Dochula Pass Chorten, which stand at an altitude of 3,050 meters above sea level on the East West Road from the new capital Thimphu to the old capital Punakha. There are 108 Chorten or stupas.
There is also a Temple straight above called Druk Wangyel Lhakhang, which is beautifully built overlooking the 108 stupas. It is known for its ancient art and architecture.
Sunrise on Dochula pass. Courtesy Rinchen tours.
The Stupas are called Druk Wangyal Khang Zhang Chortens, it was primarily built by the eldest Queen Mother, Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck to honor Fourth King of Bhutan Jigme Singye Wangchcuk for the victory in 2003. On the other hand, it was also built in
memorial to honor the Bhutanese soldiers, who lost their lives, during the battle against Assamese insurgents from India in December 2003.
The stupas are built in three circular layers, the first lowest level layer has forty five stupas, the second has thirty six and the top layer has twenty seven, which is built around the main stupas in the top center.
On a clear day, the snow clad mountain peaks of the Himalayas are seen prominently, the famous being the Gangkar Puensum (Mt. Masanggang) standing at the elevation 7,158
metres, which is the highest peak in Bhutan.
The best month to visit Dochula to see the peak prominently is in the month between October to February.
There is also a beautiful short hiking trail to the “Lungchutse temple”, which will take around 2 hours from Dochula, it is also known for retreat center. The temple is more than 400 years old and is taken care by the Central Monk Body of Bhutan, after it was handed over by the Queen Mother, Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck. The trail is famous for Bhutanese Music Videos and few movies.
Dochula pass is also famously known as the rhododendron garden, which is part of the 47 km2 Royal Botanical Park. It is a must visit place.