National Memorial Chorten
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The National Memorial Chorten, commonly called the Memorial Chorten or Thimphu Chorten, is one of the most iconic religious landmarks in Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan. It is a major spiritual and cultural site in the heart of the city and a daily focal point of worship for many Bhutanese.
Location
The National Memorial Chorten is located in Thimphu, Bhutan’s capital city, along the main road near the Indian military hospital area. It sits in a peaceful open space, making it easily accessible from most parts of the city.
Key Facts
- Built in: 1974
- Commissioned by: The Third King, His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuck
- Purpose: Memorial dedicated to world peace and prosperity
- Style: Tibetan-style stupa with golden spires and intricate mandalas
- Local Name: Thimphu Chorten
- Function: Active place of worship for locals
Why It's Special
- It is one of the most spiritually vibrant sites in Thimphu, not just a monument
- Built in memory of Bhutan’s Third King, often called the Father of Modern Bhutan
- A daily gathering place for elderly Bhutanese who walk, pray, and spin prayer wheels
- Unlike many temples, visitors can enter the main structure and view sacred murals and statues
Visitor Experience
- Walk clockwise around the chorten with locals while spinning prayer wheels
- Observe Bhutanese devotees chanting and praying
- Admire colorful paintings depicting Buddhist teachings
- Experience a calm, contemplative atmosphere in the heart of the city
- Ideal for cultural immersion and photography (respectfully)
Best Time to Visit
- Early morning (6:00–9:00 AM): Most spiritual and lively with local worshippers
- Late afternoon (4:00–6:00 PM): Pleasant light and relaxed atmosphere
- Open year-round; spring and autumn offer the best weather
Travel Tip
Entrance Fees: BTN: 500/ per person. Dress modestly, walk clockwise around the chorten, avoid pointing feet toward altars, and ask permission before photographing people at prayer.
Hear from our clients
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Egypt GroupCairo, Egypt
Buthan Tour hat für unsere kleine Reisegruppe (4 Personen) im Juni 2018 eine wunderbare Reise in Buthan organisiert. Wir haben neben Thimphu auch Punakha im Osten und Ha im Westen besucht. Der Bus war bequem und alle Hotels sehr angenehm. Die Begleitung durch Ram, Tensing und den Fahrer war sehr angenehm. Es war eine sehr interessante Reise durch ein wunderbares Land.
Markus GroupZURICH, SWITZERLAND
May 2019. We two had a trip through the west part of Bhutan for 9 days. Was very good! As to agency, to Ram, to our guide Sajan so many thanks:) We had a very good company with smart, interesting interlocutors, humorists, that had made our self feelings of the trip easy and soulful. Ram was very attentive to us, to our wishes and feelings, еspecially eating habits, and helped us to get our favorite meals.
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Every minute of this 14 day trip from the east to the center of Bhutan was a delight! We had a unique experience and the opportunity to get an unforgettable insight into this marvelous country due to Ram, our skilled and warm-hearted guide, which had worked in the past in different Swiss cooperation programs knowing interesting people.
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Bhutan, the land of the thunder dragon and happiness! We were 4 women with the dream to travel in this small, hidden, not of many known countries to understand Bhutan, the land of the thunder dragon and happiness! We were 4 women who had the dream to travel to this small, unknown country to understand a little bit of the culture, the secrets, and the mystic behind it.
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