On the second day of our Bhutan trip, we drove from Thimphu to Punakha, passing through the famous Dochula Pass, the highest motorable point near Thimphu.
Governed by the world’s only Buddhist monarchy, Bhutan is a country renowned for its monasteries, temples, and forts, where its culture and traditions are still beautifully preserved despite the influence of modern times. Our stop at Dochula Pass gave us a glimpse of both its stunning natural beauty and spiritual heritage.
We left at 8 a.m., and after a 40-minute drive through lush forests and rolling valleys, we arrived at Dochula Pass. The morning air was crisp and chilly at first, but the sun quickly warmed the mountainside. With a clear blue sky above us, the scenery felt even more breathtaking.
Our first stop was the Druk Wangyal Khang Zhang Chortens, the iconic 108 memorial stupas that dominate the pass.
If you are planning a trip and would like everything in one place, from travel tips to detailed itineraries, I have gathered all the key information in my Bhutan Travel Guide.
The Beauty of Dochula Pass
Dochula Pass may not be the tallest mountain pass in the world, but it is definitely one of the most breathtaking in Bhutan. Sitting at around 10,000 feet above sea level, it offers sweeping views of the snow-capped Himalayas and the Punakha Valley below.
The pass stretches for about 20 kilometers, and nearby stands Mt. Masanggang, Bhutan’s highest peak at approximately 23,000 feet. On a clear day, the scenery is simply spectacular, with majestic mountains forming a stunning backdrop for the 108 chortens.
The drive from Thimphu took us about 50 minutes along well-maintained roads, and the journey itself was part of the magic, as the scenery shifted from forests to open valleys.
The History of Dochula Pass
Dochula Pass was developed in 2003 by Bhutan’s Third King, Jigme Singye Wangchuck, as an important route connecting Thimphu with Punakha and Wangdue Phodrang. Construction was completed in June 2008, just in time for the centennial celebrations of the Bhutanese monarchy.
Today, the pass is more than just a road. It stands as a tribute to Bhutanese spirituality and history, beautifully marked by the 108 Druk Wangyal Chortens.
Druk Wangyal Khang Zhang Chortens: A Tribute to Bhutanese Soldiers
We arrived at the Druk Wangyal Khang Zhang Chortens and slowly climbed up to walk among the stupas. The air was thin, and it took extra effort just to make our way up the slopes, as the site sits right at the peak of Dochula Pass.
Here, 108 memorial stupas were built to honor Bhutanese soldiers who lost their lives during the 2003 conflict with Assamese insurgents. In Buddhism, the number 108 is considered highly auspicious, and constructing 108 stupas is a traditional way of showing respect for the Buddha and his teachings.
These stupas were commissioned by Queen Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck near Bhutan’s first Royal Botanical Park. Their construction followed strict religious rituals. They rise in three layers: 45 at the base, 36 in the middle, and 27 surrounding the main central chorten at the top. Each stupa features a hemispherical dome, a square stone base, and a cylindrical spire called a harmika. Pathways allow us to circumambulate the stupas, and the red bands on each chorten contain tiny Buddha figures nestled between two white circles.
Primarily white with red bands and golden rings, the chortens reflect traditional Bhutanese and Tibetan architecture. They were constructed with butter-filled bronze utensils, grain offerings, and Buddha statues engraved with prayers. Each stupa also contains a sokshing, a long wooden pole made from juniper trees, symbolizing the connection between heaven and earth. The sokshing is wrapped in silk, painted red, and engraved with sacred chants before being placed inside the stupa, adding a deeply spiritual dimension to the site.
The Operation All Clear
The 108 memorial chortens are closely connected to Operation All Clear, a military campaign that took place from 2003 to 2004. At that time, Indian militants had set up hideouts in Bhutan while fighting for Assam’s independence. Since Indian forces could not cross the border, Bhutanese troops, led by the King and Prime Minister, took decisive action.
Within just three days, the militants were removed, boosting the morale and pride of the Bhutanese army. Our driver even told us that he had personally served in the operation, which made the story feel even more real and close to home.
Visiting Dochula Pass Today
Dochula Pass isn’t just a historical and spiritual site; it’s also one of the best sightseeing places. The surrounding Himalayan scenery is unforgettable, and the 108 Druk Wangyal Chortens stand out beautifully against the mountains.
The Druk Wangyel Cafe, located right across from the chortens, offers refreshments and clean restrooms. The staff are friendly and welcoming, even though we only stopped to use the restroom before continuing our journey to Punakha.
If you’re planning to explore the Punakha Valley, Dochula Pass pairs perfectly with visits to Punakha Dzong and Chimi Lhakhang, all of which we’ve covered in our detailed Bhutan 6-Day Itinerary. It makes for a full and rewarding day, where you can enjoy breathtaking landscapes while also experiencing Bhutan’s rich spiritual and historical heritage.