“The 51-meter-tall bronze Buddha statue overlooks panoramic views of Thimphu city and houses numerous small gilded Buddha statues inside.”
The Dordenma Buddha Project is the construction of the world’s largest bronze Buddha statue situated on Kuenselphodrang hill, offering expansive views of Bhutan’s capital, Thimphu. This bronze statue stands 169 feet (51 meters) tall and is built as a symbol of “eternity” and the unbreakable strength of Buddha’s teachings.
Inside the giant statue, there are a total of 125,000 small copper Buddha statues gilded in gold, including 100,000 statues measuring 8 inches and 25,000 statues measuring 12 inches. These are meticulously arranged in multi-layered grid boxes to represent the continuation of boundless merit and compassion.
Initiated by His Eminence Trizin Tsering Rinpoche, this project aims to make the statue the “eighth wonder of the world,” promoting compassion, kindness, and peace for people in Bhutan and around the world. Donors’ and sponsors’ names are inscribed on copper plates and displayed in the meditation hall as an honor and inspiration for devoted supporters. The project emphasizes that the generosity and compassion of contributors will benefit themselves, others, and all sentient beings in the future.
How to Get There
From Thimphu city, visitors can take a taxi or private car to Kuenselphodrang hill. The drive takes about 30 minutes, passing through beautiful natural scenery, ideal for photography and relaxation.
Travel Tips
Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring drinking water. It is recommended to visit in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid harsh sunlight and enjoy spectacular sunrises or sunsets.
Admission Fee: Free of charge
Opening Hours: Open daily from 08:00 AM to 06:00 PM