Dochula Pass Bhutan Guide: 108 Chortens, Mountain Views & Druk Wangyal Festival

Dochula Pass (3,150 m) — 108 memorial chortens, panoramic Himalayan peak views, Druk Wangyal Lhakhang, and the December Druk Wangyal Tshechu.

Dochula Pass Introduction

Dochula Pass sits at 3,150 metres on the Thimphu–Punakha highway and is one of Bhutan's most scenic high-altitude stops. On clear days (usually October–December), you can see over 20 Himalayan peaks including Gangkhar Puensum (7,570 m) — the world's highest unclimbed mountain.

The 108 Memorial Chortens

The 108 white memorial chortens (stupas) are called Druk Wangyal Chortens, commissioned by Her Majesty the Queen Mother Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck in 2005 to honour Bhutanese soldiers who died fighting Assamese militants. The number 108 is sacred in Buddhism, representing 108 volumes of the Buddha's teachings.

Druk Wangyal Lhakhang

The Druk Wangyal Lhakhang temple at Dochula Pass was built in 2008 to mark the 100th anniversary of the Wangchuck dynasty. Its interior murals narrate the story of Bhutan's kings and key historical events.

Druk Wangyal Tshechu Festival

Held in December each year, this festival celebrates the fourth King's birthday with traditional Cham dances, folk performances, and colourful costumes. It's one of the few festivals where the royal family attends publicly, making it a great photography opportunity.

Best Time to Visit

October–February: clearest mountain views and festival season. March–May: rhododendron blooms along the pass road. Avoid July–August: frequent cloud cover obscures the mountain panorama.

Practical Tips

Dochula Pass is 30 km (1 hour drive) from Thimphu. There's a café and souvenir shop near the chortens. Temperature drops sharply — carry a warm layer. Most tours stop here en route from Thimphu to Punakha.