Bhutan, known for its blend of traditional culture and modernity without traffic lights.
Laya
An isolated high-altitude village at 3800 meters, home to the semi-nomadic Layap people known for their unique conical bamboo hats.
Sirajganj
A major river port and transportation hub on the Jamuna River, connecting northern Bangladesh with the rest of the country.
Khulna
Khulna is a major industrial city that serves as the gateway to the Sundarbans, the world's largest mangrove forest.
Tsimasham
Tsimasham is the headquarters of Chukha district, strategically located along the main highway between Thimphu and the Indian border.
Lhamoizingkha
Lhamoizingkha is a subtropical border town in Bhutan, situated on the banks of the Sunkosh River in an area with lush vegetation.
Khuruthang
Khuruthang is a planned new town serving as the commercial hub for the Punakha district, just south of the historic dzong.
Bogra
One of the oldest cities in Bengal, known as the 'Capital of North Bengal' and famous for its archaeological heritage.
History & landmarks
Tango Monastery
A high-altitude Buddhist center founded in the 15th century.
Cheri Monastery
The first monastery in Bhutan, built in 1620.
🗺️
Phajoding Monastery
A massive monastery complex high above Thimphu, reached by a steep hike.
Dochula Pass
A scenic mountain pass featuring 108 memorial chortens.
Gasa Dzong
A historic mountain fortress built in the 17th century to protect against attacks from the north.
Bangabandhu Bridge
One of the longest bridges in South Asia, crossing the Jamuna River to connect eastern and western Bangladesh.
Sundarbans
The largest contiguous mangrove forest in the world is a UNESCO World Heritage site and home to the endangered Bengal tiger.
Bagerhat
Bagerhat is a historic town in southwestern Bangladesh, home to a UNESCO-listed 15th-century mosque city built by Khan Jahan Ali.
Nature
Wang Chhu
The main river of the Thimphu Valley runs through Bhutan's capital and forms a picturesque gorge in the west of the country.
Jamuna River
The lower course of the Brahmaputra in Bangladesh, characterized by many sandbars.
Padma River
The main distributary of the Ganges in Bangladesh, known for its shifting banks.
More places
National Memorial Chorten
A prominent monument in Thimphu, built in 1974 to honor the third King of Bhutan.
Changangkha Lhakhang
One of the oldest temples in Thimphu, established in the 12th century.
Dechen Phodrang Monastery
This historical monastery was the original site of the Tashichho Dzong until it was relocated.
Tashichho Dzong
A Buddhist monastery and fortress on the northern edge of Thimphu, serving as the seat of the Bhutanese government since 1952.
Semtokha Dzong
The oldest surviving fortress in Bhutan, built in 1629 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal.
🗺️
Bjemina Industrial Estate
An industrial estate near the capital Thimphu, focusing on light industries, wood processing, and construction materials.
National Seed Centre Paro
An important facility for preserving agricultural diversity and providing high-quality seeds to Bhutanese farmers.
Paro Rice Terraces
The fertile slopes of the Paro Valley are adorned with intricate rice terraces, creating a golden landscape in autumn.