Buddha Point

Route Description for Buddha Point

This is an excellent, easy and picturesque walk you can do in the morning, before the afternoon rains in monsoon season, or in the afternoon when the sun passes its highest point in summer. The path itself is in good repair, and while there’s no signage, the path doesn’t branch, so it’s difficult to get lost. The walk can be done in either direction – from Buddha Point to Changangkha Lhakhang or vice versa. We find that it’s best to start at the Lhakhang (Buddhist temple), where the view of the massive statue of Buddha poking through the trees and prayer flags at the other end is delightful.

The start point is above the Lakhang. Head to the car park at the top. Walk up the stairs to the right as there’s no way around from the left, and sometimes the Lakhang is closed to tourists. Be sure not to begin this trek from the sealed road at the bottom.

The path itself will take you through rainforest, brush, across a logging track and around quite a few points with unveiled views of the Thimphu valley. There are easy ascents and descents—it’s the flattest walk around this area by far. In summer, wear a bell or talk/sing a lot due to frequent bear activity.

Insider Hints for Buddha Point

• Take enough water, it can be surprisingly hot and dry, and there is nowhere to refill either at Buddha Point or the Lhakhang.
• If you do the walk in the morning, bring a picnic to have either in the park or on the point overlooking Thimphu.
• It can be a good idea to arrange for a taxi to pick you up from Buddha Point. You may be able to hail a taxi as well. If you get stuck, start walking down the road toward town and flag down a cab on the way. Even if they’re already carrying people, they will stop for you (a shared taxi is also cheaper). The trip should cost Nu250, but because it’s such a popular tourist spot, the drivers may try to charge as much as Nu400.