The stupa, built in 1974 to honor the third Druk Gyalpo, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck (1928–1972), is a prominent landmark in the city with its golden spires and bells.

Only the Druk Gyalpo’s photo in a ceremonial dress adorns a hall in the ground floor.

[4] The Memorial Chorten of Thimphu was conceived by Thinley Norbu Rinpoche (1931–2011), according to the Nyingma tradition of Tibetan Buddhism.

[1] On the interior are slates engraved with the image of Ngawang Namgyal, Gautama Buddha and Padmasambhava.

[7] The chorten is decorated with richly carved annexes facing the four directions, and contain mandalas, statues and a shrine dedicated to the third king.

The roof of chorten is accessed from the second level and a protective railing covers the terrace on the third floor.

[2] The Monlam Prayer Festival is held here when the Je Khenpo (the religious head of Bhutan) addresses and blesses those who congregate for the occasion.