Visiting Buddha Point (Buddha Dordenma) in Thimphu, Bhutan

We visited Buddha Point on Day 4 of our Bhutan trip, and it was easily one of the highlights. Sitting high above the Thimphu Valley, this spot has become a must-visit place in the capital. As our bus made its way up the winding road, we could already see the giant Buddha statue in the distance, quietly watching over the city.

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The Buddha Dordenma is one of the largest Buddha statues in the world. Standing 51.5 meters tall at an altitude of 8,711 feet, it dominates the landscape, which is why many people simply call this place Buddha Point. The statue is built on the site of Kuensel Phodrang, once the palace of the 13th Druk Desi. With every turn of the uphill road, the Buddha came into clearer view. We were told the road is popular with joggers and cyclists and even serves as a quiet dating spot for locals, which gave the place an unexpectedly everyday charm.

Arriving at Buddha Point

We arrived in the late morning on a clear day, with warm sunlight and a deep blue sky overhead. Standing there in front of the statue, everything suddenly felt very still, as if the noise of the city below had quietly faded away.

We took our time walking up the stairs to the platform beneath the Buddha. The calm posture, gentle smile, and steady gaze of the statue gave off a strong sense of peace. We didn’t rush. We simply stood there for a while, taking in the moment and the sweeping view of the valley.

At the base of the statue, we noticed carvings of a mythological protector along the pedestal. It felt as though the Buddha was being carefully guarded, silently watching over Thimphu and the valley below.

Walking Around the Platform

Standing on the wide platform surrounding the Buddha statue, we took in the panoramic views of the Thimphu Valley. Around the platform are 32 statues of offering gods, each holding a different colourful offering and all facing toward the Buddha. As we walked slowly around, the wind brushed past us, and the whole place felt open, peaceful, and unhurried.

This was one of those places where you don’t feel the need to rush. We simply walked, paused, looked around, and enjoyed being there in the moment.

Inside the Buddha Dordenma Statue

The giant Buddha statue is hollow inside, and we were able to step into the inner chamber. Photography isn’t allowed, so what follows is simply what we saw and remember.

Inside, the walls are covered with detailed paintings of deities, dragons, and other sacred figures. The chamber holds 125,000 small bronze Buddha statues, along with many larger Buddhas in different postures. The ceiling is especially striking, painted with intricate, multi-coloured patterns that naturally draw your eyes upward.

While we were inside, monks were performing offerings, which made the whole experience feel even more serene and sacred. At the centre stands a four-faced Buddha, surrounded by eight Bodhisattvas. Nearby is a statue of Guru Rinpoche, along with several smaller Buddha sculptures.

The entire space felt deeply spiritual and calm. Without thinking about it, we naturally lowered our voices to a whisper and walked more carefully, as if any sudden movement might disturb the peaceful atmosphere around us.

When and How the Buddha Dordenma Was Built

Construction of the Buddha Dordenma began in 2006 and was completed in 2015. The project was initiated by His Majesty King Jigme Singye Wangchuck, with the vision of promoting peace and happiness, not only for Bhutan but for the world beyond.

The statue was built by skilled craftsmen from Bhutan, India, and China. Made of bronze and gilded in gold, it sits on a massive throne constructed from reinforced concrete and steel. These materials carry deep meaning in Bhutanese culture, with bronze and gold symbolising purity, spiritual wealth, and enlightenment.

The monument was built by Aerosun Corporation of Nanjing, China, at an estimated cost of around 100 million US dollars, under the patronage of Singaporean billionaire Rinchen Peter Teo. Before construction began, a clay model of the statue was created by the respected Bhutanese master Jenzop Lopen Sangay of Shaba, Paro, laying the foundation for what would become one of Bhutan’s most iconic landmarks.

The Prophecy Behind the Statue

According to Bhutanese belief, the Buddha Dordenma was built to fulfil a prophecy made by Guru Rinpoche in the 8th century. The prophecy spoke of a future time of spiritual decline, when a great Buddha statue would rise in this area to bring peace and prosperity.

A similar prediction was later made by the yogi Sonam Zangpo in the 20th century. He foretold that a grand statue of the Buddha, Guru Rinpoche, or a phurba would one day be erected on this very site.

The statue was officially completed on 25 September 2015, to mark the 60th birthday of Bhutan’s fourth King, Jigme Singye Wangchuck.

A Quiet Note Before We Leave

The Buddha Dordenma is not a separate Buddha, but a statue built in honour of Buddha Shakyamuni.

As we stood there one last time before leaving, looking out over the Thimphu Valley, the feeling stayed with us. It wasn’t about the sheer size of the statue. It was the calm, the open space, and the quiet stillness that made the visit truly special.

As we walked back to the bus, we kept looking at the Buddha one last time. The sunlight shone on his golden face, and the valley below looked calm and peaceful. The feeling of quiet and stillness stayed with us, even as we continued our journey through Thimphu.

Note: The Ushiku Daibutsu in Ibaraki, Japan, is currently the tallest seated Buddha statue in the world, measuring 120 metres in height, including its base.

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