Dochula Pass & the Himalayas
Cross the prayer-flag pass of 108 chortens for one of Bhutan’s great Himalayan panoramas.
About Dochula Pass & the Himalayas
At 3,100 m on the road between Thimphu and Punakha, the Dochula Pass is crowned by 108 memorial chortens (the Druk Wangyal Chortens) and curtains of prayer flags. On a clear winter morning it opens onto a sweeping panorama of the eastern Himalaya — a line of snow peaks topping 7,000 m — making it one of the most photographed stops in the country.
What to see & do
- The 108 Druk Wangyal memorial chortens
- A panorama of eastern Himalayan peaks over 7,000 m
- Forests of prayer flags and rhododendrons in spring
- The hilltop Druk Wangyal Lhakhang temple
- A warm cafe stop with hot chocolate and momos
🗓️ Best time to visit
Clearest Himalaya views are on October–February mornings before the clouds build; rhododendrons bloom around the pass in April–May.
🚆 How to reach
The pass lies on the main highway about 45 minutes (a 30 km drive) east of Thimphu, on the way to Punakha. Every Bhutan tour crosses it by private vehicle with a guide.
💰 Cost
There is no entry fee for the pass; it is a free roadside stop included on the Thimphu–Punakha drive in every package. Budget a little for cafe snacks.
Insider tips
- Go in the early morning — peaks usually cloud over by midday.
- It is cold and windy at 3,100 m; keep a warm layer handy in the car.
- Walk a slow loop of the chortens for the best photo angles.
- Ask your guide to name the visible peaks — Gangkhar Puensum and more.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to experience Dochula Pass & the Himalayas?
Clearest Himalaya views are on October–February mornings before the clouds build; rhododendrons bloom around the pass in April–May.
How do I get there?
The pass lies on the main highway about 45 minutes (a 30 km drive) east of Thimphu, on the way to Punakha. Every Bhutan tour crosses it by private vehicle with a guide.
How much does Dochula Pass & the Himalayas cost?
There is no entry fee for the pass; it is a free roadside stop included on the Thimphu–Punakha drive in every package. Budget a little for cafe snacks.