Dochula Pass
108 memorial chortens and, on a clear day, a full Himalayan skyline.
Dochula Pass sits at 3,100m on the road between Thimphu and Punakha, and on a clear morning offers one of Bhutan's best panoramas of the eastern Himalayas, including Gangkhar Puensum, at 7,570m, the world's highest unclimbed mountain. The pass is marked by 108 memorial chortens (Druk Wangyal Chortens), built in 2005 in memory of Bhutanese soldiers.
Mist and cloud cover the mountain view more often than not, particularly by mid-morning, so an early start from Thimphu improves the odds considerably. The pass is also the venue for the annual Dochula Druk Wangyal Festival each December.
Highlights
108 memorial chortens (Druk Wangyal Chortens), built in 2005
On clear mornings, views of Gangkhar Puensum, the world's highest unclimbed mountain
Best visited early; mist typically rolls in by mid-morning
Venue for the annual Dochula Druk Wangyal Festival each December
Trips that visit Dochula Pass
Practical Info
Address
Thimphu to Punakha highway
Opening Hours
Sunrise to Sunset
In This Destination
Thimphu District
Bhutan's capital district and seat of government