Dochula Pass
The picturesque Dochula Pass is a mountain pass amidst snow covered Himalayas. Stretching from Thimpu to Punakha, the location takes your breath away with its 360 degree panoramic vistas of the majestic Himalayan mountain range. The pass with 108 memorial chortens is adjacent to the country's first Royal Botanical Park. Apart from its natural exquisiteness, the place also attracts travelers for its spiritual vibes.The tranquillity of the Dochula Pass is beyond imagination.
The slopes of the pass are covered with cypress trees. The hill slopes around the pass are festooned with a profusion of colourful religious flags fixed by the Buddhist people as a mark of veneration.
Attractions
Druk Wangyal Lhakhang Temple ? Druk Wangyal Lhakhang Temple is built in honour of His Majesty the fourth Druk Gyalpo, Jigme Singye Wangchuck. The temple is so beautifully built that lovers of ancient art and architecture come from far and wide to see this piece of beauty. The intricate design and structure of the temple present a marvelous blend of history and mythology.
Druk Wangyal Lhakhang Festival ? This annual festival is celebrated in memory of the Fourth Druk Gyalpo on 13th of December. Celebrated amid breathtaking vistas, the festival lets you witness the beauty of Bhutanese culture and art.
Although not the highest mountain pass, Dochula Pass is one of the most beautiful passes in the world. Decorated with small chortens on lush green hillside, this place narrates an interesting story of spirituality, bravery, and Bhutanese culture.
How to reach
Bhutan’s only international airport is in Paro, about one and a half hour away from Thimpu. From Paro airport, Thimphu-bound taxis are easily available. Thimpu is connected to most parts of Bhutan by roadways. It has a city bus station from where inter-district buses depart and arrive at every hour. Dochula Pass is located on the road from Thimpu to Punakha.