The National Memorial Chorten

Built in the memory of the third Druk Gyalpo (Head of Kingdom) of Bhutan, the National Memorial Chorten is devoted to World Peace. The Chorten started gaining popularity amongst the localities when various major Buddhist religious festivals started taking place at the Chorten and it is one of the best places to see in Thimphu Bhutan. The word “Chorten” literally translates to “Seat of Faith”, and the structure itself has become an important part of the Bhutanese culture. You can spot various Buddhists circumambulating around the Chorten all throughout the day. The Memorial also attracts a lot of tourists from around the world due to its architectural and deep connection with Bhutan’s rich culture.

Situated well within the capital city Thimphu. the Stupa was initially built in the year 1974 and thereafter, witnessed a massive renovation in the year 2008. The Chorten is also famous as the “most visible religious structure of Bhutan.” 

Unlike other traditional Stupas, this monument does not enshrine any of the human remains. It holds only one photo of Druk Gyalpo in traditional Bhutanese dress in the massive hall on the ground floor.

• Marvel at Bhutan's iconic religious landmark, the National Memorial Chorten, built in 1974.
• Observe locals practising daily spiritual rituals around the Chorten, symbolising the 'Mind of Buddha.
• Admire intricate mandalas and statues inside the Chorten, showcasing Tibetan-style architectural elements.
• Feel the serenity while spinning large, red prayer wheels, used for meditation and blessings.
• Attend the vibrant Monlam Prayer Festival at the Chorten, where Bhutan's religious head blesses congregants.

Thimphu experiences a varied range of temperatures throughout the year, Spring and Autumn are considered to be the best seasons to visit the city. Here is a brief description of the seasons to pick the best one for you:

-Spring: During the months of March to May, the flowers are at full bloom and nature at its best. The temperatures range from 7 to 18 degrees Celcius. The perfect season to experience Thimphu.

-Summer: The temperatures range from 10 to 22 degrees Celcius with mild rain showers. Not the best time to visit Thimphu.

-Autumn: The temperatures during this period range from 4 to 20 degrees Celcius. It is one of the best seasons to visit Thimphu. The weather remains cool and calm with clear skies.

-Winters: Winters in Thimphu are quite extreme with temperatures dropping down up to -10 degrees Celcius. It is advisable to avoid visiting during this season if you do not embrace cold temperatures.

History of the National Memorial Chorten

The architecture of The National Memorial Chorten:

Facts about the National Memorial Chorten:

-By Bus: There are some bus services that connect Paro and Thimphu however, there are no regular bus services, therefore, it must be pre-planned.

-By Rail: There is no rail service available anywhere in Bhutan as of now.

-By Road: You can direct taxi from Paro International Airport to National Memorial Chorten Thimphu which should take 1.5 hours max. to reach.

The best way to travel from Paro International Airport to Thimphu is via Taxi as the distance is not much and the fares are also not that high.