National Memorial Chorten རྒྱལ་ཡོངས་རྗེས་དྲན་མཆོད་རྟེན།

An iconic landmark of Thimpu, the National Memorial Chorten is a stupa constructed in memory of the Third King of Bhutan. Surrounded by prayer wheels, it’s place of worship and meditation for many Bhutanese people. It’s serene and a must visit when you’re in the city.

Visiting Memorial Stupa often evokes a profound sense of reflection, peace, and connection. This place provides a serene atmosphere that encourages contemplation and spiritual growth. The architecture, art, and rituals associated with this stupa also offer a deep sense of history and tradition. For many, their visit to here is a way to connect with their faith, seek solace, or simply experience the spiritual and cultural significance of the place.

This place holds deep religious significance to the local Bhutanese population. You will find many devotees circumbulating the stupa chanting mantras, with prayer wheels etc. As a tourist I found the entry fees a little too steep for this memorial. The inside temple holds mostly wrathful deities

The National Memorial Chorten was built in memory of Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, the third king of Bhutan. Chorten generally stores human remains, but there are no of them here. People pray clockwise around Chorten. Visiting here, visitors can feel two things. One is the Bhutanese' respect for the king, and the other is a true religious belief.

The Memorial Chorten stands as a revered landmark in Thimphu, Bhutan, emanating a sense of spiritual calm. Surrounded by prayer wheels and dedicated worshippers, it provides a glimpse into Bhutanese religious practices and offers a peaceful oasis within the city. A must-visit for those seeking both cultural immersion and a moment of reflection.

Built in the memories of the king..this charter has entry fee of 500. Many locals were seen..beautiful gardens well maintained..it is a great attraction in thimpu

We visited mid morning and there were already many locals either walking clockwise around the brilliant white building or sitting silently in a shady spot meditating. It was constructed in 1974 to honour the third king of Bhutan by the king’s mother. Well worth a visit when in Thimpu.

The National Memorial Chorten, Situated in Thimphu, Bhutan, is a remarkable architectural structure that holds great spiritual significance. This stupa was built in 1974 as a memorial to Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, the third Druk Gyalpo, and provides a space for introspection and adoration for both locals and tourists. The chorten's magnificence, with its gilded spire and elaborately carved portals, draws your attention as soon as you approach it on Chhoten Lam. The building itself is an example of the skillful traditional Bhutanese construction. The upper story's vase-shaped structure, which is decorated with intricate carvings, represents the principles and teachings of Buddhism. With their elaborate designs, vivid colors, and religious symbols, all four of the elaborate portals beckon you inside a tranquil, holy area. It is common to witness visitors walking around the chorten, whirling prayer wheels, and muttering mantras, all contributing to the serene and devoted atmosphere. This custom, which is thought to accrue merit, is evidence of the strong spiritual bond that many Bhutanese have with this location. The chorten is a place of prayer and meditation in addition to being a monument to the late king. The chorten's surrounding grounds are equally charming, featuring well-kept gardens and serene benches for visitors to relax on. This place is ideal for introspection because it offers a calm respite from the bustle of Thimphu. The National Memorial Chorten provides an insight into Bhutan's rich cultural and spiritual legacy, regardless of whether you are an ardent Buddhist or just an inquisitive tourist. The National Memorial Chorten is a living representation of Bhutanese spirituality and culture, not merely a monument. Its breathtaking architecture, calm atmosphere, and cultural significance make it an essential Thimphu destination. This famous stupa honors the enduring legacy of Bhutan's beloved monarch and serves as a symbol of peace.