The Bhutan Buddha or Buddha Dordenma sits atop a hill overlooking the whole of Thimphu valley in Kuensel Phodrang which has become the top Thimphu sightseeing in Thimphu.
The project was approved by His Majesty the Fourth King and His Holiness the Je Khenpo. Bhutan Buddha Statue was initiated by Lam Tshering Wangdi and Singaporean Businessman Peter Teo is the main sponsor of the project. The statue is for pilgrimage for Buddhists from all over the world.
The great Bhutan Buddha statue is in Thimphu. It is a gigantic Shakyamuni Buddha statue facing Thimphu Valley. It is located in Kuenselphodrang, 6 km drive from the main town. It started the construction in the year 2006. It was completed in the year 2015 celebrating the 60th anniversary of fourth king Jigme Singye Wangchuck. It is measuring 169 feet (52 m) and contains 100,000 8-inch-tall replicas of Buddha Dordenma itself and 25,000 12-inch-tall gilded bronze Buddhas.
Apart from commemorating the 60th anniversary of the fourth king of Bhutan, it also propagated two prophecies. In the twentieth century yogi, Sonam Zangpo prophesied that a large statue of Buddha or Guru Padmasambhava would be built in Bhutan. Bhutan Buddha to be built should be for peace and happiness throughout the world. In addition, the statue is said to have been mentioned by Guru Padmasambhava in the eighth century. This statue kills two birds with one stone by fulfilling both prophecies in a glimmering fashion. The park conserves 943.4 acres of forest.
6-7 km drive uphill from the main Thimphu town to see Bhutan Buddha or Buddha point as the local name must try as it really is a unique experience.
Biking to Buddha Dordenma will be another option of reaching there. If you are a biking lover and have time to bike. The road leading towards the Buddha Doredenma is good enough to bike. It is an uphill bike ride and you can view the beautiful Thimphu Valley. You can hire a mountain bike or your tour operator can arrange the service.
You can opt for another option of the biking route. Another off biking route of 3.5km mountain bike trail branches off from just below the Buddha site to Depsi area passing through nunnery area nearby.
The Buddha Point-Changangkha Biking trail spans about 5 kilometers. It takes 2 hours by hiking and around 45 minutes by biking. You can start from Changangkha Lhakhang after visiting a temple or you start from Buddha Point.
The Hiking trail or Biking trail will take you through blue pines. You can glimpse the view of the Thimphu valley. The beauty of trails during different seasons. In the winter season, the trail is full of oak and blue pine leaves, and in the spring beautiful with colorful cherry blossoms and rhododendron flowers. During the rainy season, it is muddy due to heavy rain.
The Buddha Dordenma timings start from morning 9:00 AM till evening 5:00 PM. It opens all day even on holidays. Buddha Dordenma timings for tourists will be figured out as per the itinerary. It is better to start the tour during morning hours. For the photographer adjust Buddha Dordenma timings as per the sun setting and rise accordingly.
Kuensel Phodrang Nature Park is just opposite Bhutan Buddha and probably the only nature park in Thimphu which was established in the year 2011. It also serves as a multipurpose nature trail for hiking and mountain biking lovers. The hikers can do a nature hike from Buddha Point to another side of the Valley. You can enjoy the panoramic view of Thimphu valley. You can enjoy the fluttering of colorful prayer flags.
Thimphu Memorial Chorten is located in the core area of Thimphu. It is walkable from the main town. It is 5 Km drive from Bhutan Buddha. The stupa was built in 1974 in memory of the third King of Bhutan Jigme Dorji Wangchuck by his wife. In 2008 Thimphu Memorial Chorten was under renovation. It is also known as “the most visible religious landmark in Bhutan”. The stupa is not meant for human remains, unlike other stupas. The Thimphu memorial Chorten is a representation of the mind of the Buddha.
Simply Bhutan Museum is located in Thimphu near Youth Hostel. It is just 15 minutes car drive from Thimphu Buddha Statue. Simply Bhutan Museum is a “live” Museum where the tourists can see the life of a traditional Bhutanese lifestyle.
Simply Bhutan Museum is stunning to see a mud-rammed house of the medieval period of Bhutan. The interior of Simply Bhutan is filled with preserved ancient household items. The Simply Bhutan Museum’s main objective is to promote and preserve ancient tradition and culture.