SOTC Blog

Are you planning an excursion to Bhutan? Do you want to explore historic and religious places in ‘Land of the Thunder Dragon’? If you answered affirmatively, then you should not miss visiting beautiful historic Dochula Pass. Bhutan, being in the Himalayan zone, is adorned by several stunning mountains and passes. And, Dochula Pass is the most well-known, spectacular pass in enchanting Bhutan that every globetrotter looks forward to visit. Also, this scenic pass has a great historic significance. 108 Druk Wangyal Chortens or stupas, wonderful Drug Wangyal Lhakhang temple, and spectacular rhododendron garden are some of the landmarks of this marvellous Dochula Pass. Read on to discover all about Dochula Pass.

Dochula pass present at an elevation of about 3,100 m on the East West Road on the way from Thimpu to Punakha. You can find snowclad peaks of breath-taking Himalaya, particularly Mt. Masanggang, to the east of the pass. Dochula pass is one of the most prominent places to visit in Bhutan for tourists, as it offers you mesmerizing 360 degrees scenic view of Himalayan mountain range. 108 memorial stupas which are popular as ‘Druk Wangyal Chortens’ make Dochula Pass a popular historic and religious attraction in Bhutan.

1. 108 Druk Wangyal Chortens:

Dochula Pass has got a great historic significance.108 Druk Wangyal Khang Zhang Chortens are eye-catching red-band stupas constructed under the patronage of the eldest Queen Mother i.e. Her Majesty Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuk in the central hillock at pass. These stupas were created as a memorial honour of 108 Bhutanese soldiers who died in December 2003 battle while fighting against Indian Assamese insurgents. These 108 chortens are offered as a tribute to the King Singye Wangchuck for his visionary leadership and selfless service. Today, they are regarded as a sacred legacy to Bhutan and Bhutanese. These 108 Druk Wangyal Chortens stand as a symbol of loyalty, appreciation, love, peace, and dedication for the nation and an inevitable part of Bhutan tourism. Each stupa comprises religious texts and effigies of Buddha. You can find a big collection of colourful prayer flags and amazing poles on the slope.

2. Druk Wangyal Lhakhang (Temple):

Don’t miss visiting noteworthy temple here. After completion of 108 stupas, temple called Druk Wangyal Lhakhang was built in June 2008. It was constructed as a memorial honour to celebrate 100 years of monarchy in the country. Its structure tells us the story of supreme warrior, who is known for his vision of distant future in a fine blend of mythology and history. Watch interesting paintings, which represent Bhutanese history, on the walls of the temple.

3. Dochu La Wangyal Festival:

Watch celebrations of annual Dochu La Wangyal Festival on December 13 every year at Dochula Pass. Established in 2011, this festival is celebrated in honour of victory of the Fourth Druk Gyalpo and the Bhutanese Armed Forces in 2003. It involves costumed mask dances.

So, after learning incredible history, beauty, and significance of Dochula Pass, make no delay in booking one of our Bhutan tour packages and visit it anytime between September to February to watch mesmerizing views of snowclad Himalayas.