Bhutan: Memorial Thimpu Chorten (Stupa)

Thimpu Chorten or Stupa is in the heart of Thimpu and is a Buddhist stupa built two years after the death of the third king of Bhutan (third Druk Gyalpo) Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. Unlike other Bhuddist stupas in other countries – this one doesn’t have any bodies inside, but just a picture of the king. (In many ways Bhutan is similar to North Korea – the king pictures are everywhere and the reverence is omnipresent). Hordes of pilgrims come here to pay respects and walk clockwise around the stupa (must do it a minimum of four times). Everybody is wearing the traditional Bhutanese clothing (long skirt for women/short skirt for men).