Welcome back to have a memorable journey through the scenic beauty of Thimphu, capital of Bhutan.
By the time we reached the hotel for our stay, it became too late in the evening and further exploration was impossible due to the continuous journey of almost 6 hours. We allowed our bodies a bit of rest and warmth as the temperature was on the decline gradually from the morning and became imperative to have something to cover your head and ears because of the evening wind.
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The next morning we started afresh for the sightseeing. Our first destination was the Memorial Chorten.
The National Memorial Chorten in Thimphu is a deeply spiritual place. It was built in 1974 to honour the beloved third Druk Gyalpo, King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck.
His physical remains are not kept here; but only a photo. He played an important role in the modernization of Bhutan.
It is a beautiful white structure with golden spires that glisten in the sunlight, decorated with bells that chime gently in the breeze. It's not just another monument; it's a living, breathing part of the community where Bhutanese people come together daily to pray, meditate, and connect with their faith.
Since we had other major plans that day, we didn't enter the chorten, but we enjoyed its appearance only from outside.
Our next destination was the Buddha point where The Buddha Dordenma Statue is located.
It is one of the biggest Buddha statues in the world and was built in 2015. The statue is made of bronze, but plated with gold over it. There is a big meditation hall below the statue, where about 125000 small Buddha statues are showcased. But photography was not allowed inside.
Not only Buddha, but many other characters from the Buddha puranas are also standing there giving company to Buddha. Since it is on a hilltop, you can always feel the humming of the wind near your ears.
This large Buddha can be seen from anywhere in Thimphu.
Our guide Tashi told us that the elder generation of Bhutan was very much enthusiastic in the structuring of this statue. Many of them donated their lifetime savings in the form of gold for its plating. It was like their offering to their deity. Wonderful, indeed!
After the Buddha Point we visited a nearby Shiva temple too. Bhutan is a Buddhist nation. Almost 80% of the population believe in Buddhism. Then comes the 10% Hindus and the balance Christians.
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Let's leave these religious places and go to see a special animal.
Yes, our next destination was a zoo- The Royal Takin Preserve
Takin is the national animal of Bhutan. It has some similarities to a cow, a goat, and a sheep. That is what I felt.
The Bhutanese people have a legend attached to this animal.
Once a Buddhist monk from Tibet came to Bhutan. The local villagers asked him to perform some magic. He asked them to give something to quench his hunger. The villagers gave him the meat of a full cow and a goat. He had completely eaten that within minutes. Wasn't that the magic?
No!
After this he joined together the balance parts of these two animals and Tada!
A new animal emerged. That was the Takin. Our kids find this story very interesting.
By the time we had come out of the zoo, we all felt really tired and hungry. So let's take a break here.
We can join you after some food with more interesting things about Thimphu. Hope you enjoyed the journey till here.
Thanks for spending your valuable time.
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