Perched atop a hill in Kuenselphodrang Nature Park overlooking the southern entrance to Thimphu Valley, the Buddha Dordenma is one of Bhutan’s most iconic landmarks. This massive statue stands at an impressive height of 54 meters (177 feet), making it one of the largest seated Buddha statues in the world. Cast in bronze and gilded in gold, it embodies Shakyamuni Buddha and exudes a serene, majestic presence over the city. The statue houses over 125,000 smaller Buddha statues inside its hollow interior — 100,000 measuring 8 inches tall and 25,000 measuring 12 inches — all similarly gilded and made of bronze. Commissioned to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the fourth King, Jigme Singye Wangchuck, and to fulfill an ancient prophecy believed to bring peace and prosperity, the Buddha Dordenma was completed in September 2015. Beyond its religious significance, the site offers panoramic views of Thimphu valley and is surrounded by tranquil walking paths and prayer wheels, making it both a spiritual and scenic destination for locals and visitors alike.