Journal · Thimphu
Dochula Pass and the 108 chortens
A pass at about 3,100 m between Thimphu and Punakha, crowned with 108 white chortens built for peace.
The story
In December 2003 the Fourth King led the army in person to drive armed groups out of camps in Bhutan's southern forests. Bhutanese soldiers died. The eldest Queen Mother, Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck, built the 108 chortens here in their memory. They were consecrated in June 2004, and the Druk Wangyal Lhakhang beside them was finished in 2008.
Look for
The chortens stand in three rings of 45, 36 and 27, rising around a small hill. On a clear day you can see the high Himalaya to the north, including Gangkar Puensum, 7,570 m, the highest mountain in Bhutan. The Dochula Druk Wangyal Festival is held here every 13 December.
Before you go
The view is clearest on mornings from October to February. Much of the year the pass sits in cloud, so cross it early in the day.
Sources
Checked October 2026. Where sources disagree, we say so or leave the detail out. Opening times and rules change, so your guide confirms on the day.