The Dochula Pass

The Dochula Pass, at over 3,100 metres on the winding road between Thimphu and Punakha, is one of the most beautiful and serene high points in Bhutan. Draped in colourful prayer flags, its crowning feature is a cluster of 108 memorial chortens, the Druk Wangyal Chortens, built in graceful tiers on a hillock. On a clear day, the pass offers a breathtaking, sweeping panorama of the snow-capped peaks of the eastern Himalayas stretching along the horizon, a magical and spiritual spot.

The landscape

• The 108 chortens - the graceful tiers of memorial stupas.
• The Himalayan panorama - the view of the snow-capped peaks on a clear day.
• The prayer flags - the colourful flags draping the pass.
• The Druk Wangyal temple - the ornate temple at the pass.

When to go

October to February, the clear, dry winter months, offer the best chance of the spectacular Himalayan mountain views, which are frequently hidden by cloud and haze the rest of the year; the pass can be cold and even snowy in winter, so bring warm layers.

Practical notes

The famous Himalayan panorama depends entirely on clear weather and is often hidden by cloud or haze, especially outside the clear winter months, so the mountain view is a matter of luck; even without it, the chortens and prayer flags are serene and beautiful. It is a stop on the drive between Thimphu and Punakha rather than a destination, and it is cold at altitude. On a clear day, the view is unforgettable.

Nearby

The Thimphu and Punakha valleys are on either side of the pass.

Key facts