Uncovering the Charm of Thimphu

The Buddha Dordenma is the largest sitting statue of the Buddha measuring at 51.5 meters in height and made of solid bronze. Inside the Buddha are 125,000 smaller Buddha statues, 25,000 12-inch statues and 100,000 8-inch statues. Tourists often drive once to see it as its view is without a doubt outstanding as the giant Buddha although large is not opposing but rather has a calm and assuring look. The statue was made to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the fourth King Jigme Singye Wangchuck while fulfilling two ancient prophecies from the 8th and 12th centuries which stated that a giant Buddha statue would be built in the region to bless the world with peace and happiness. This directly lines up with Bhutan’s model of growth focusing more on the Happiness index which measures the individual happiness of each citizen rather than the per capita income or any other monetary data.

Another unique structure is the prominent National Memorial Chorten. This stupa, which is predominantly white with spires of gold, was erected in 1974 in honour of the father of modern Bhutan, the third king of the country, His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. The Memorial Stupa, Thimphu, also known as the Thimphu Chorten, is a stupa in Thimphu, Bhutan, located on Doeboom Lam in the southern-central part of the city near the main roundabout and Indian military hospital with its prominent landmark in the city of golden spires and bells. Owing to her rich history, the Chorten holds great religious fervour. Devotees circumambulated only in a clockwise direction (reciting prayers and whirling the large red prayer wheels), as is the rule for any religious structures in Bhutan. The Moenlam Prayer Festival is held here when the Je Khenpo (the religious head of Bhutan) addresses and blesses those who congregate for the occasion.

Drive about 15 minutes from the main city to a hillock where the Bhutan Broad Casting Tower is stationed. From there you can relish the beautiful scene of the whole of Thimphu City. On the way up or down from the hillock, you can also see Takin the national animal of Bhutan.

Motithang Takin Preserve, located in the Motithang district of Thimphu, Bhutan is a wildlife reserve area for Takin, the national animal of Bhutan. Originally a mini-zoo, it was converted into a preserve when it was discovered that the animals refrained from inhabiting the surrounding forest even when set free. The reason for declaring Takin as a national animal of Bhutan is attributed to a legend of the animal’s creation in Bhutan in the 15th century by Lama Drukpa Kunley.

Most of the Thimphu population congregate on the banks of Wangchhu River where the market is held. Villagers from the Valley and other nearby places come to sell their wide range of agriculture products in the market. The market is by far the largest domestic market in Bhutan. A visit to the market provides great photo opportunities, as well as the chance to mingle with local people and perhaps buy souvenirs.