The bark of Daphne, a small shrub that flowers white on the slopes around Dochu La, is used to make traditional Bhutanese paper for religious texts because it resists termites.
Source: Dochula Pass
Pass in Bhutan
Dochu La
108 chortens on the pass between Thimphu and Punakha
Dochu La is a pass at about 3,100 m on the road from Thimphu to Punakha, crowned by 108 memorial chortens built by the eldest Queen Mother. Between October and February it gives one of Bhutan's widest views of the high Himalaya, including Gangkar Puensum. Allow one to two hours on the drive.
Photo: Bernard Gagnon · CC BY-SA 4.0 · CommonsThirty minutes' drive east of Thimphu, the road climbs through hemlock and cypress to Dochu La. On a clear winter morning the whole northern horizon opens: Masang Gang at 7,194 m and Gangkar Puensum, Bhutan's highest peak at 7,570 m, which has never been climbed. Most days in summer the pass sits in cloud, and the view is of prayer flags in the fog.
The 108 chortens on the central hillock, the Druk Wangyal Khang Zhang Chortens, were built by Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck, the eldest Queen Mother, in memory of Bhutanese soldiers who died in the 2003 military operation in the south. Beside them stands the Druk Wangyal Lhakhang, built in honour of the fourth king. Its open ground is the stage for the Dochula Druk Wangyel Festival each December.
Next to the pass is the Royal Botanical Park at Lamperi, Bhutan's first, about 47 sq km of rhododendron, magnolia and primula forest. After Losar in February, primulas flower as the snow melts; rhododendrons and Magnolia campbellii follow in March and April. Two old trails survive here: a short nature trail from the Dochu La cafe and the Lumitsawa ancient trail down towards the Punakha side.
Say it like a local · DzongkhaChorten
stupa; a reliquary monument walked around clockwise
What to do in Dochu La
108 Druk Wangyal chortens
Red-banded khangzang chortens arranged in rings on a central hillock, built by the eldest Queen Mother in memory of soldiers who died in 2003. Walk around them clockwise; the effect is strongest early in the morning.
Himalayan panorama
Between October and February, clear mornings show the high peaks of northern Bhutan, including Masang Gang (7,194 m) and Gangkar Puensum (7,570 m), the country's highest mountain. A viewing board names them.
Druk Wangyal Lhakhang
A temple built to honour the fourth king, with murals that mix old themes and modern Bhutanese history. The open ground in front hosts the Druk Wangyel Tshechu in December.
Royal Botanical Park, Lamperi
Bhutan's first botanical park covers about 47 sq km beside the pass, with rhododendron trails and a small lake. The Rhododendron Festival is held here in spring in some years.
Lumitsawa ancient trail
A 4.7 km section of the old Thimphu–Punakha trail drops from the pass through forest to rejoin the road at Lumitsawa. Your vehicle can meet you at the bottom.
Field notes
What most guides miss about Dochu La
The 108 chortens at Dochu La were built by Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck, the eldest Queen Mother, in memory of Bhutanese soldiers who died in 2003.
Source: Dochula Pass
Gangkar Puensum, at 7,570 m the highest mountain in Bhutan and visible from Dochu La on clear days, has a topographic prominence of about 2,995 m.
Source: Dochula Pass
Experiences
Three days worth having in Dochu La
Photo: Bernard Gagnon · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Commons
Dochu La · 1.5 hours
Sunrise over the chortens and high peaks
Reach the pass early on a clear winter morning to see sunlight move across Bhutan's highest peaks, then walk among the …
Free
Photo: dhaag23 · CC BY 2.0 · Commons
Dochu La · Half day
Druk Wangyel Tshechu on 13 December
A modern festival held each 13 December on the ground in front of the Druk Wangyal Lhakhang, with dances performed by t…
Free
Photo: Thomas Wanhoff · CC BY-SA 2.0 · Commons
Dochu La · 2–2.5 hours
Walk down the Lumitsawa ancient trail
Follow a 4.7 km stretch of the old Thimphu–Punakha footpath from Dochu La down through rhododendron, hemlock and oak fo…
Free
Real prices
What things cost in Dochu La
ItemIndicative 2026
Entry to the chortens and passFree
Royal Botanical Park entryNu 300 (check current status)
Tea and snacks at the pass cafe₹150–400
Druk Wangyel Tshechu entryFree
Thimphu–Punakha public bus seat₹150–300
Local prices change with season and fuel costs. Check current status before you travel.
Getting there
How to reach Dochu La
Air
Fly to Paro, drive to Thimphu (about 1 h 15 min), then continue about 45 minutes east to the pass.
Bus
Thimphu–Punakha and Thimphu–Wangdue buses cross the pass. Tourists travel with their licensed guide, usually in the operator's vehicle.
Road
Thimphu to Dochu La is about 23 km and 45 minutes. Dochu La to Punakha is about 50 km and 1.5–2 hours down to the valley floor at 1,200 m.
Where to stay
Sleeping in Dochu La
Most travellers do not stay at Dochu La; they stop for an hour on the drive between Thimphu and Punakha. There is a small cafe and a simple resort near the pass. For saver and comfort travellers, sleep in Thimphu or Punakha. If you want sunrise at the pass, a Thimphu hotel with an early start gets you there by 6.30 am.
Questions
Dochu La, answered
Is it worth stopping at Dochu La?
Yes. Even in cloud, the 108 chortens and prayer flags are worth 30–60 minutes. On a clear winter morning it is one of the best mountain views in Bhutan.
How high is Dochu La?
About 3,100 m; sources give 3,100–3,150 m. It is 800 m above Thimphu, so walk slowly and carry a warm layer. Most people feel fine for a short stop.
Can I stay overnight at Dochu La?
There is a small resort near the pass, but most travellers sleep in Thimphu or Punakha. An early start from Thimphu reaches the pass for sunrise in 45 minutes.
Is Dochu La open in winter?
Yes, as it is on the main highway. Snow or ice can slow traffic for a few hours after storms between December and February. Check current status before you travel.
Is there an entry fee at Dochu La?
No fee for the pass and chortens. The Royal Botanical Park at Lamperi charges a small entry, about Nu 300 on the Department of Tourism list. Check current status before you travel.
Are there toilets and food at Dochu La?
Yes. The cafe has toilets and serves tea, coffee, snacks and set lunches. Expect ₹150–400 for tea and a snack.
Which peaks can I see from Dochu La?
On clear days, a line of northern Bhutan's high peaks, including Masang Gang (7,194 m) and Gangkar Puensum (7,570 m). A board at the viewpoint identifies them.
Is Dochu La suitable for seniors and children?
Yes. The chortens are a short, gentle walk from the car park. The altitude is about 3,100 m, so take it slowly. Talk to your doctor if you have heart or lung conditions.
How long does Thimphu to Punakha take via Dochu La?
About 2.5–3 hours in total, plus your stop at the pass. The road is good but winding, with a long descent of about 1,900 m to Punakha.