Dochula pass and the 108 chortens
Dochula lies about 30 km from Thimphu, at roughly 3,100 m. The Druk Wangyal chortens, 108 small stupas arranged in tiers on a mound, were built in the early 2000s at the initiative of Queen Mother Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck. The Druk Wangyal Lhakhang temple stands above them.
On clear mornings, mostly from October to February, the view north shows a line of snow peaks along the Tibetan border, including Gangkar Puensum, Bhutan's highest mountain at about 7,570 m. Rhododendrons flower on the slopes in spring. A café at the pass serves tea and lunch, and the air is cold, so bring a jacket.
Questions travellers ask
Good to know
How high is Dochula pass?
About 3,100 m. It lies roughly 30 km from Thimphu on the road to Punakha, about an hour's drive. The air is cold and windy, even in summer, so keep a warm layer in the car. Most people stop for 30 minutes to an hour on the way down to Punakha.
Can I see the Himalaya from Dochula?
On clear days, yes, mainly between October and February and early in the morning. The range along the northern border, including Gangkar Puensum at about 7,570 m, can be seen. Clouds often build by mid-morning, and in the monsoon the view is rarely open.
Why were the 108 chortens at Dochula built?
They were built in the early 2000s at the initiative of Queen Mother Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck, commemorating Bhutan's 2003 military operation against insurgents in the southern forests and honouring those involved. The number 108 is auspicious in Buddhism. A temple, Druk Wangyal Lhakhang, stands beside them.
Also in Punakha
More hours to plan around
