Dochula Pass
Western Bhutan
Dochula Pass is a mountain pass in Bhutan, about 3,100 meters (10,200 feet) above sea level, on the road between Thimphu and Punakha. On a clear day, the pass offers sweeping views of the eastern Himalayas.
Its best-known landmark is the Druk Wangyal Chortens: 108 white stupas built on a hillside, surrounded by forest. Nearby, the Druk Wangyal Lhakhang temple features murals that blend Bhutanese history with modern scenes. The pass is also a place of quiet reflection, with prayer flags fluttering in the wind and walking paths through the trees.
Dochula’s weather can change quickly, and clouds often obscure the mountain views. Even so, the combination of Himalayan scenery, spiritual sites, and peaceful woodland makes it a memorable stop for travelers crossing Bhutan
There are toilet facilities for public and there is also a restaurant with private toilet facilities. A kilometer down the ridge is a Dochula Resort for those wishing to spend the night here.
- Best time to visit
- Should visit any
- Getting there
- 21km/45min drive from Thimphu. 60km/1.5hr drive from Lobesa (mid point of Punakha & Wangdue)
Places in and around Dochula Pass
Groups always run in this order. Inside each group, the must-see picks come first; hikes and places to stay follow the order Windhorse recommends.
Festivals in Dochula Pass
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Festival
Druk Wangyel Festival
Druk Wangyel Festival was established in 2011 to honor His Majesty the Fourth Druk Gyalpo, Jigme Singye Wangchuck, and to commemorate the Royal Bhutan Army’s victory over Indian insurgent groups…
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Festival
Rhododendron Festival
The Lamperi Rhododendron Festival is an annual celebration held amidst the breathtaking beauty of Lamperi Nature Park in Bhutan. Located below the scenic Dochula Pass, approximately 35 kilometers outside Thimphu…
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Festival
Tour of the Dragon
The Tour of the Dragon Festival in Bhutan is an annual mountain biking event that spans 268 kilometers across rugged mountain terrain from Bumthang to Thimphu. Participants embrace the challenge,…
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Hikes & Treks around Dochula Pass
1In the order Windhorse recommends-
Day hike
Lungchutse & Trashigang Gompa
Half day hike from Dochula to Lungchutse temple and to Trashigang Gompa monastery
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Where to stay in Dochula Pass
1In the order Windhorse recommends-
Resort
Dochula Resort
The Resort is located on the way to Punakha about 31km and 45minutes drive east of capital,Thimphu.
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Where to stay in Dochula Pass, with levels, guest reviews and a map
Trips that visit Dochula Pass
- Snow Leopard Jomolhari TrekDay 2 & 3: Punakha & Wangdue Valley 14 days
- Bhutan Sikkim Darjeeling TourDay 09-10: In Punakha /Wangdue valley 17 days
- Three Himalayan KingdomsDay 10: Drive to Punakha 15 days
- Bhutan Dragon Festival TourDay 9 & 10: Thimphu Valley 12 days
- Window to BhutanDay 3: Thimphu – Punakha/Wangdue 7 days
- Introduction of India, Bhutan & NepalDay 12: Drive to Punakha 19 days
- Highlights of Bhutan TourDay 7: Drive to Thimphu 10 days
- Glimpses of Bhutan 6 DaysDay 2: Paro - Punakha 6 days