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The National Memorial Chorten is a famous place in Thimphu, built to honour the Third King of Bhutan, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. Most chortens hold relics, but this one is for prayers and worship. People come here daily to pray, meditate, and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. It is an important place for Bhutanese culture and religion. Visitors can see local people walking around the chorten while praying. It is a quiet and beautiful spot to learn about Bhutan’s traditions. If you like visiting cultural places, it is a great place to explore and experience Bhutan’s spiritual side.
Location
Photo: Bernard Gagnon / Wikimedia Commons
The National Memorial Chorten is located in Thimphu, Bhutan, near the Doeboom Lam Road, close to the City Centre. It is easily accessible from major landmarks like the Tashichho Dzong and the Clock Tower Square. The chorten stands as a prominent religious site, surrounded by prayer wheels and gardens. Its central location makes it a popular spot for both locals and tourists to visit and offer prayers.
How To Reach
Photo: Göran Höglund / Wikimedia Commons
By Air: The nearest airport is Paro International Airport, about 50 km away from the chorten. Visitors can hire a taxi from the airport to reach the chorten in about 1.5 hours.
By Road: The chorten is well-connected, and visitors can take a taxi or a bus from different parts. Many tourists prefer to walk to the chorten to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the city. There are shared taxis and local buses available from different locations in the chorten, making it easy to reach the chorten.
Places To Visit In And Around National Memorial Chorten
There are several fascinating places to explore near the National Memorial Chorten. Here are some of the top attractions:
1. Tashichho Dzong
Photo: Bernard Gagnon / Wikimedia Commons
Tashichho Dzong is a beautiful Buddhist monastery and fortress, an important place for the Bhutanese government and religion. The building has traditional Bhutanese design with golden roofs, white walls, and detailed wood carvings. Visitors can walk around the monastery, see Buddhist rituals, and enjoy the amazing views. It is a peaceful place that shows Bhutan’s rich culture and history. People who like history and spirituality will enjoy visiting this place. The dzong is also used for government work, making it an important place in Bhutan. It is a must-visit for travellers.
Location: Thimphu, Bhutan
Timings: 9 AM – 5 PM
2. Buddha Dordenma Statue
Photo: אבנר אילנאי / Wikimedia Commons
The Buddha Dordenma Statue is one of the tallest Buddha statues in the world, standing 54 metres high. It is on a hill overlooking the chorten, giving a beautiful city view. The statue is made of bronze and covered in gold, making it shine brightly. Inside, there are over 100,000 small Buddha statues. The place is very peaceful and has great spiritual importance. Many people visit to pray and enjoy the calm surroundings. It is a wonderful place to visit for those exploring the chorten and nearby areas.
Location: Thimphu, Bhutan
Timings: 9 AM – 5 PM
3. Motithang Takin Preserve
Photo: Stephen Shephard / Wikimedia Commons
Motithang Takin Preserve is a special place in Bhutan where you can see the Takin, the country’s unique animal. This animal looks like both a goat and a cow. It is very important in Bhutanese culture. Here, you can see the Takin in their natural home. The area is full of green trees, making it a calm and beautiful place to visit. If you want to learn about Bhutan’s wildlife and enjoy nature, this is a great place to go.
Location: Thimphu, Bhutan
Timings: 9 AM – 5 PM
4. Simply Bhutan Museum
Photo: just-pics / Pixabay / Image For Representation Only
Simply Bhutan is a unique museum that provides a glimpse into Bhutanese culture, traditions, and way of life. It is an interactive museum where visitors can try archery, wear traditional Bhutanese attire, and experience local dances. The museum is built in traditional Bhutanese architectural style. It offers an immersive experience of Bhutanese heritage, being an excellent place to visit for those interested in Bhutan’s history and traditions.
Location: Thimphu, Bhutan
Timings: 9 AM – 5 PM
5. Clock Tower Square
Photo: Christopher J. Fynn / Wikimedia Commons
Clock Tower Square is a popular landmark, featuring a beautifully designed clock tower with intricate Bhutanese carvings. The square is a great place to relax, shop for souvenirs, and try local food at nearby cafes. It is a vibrant gathering spot for locals and tourists, with occasional cultural performances and festivals. The square is near the National Memorial Chorten, making it an easy stop to explore the city.
Location: Thimphu, Bhutan
Timings: 24*7
Where To Stay
Photo: peterweideman / Pixabay / Image For Representation Only
Visitors to this chorten have many places to stay, from inexpensive guesthouses to fancy hotels. Some well-known hotels are Taj Tashi, Hotel Druk, and Le Méridien Thimphu. These hotels provide great service and are nearby, so visitors can easily get there. People who do not want to spend much money can stay in simple homestays and guesthouses. These places are clean, comfortable, and good for travellers.
Where To Eat
Photo: rapidtravelchai / Wikimedia Commons
Visitors to the chorten can enjoy tasty Bhutanese food with rich flavours. Popular dishes include Ema Datshi, a spicy stew with chilli and cheese, soft momos (dumplings), and Phaksha Paa, pork cooked with radish. Some good restaurants are Bhutan Kitchen, Folk Heritage Restaurant, and Ambient Café. These places serve local and international food in a warm and friendly setting. People can enjoy a relaxing meal while trying the unique flavours of Bhutanese cooking. Eating here is a great way to experience the culture of Bhutan.
Best Time To Visit
Photo: Bernard Gagnon / Wikimedia Commons
The chorten is best to visit from October to March. The weather is cool and nice, making it great for sightseeing. During this time, Bhutan also has big festivals like the Thimphu Tshechu, which makes the visit more special. The sky is clear, and the temperature is comfortable, so visitors can enjoy walking around and exploring. This season is perfect for seeing the beautiful design of the chorten and learning about its history. The peaceful surroundings and festive atmosphere make this the best time to experience the culture and beauty of Bhutan.
Tips For Travellers
Photo: Vinayaraj / Wikimedia Commons
- Visit early in the morning for a peaceful experience.
- Dress modestly and respect local customs.
- Carry some cash as card payments may not be accepted everywhere.
- Check the timings of the chorten for a smooth visit.
Visiting the National Memorial Chorten in Thimphu and its nearby areas offers a wonderful experience. The peaceful prayer wheels, vibrant Simply Bhutan Museum, and busy Clock Tower Square are some of the best tourist attractions here. These show Bhutan’s rich culture and spirituality. If you want to explore more, plan a trip with TripXL for a memorable journey to these beautiful spots.
Cover Photo: Bernard Gagnon / Wikimedia Commons
