Druk Wangyel Chortens (108 chortens),Bhutan

The number 108 is auspicious in Buddhism and Hinduism, representing completeness and spiritual wholeness. Local stories emphasize the pass as a place of protection and blessing for travelers; many visitors and pilgrims leave offerings and prayers at the chortens for safe journeys. The nearby Druk Wangyal Lhakhang contains murals and modern artistry celebrating Bhutanese culture and the nation’s transition periods.

• The 108 chortens arranged on the Dochula Pass ridge
• Panoramic Himalayan views on clear days (snow‑clad peaks visible)
• Druk Wangyal Lhakhang (temple) with contemporary murals
• Rhododendron forests and short nature trails around the pass
• Photo viewpoints and prayer flags framing the landscape

• Chortens built in traditional Bhutanese style with whitewashed walls and golden finials
• Concentric arrangement of the 108 chortens creating a striking visual pattern
• Prayer wheels, mani stones and brightly colored prayer flags
• High‑altitude mountain pass setting (scenic contrast between alpine forest and open ridge)

• Sightseeing and photography of the chortens and Himalayan panorama
• Short walks and gentle hikes on nearby trails through rhododendron and pine
• Visiting Druk Wangyal Lhakhang to view murals and offer prayers
• Birdwatching — species typical of mid‑Himalayan forests
• Cultural reflection and paying respects at the memorial chortens

• Dochula Druk Wangyel Festival (typically held on or around 13 December) — a vibrant festival featuring masked dances, traditional music, and archery to commemorate the events that led to the construction of the chortens and to celebrate national unity
• Occasional state or military commemorations and guided cultural visits

October to December and March to May for the clearest mountain views and pleasant weather; winters (December–February) are cold and can be snowy, while monsoon months (June–September) often bring clouds and poor visibility.

High‑altitude pass climate: cool to cold, windy at times; temperatures can drop close to freezing in winter. Rapid weather changes are common — sun, wind and fog can alternate within hours.

There is no formal entry fee to view the chortens; the site is open year‑round (dawn to dusk) though access may be restricted temporarily for safety during heavy snowfall or official events.

Located at Dochula Pass on the Thimphu–Punakha road at about 3,100 m (10,200 ft). Typical travel: ~45 minutes to 1 hour drive from Thimphu and en route to Punakha — often a standard stop on the Thimphu–Punakha day trip. Road access is by vehicle; parking and short walking required to view the chortens up close. Note: limited facilities at the pass; visitors with mobility issues should plan accordingly.

1–2 hours for a comfortable stop (photography, short walk, temple visit); longer if hiking nearby trails or attending the festival.

Dress in warm layers, bring a windproof/waterproof jacket, sturdy shoes for uneven paths, sunglasses and sunscreen for high‑altitude sun, and a hat/gloves in cold months.

Small tea stalls or cafes near the pass may offer local snacks and butter tea; souvenir stalls typically sell prayer flags, postcards, small handicrafts and religious items. Buy respectfully and support local vendors. Remember to remove hats and behave respectfully when entering the temple area; photography may be restricted inside shrines.