Dochula Tourism and Travel Guide

The pass does not only have all the scenic views of valleys on both sides but also is the site of the 108 Druk Wangyal Chortens.

If the weather is clear and you got to see the surrounding snow-laden peaks, it's one of the most beautiful mountain passesLocation - 20 km from ThimphuFor bird's eye view of the place and a quite experience, you can visit Druk Wangyal Lhakhang temple which is nearby. The intricate design of the temple is a marvelous example of Bhutanese art and architecture.

Thimphu is the capital and largest city of Bhutan and fourth highest capital in the world by altitude. It’s a blend of modern development with ancient traditions.How to reach ThimphuThimphu is just 1.15-hour drive from Paro. If you have not booked a taxis for the entire duration of your trip, you can use private and shared taxis.There are many spectacular places to visit in Thimpu.Sunrise at Buddha Dordenma“Every day a million miracles begin at sunrise!” - Eric Jerome DickeyAnd to see one such, we woke up before sunrise (I know it’s difficult but trust me its worth) and make our way (via cab) to one of the largest statues of Buddha.

♦♦Dochula Pass: On our way to Punaka (known as the Winter Capital of Bhutan until 1966) we stopped by Dochula Pass (alt. 3150 Mts) with 108 Chortens (Budhist shrines). If the sky is clear you get the most spectacular view of the Eastern Himalayan mountain ranges from this pass but we had no such luck with low hanging clouds. ♦♦ Chimilakhang: After a brief hike through the paddy fields we reached this interesting place also known as the Mad monk’s temple. The saint Drukpa kinley was known for his outrageous methods of preaching. He is represented by a Phallus. This symbol is found in souvenir shops, temple and some of the walls of the nearby homes. (kept in homes to drive away evil eye and the negative energies). It was here that the mad monk after killing the demon of Dochula buried the body under a rock near the temple. A chorten stands as a reminder nearby. Wondering why the monk tapped our heads with the phallus, we asked our guide. Apparently this place is also known as the fertility temple as lot of childless couples were blessed with children after paying a visit here. Meaning blessed by the phallus!

Dochula Pass

Then we headed directly to punakha dzong .If your are referring mymap you will see Dochula is on the way so first we visited dochula.it was misty and hardly any clarity still it was one of the amazing dzong we saw here.

Day 3 started with drive to punakha city. On our way we cross Dochula pass - a beautiful mountain pass, which is about 20 km from Thimphu is a concentration of 108 memorial stupas known as “Druk Wangyal Chortens. It is one of the most beautiful mountain passes you’ll ever see. One can witness the most splendid views of the snow-covered Himalayas from here. On a clear day the high mountain peaks including Masaganang (7,200m), Kangphugang (7,170m), Tsendagang (6,960 m), Jejegangphugang (7,158m), and Terigang (7,060 m) can be seen from here.

Dochula pass in Bhutan was built to honour the Bhutanese soldiers who lost their lives in the battle against the Assamese militants who were hiding in the Bhutanese Territory. A total of 108 Pillars where commemorated to honour them. As we reached there, we were welcomed with thick ice, good enough to last for another few days.

Dochala Pass is located 30kms from Thimphu on the way to Punakha. You need route pass to travel to Dochala Pass and to Punakha from Thimphu. It is a memorial built as an honor of Bhutanese soldiers died during Assamese insurgents during 2003. It has 108 memorial Chortens (or Stupas) in 3 layers. The pass is located at 3100 meters also has Druk Wangyal Lhakhang temple. The view and weather is quite exhilarating and definitely not a place to miss. The pass also has a botanical garden (nearby) and two cafes.Buddha Dordenma:

On the next day we were headed to Punakha but on the way we stopped at the top most point at 10,000 feet . The Dochula Pass