Morning kora at the Memorial Chorten
The National Memorial Chorten was built in 1974 in memory of the third king, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, who had wished to build a chorten for world peace. It stands in the city centre with a golden spire and painted shrines inside, and is one of the busiest places of worship in Thimphu.
From early morning, older residents walk around it clockwise, many for hours, turning the large prayer wheels on the corners and chatting on the benches between rounds. Walk a few circuits with them, keeping to the left, and then sit and watch. It is the easiest place in Bhutan to see daily devotion at close range.
Questions travellers ask
Good to know
Why was the Memorial Chorten built?
It was built in 1974 to honour the third king, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, who died in 1972. He had wanted to build a chorten dedicated to world peace, and his mother had it built in his memory. It does not hold his remains. It has become the city's main place for daily prayer.
Can tourists walk around the Memorial Chorten?
Yes. Walk clockwise like everyone else, keep a steady pace and do not cut across people who are praying. Photograph the stupa and the general scene freely, but ask before close-up photos of individuals. Remove hats and shoes before entering the shrine rooms.
Is the Memorial Chorten close to the city centre?
Yes. It is on Doebum Lam, a short walk or a two-minute taxi ride from Norzin Lam and the Clock Tower Square. Many hotels in central Thimphu are within 15 minutes' walk, which makes it an easy first outing in the morning.
Also in Thimphu
More hours to plan around
