Chorten

Discover cities like never before.

Enjoy over self-guided city exploration with our app ‘Explory’. Learn all about the history and discover hidden more than 500.000 hidden gems, that only locals know about. Build custom tours, find nearby places, and start exploring instantly.

Was it a cloud, or a giant, white vase reaching for the heavens? That’s the National Memorial Chorten in Thimphu, a beacon of faith and remembrance. This Chorten isn’t your typical stupa. It holds no mortal remains. Instead, it embodies the mind of the Third King, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, the Father of Modern Bhutan. He envisioned this Chorten, but sadly, didn’t live to see its completion in 1974. His mother, Queen Ashi Phuntsho Choden Wangchuck, ensured his vision came to life. The National Memorial Chorten is a vibrant hub of activity. Elders come daily to circumambulate, spinning prayer wheels and murmuring prayers. You’ll see them, their weathered hands turning the wheels, their faces etched with devotion. Look closely at the Chorten’s architecture. It’s a unique blend of Tibetan style, a Jangchup Chorten, shaped like a vase flaring outwards. Golden spires gleam against the pristine white, catching the light. Inside, it’s a journey through Buddhist teachings. The ground floor houses shrines dedicated to the deity Phurpha. Images of the Third King and a central Buddha statue grace each shrine. Ascend the staircase and delve deeper. The second floor focuses on Kagyu teachings, designed to subdue evil spirits. The top floor is dedicated to Lama Gondu teachings. These three floors together represent the esoteric teachings of the Nyingmapa sect. From the top floor, a gallery offers panoramic views of Thimphu. The National Memorial Chorten is more than a monument. It’s a living testament to Bhutanese faith and a tribute to a king who shaped a nation.

The story of Chorten in Thimphu is just one of many fascinating insights you can discover with Explory. To experience the city beyond its surface, you need more than just a map – you need a smart guide that reveals the background, the culture, and the character of each place. With Explory’s city guide, you can dive deeper into Thimphu and transform your visit into a unique city tour filled with stories that bring history and everyday life to light.Explory connects you with Thimphu in a new way. Our guide doesn’t just show you where to go – it enriches your journey with context and atmosphere. Through carefully designed routes and storytelling, you’ll uncover hidden gems and unexpected highlights that even locals might miss. The audio guide makes the city come alive, allowing you to listen while you walk and explore at your own pace.Our city guide is ideal for travelers who want more than sightseeing. Whether your interest is culture, architecture, or local traditions, Explory enables authentic exploration. Each city tour is flexible and intuitive, helping you experience Thimphu with freedom while still being guided by expert knowledge. By combining narrative, navigation, and discovery, Explory ensures your trip becomes an adventure filled with hidden gems and lasting impressions.Take the next step and download the Explory App today. Inside, you’ll find over 300 cities and more than 500,000 POIs and stories to explore. Whether you’re searching for a reliable guide, want to try an immersive audio guide, or plan a memorable city tour, Explory is your all-in-one companion. Begin your journey now and uncover the true essence of Thimphu – only with Explory.

More Places in Thimphu

Hauptfriedhof

Lost in time stands the Hauptfriedhof Trier. A tranquil expanse in the bustling city it’s more than just a cemetery.

Rheinisches Landesmuseum

Behold the Rheinisches Landesmuseum Trier. This isn’t just a museum. It’s a time capsule. Step inside and you’ll journey through

Freilichtmuseum Roscheider Hof

Can you smell the past? We’re standing at the Freilichtmuseum Roscheider Hof. It’s more than just a museum. It is

Katholische Kirche St. Martinus

Listen closely. The story of St Martinus in Trier-Zewen is one of resilience. It’s a tale woven through centuries of

Gedenkstele an der alten Synagoge

A simple bronze stele. Unassuming. Yet it speaks volumes. This is the Gedenkstele an der alten Synagoge in Trier. Right

Kriegerdenkmal Konz-Karthaus

Perhaps it’s the wind, or perhaps it’s the echoes of the past whispering around the Kriegerdenkmal Konz-Karthaus. This war memorial

Prof. Dr. Peter Wagner Plaque

Born in this very house, a plaque commemorates Prof. Dr. Peter Wagner. Prof. Dr. Peter Wagner was a renowned musicologist

Wasserturm

A futuristic marvel. That’s what they called the Wasserturm back in 1958. This elegant structure of concrete steel and glass

Frankenturm

Gazing upon the Frankenturm, one might hear whispers of bygone eras. The Frankenturm stands as a testament to Trier’s rich