Dochula Pass, the Morning the Himalayas Show Themselves
Dochula Pass
sits at just over ten thousand feet on the road between Thimphu and Punakha,
and on a clear morning it offers one of the widest unobstructed views of the
eastern Himalayan range you will find anywhere in Bhutan.
Why do
guides always try to time this stop for the morning? Clouds tend to build up by afternoon,
especially outside the driest months. A morning arrival gives the best chance
of seeing the full snow capped range stretching across the horizon rather than
a wall of white cloud.
What are
the 108 chortens all about?
The pass is marked by 108 memorial stupas, built to honour Bhutanese soldiers.
They are arranged in neat rows across the hilltop, and walking among them, with
prayer flags snapping in the wind, is often one of the quieter, more reflective
stops on a Bhutan trip.
Is there
anything to do here besides taking photos? There is a small café at the pass that serves hot tea
and momos, which after a cold, high altitude stop tends to be genuinely
appreciated. Some travellers also visit the small temple just behind the
chortens.
What if
the mountains don't show on the day you're there? It happens. Weather in the Himalayas
changes fast and there is no guarantee. Guides will often build in a return
stop or an alternate route pass to improve your odds if the first attempt is
clouded out.
Frequently
Asked Questions
Q: How far
is Dochula Pass from Thimphu?
A: It is roughly a thirty to forty five minute drive from central Thimphu.
Q: Do you
need special permits to stop at Dochula Pass? A: No, it sits on the main road and is a standard stop
on the Thimphu to Punakha route.
Q: Is it
very cold at the pass?
A: Temperatures are noticeably lower than the valleys below, so a light jacket
is recommended even in warmer months.
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