Dochula

Overview

Dochula Pass is more than just a scenic viewpoint; it is a site of deep national significance. The 108 chortens, known as "Druk Wangyal Chortens," were commissioned by Her Majesty the Queen Mother Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck to honor the Bhutanese soldiers who lost their lives during the 2003 military operation against insurgents. The pass also features the Druk Wangyal Lhakhang, a temple finished in 2008 to celebrate 100 years of the monarchy.

Historically, this pass has always been a vital link between Thimphu and the eastern districts. In the winter, the clear skies reveal the highest peaks of Bhutan, including Masanggang and Gangkhar Puensum. Visitors can walk among the stupas, explore the vibrant murals inside the temple—which uniquely blend traditional Buddhist art with modern history—and enjoy the serene atmosphere of the rhododendron-filled forests that surround the pass.