The road from Thimphu to Punakha climbs through forest to Dochula, at about 3,100 m. Here 108 memorial chortens, the Druk Wangyal Chortens, stand in terraced rows on a green mound, with the Druk Wangyal Lhakhang temple above them.
On a clear day, most often in autumn and winter, the view runs north to the snow peaks of the high Himalaya. On other days the pass is wrapped in mist, and the chortens appear and vanish in the cloud, which has its own beauty.
Top things to do at Dochula Pass
Walk among the chortens
Go clockwise and take your time. A short stop of 20 to 30 minutes is typical.
Visit the temple
If it is open, step inside the Druk Wangyal Lhakhang to see its murals.
Have tea at the pass
Stop for a hot drink, because the air is much cooler than down in the valley.
How to get to Dochula Pass
- Dochula lies on the main road between Thimphu and Punakha, so every overland visit passes it. See getting to Punakha.
Insider tips
- Bring a warm layer, even when Punakha is hot.
- Clear views are more likely from October to February, but never guaranteed.
- Take motion-sickness tablets if you need them: the road winds a lot.
Tours that suit Dochula Pass
These real listings are the closest match for Dochula Pass. Check each itinerary:
Multi-day tour Bhutan: All-Inclusive 3 or 4-Day Tour with Tiger’s Nest Hike
A short western Bhutan trip focused on Tiger’s Nest. The shorter version may not reach Punakha, so read the itinerary closely if the valley is why you are going.
- Short trip built around Tiger’s Nest
- Choice of three or four days
- Check whether Punakha is included
Multi-day tour Bhutan: 3-Night 4-Day Tour with Tiger’s Nest Monastery
A compact option for western Bhutan. Treat it as a Paro and Thimphu trip unless the listing clearly shows a Punakha night.
- Three nights in western Bhutan
- Tiger’s Nest monastery
- Dochula pass appears on some short itineraries: confirm
Private multi-day tour from $493 Bhutan: 4-Day Paro, Thimphu & Punakha Private Tour
The shortest listing we found that reaches Punakha. Four days is tight, because the drive over Dochula takes a big part of two days, but it works if your time is limited.
- Listed by GetYourGuide under Punakha
- Combines Paro, Thimphu and Punakha
- Tiger’s Nest hike and Punakha Dzong in one short trip
