Kuensal Phodrang, overlooking the pictorial Thimphu Valley is one of the iconic landscapes of Thimphu Bhutan. Also, known as Buddha Point, Kuensal Phodrang is famous for housing the famous Great Buddha Dordenma. The gigantic Golden figurine of Sakyamuni Buddha has made Kuensal Phodrang a must visit place of Bhutan and a favored sightseeing place in Thimphu Valley.
Perched at an altitude of 2655 mt, Kuensal Phodrang is the most visible tourist destination seen from the Thimphu City. Surrounded by the alpine forest, the road leading to Kuensal Phodrang is known to be one of the most pictorial routes in Thimphu.
Legend of Great Buddha Dordenma
According to Bhutanese Legend the site to lay the foundation of Great Buddha Dordenma of Kuensal Phodrang was foretold during the 8th century in an ancient terma of Guru Padmasambava. Later, after 800 years, the terma prophesying the making of Great Buddha Dordenma of Kuensal Phodrang was discovered by the Terton Pema Lingpa.
The History
Consisting of thousand of identical figurine of Sakyamuni Buddha, the Great Buddha Dordenma of Kuensal Phodrang was inaugurated while celebrating the 60th anniversary of the Fourth King Jigme Singye Wangchuck on 25th September 2015.
Interest Fact
Did you know? The statue of Sakyamuni Buddha located in Kuensal Phodrang with the height of 51.5 meters is the world’s largest statue.
Things to see
- Gigantic statue of Sakyamuni Buddha sited atop the Kuensal Phodrang
- Panoramic view of Thimphu Valley
- Ruins of ancient palace of Sherab Wangchuck, the thirteenth Desi Druk, in Kuensal Phodrang Nature Park
Things to do
- Watching the sunset over the Thimphu Valley from the Buddha Point of Kuensal Phodrang
- Hiking from Thimphu to Kuensal Phodrang
- Admiring the gigantic statue of Sakyamuni Buddha in Kuensal Phodrang
How to reach
Kuensal Phodrang is located in the outskirts of Thimphu Valley. Visitors can reach Kuensal Phodrang by hiring a car from Thimphu Valley. It is an approx 10min drive from Thimphu to Kuensal Phodrang.
Distance: The distance between Thimphu to Kuensal Phodrang is 5 kilometers.
Nearby Tourist Attractions of Buddha Point
Buddha Point, one of the favored tourist destinations in Thimpu is not the only place to visit. Some of the nearby tourist attractions of Buddha Point you should visit are:
- Cheri Monastery
- National Memorial Chorten
- Trashi Chhoe Dzong
- National Folk Heritage Museum
- Tango Monastery
Buddha Point Timings
Buddha Point opens at 9 am and closes at 5 pm daily. Travelers can visit and explore it during this time of the day. This scenic destination stays open every day to explore. Furthermore, travelers don’t need any entry fee to visit Kuensel Phodrang or the Buddha Point.
Tour Itineraries you may consider checking
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Check out these tailor-made Bhutan Tour Itineraries including Buddha Point, choose one of them and contact us to help you customize it as per your plan.
- 4 Days tour itinerary covering tourist places of Phuentsholing & Thimpu.
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- 7 Days Complete Bhutan Tour Plan including Thimpu, Punakha, Dochula Pass, and Paro.