Dochula Pass is the highest mountain pass in the Kingdom of Bhutan. It is situated at an elevation of over 10,000 feet above sea level and forms a bridge between Thimphu and the historic town of Punakha.
As you drive up the winding roads to Dochula Pass, you’ll see lots of green forests and colourful prayer flags blowing in the wind. Here, you’ll also find 108 Buddhist stupas called Druk Wangyal Chortens. They were built to remember Bhutanese soldiers who died in battles.
Raghav Travels, your trusted companion in exploring the world’s most captivating destinations, offers top-notch tour services and custom itineraries for your perfect holiday. Explore Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Sikkim, Dooars, Nepal, and Bhutan with us. Enjoy seamless travel with our Car Rental, Hotel Booking, and Flight Booking services. Escape the ordinary and immerse yourself in nature and culture with Raghav Travels.
6 NIGHT 7 DAYS ITINERARY TOUR: EXPLORING DOCHULA PASS
When you land at Paro International Airport, our team from Raghav Travels will greet you warmly. They will take you directly to your hotel, where you can relax and get comfortable.
We’ll make sure you get to Thimphu, Bhutan’s capital city. Once you’re settled into your hotel, take some time to relax and get used to the altitude. Later in the evening, we’ll go out and explore Thimphu town, visit local markets, and enjoy the lively atmosphere.
After breakfast, enjoy a scenic drive to Thimphu through Dochula Pass. Pause to admire the stunning views of the Himalayas and the 108 memorial chortens along the way. In Thimphu, visit the Memorial Chorten, a peaceful stupa honouring Bhutan’s third king, where locals come to pray.
Next, we’ll visit the impressive Buddha Dordenma Statue, a huge bronze figure that provides stunning views of the valley.We’ll also visit the National Library to see old books and historical objects. Our final stop for the day will be Tashichho Dzong, a large fortress that serves as both government offices and a monastery. It’s a place where you can experience Bhutan’s rich culture and history
Today, we’ll drive from Thimphu to Punakha through Dochula Pass, enjoying the beautiful views of the 108 chortens and the Himalayan mountains. In Punakha, we’ll visit Punakha Dzong, a large fort where two rivers come together.
We’ll spend the night in Punakha, surrounded by its natural beauty and rich culture. Take time to relax and enjoy Punakha’s peaceful surroundings and its history during our overnight stay
On this day, we’ll explore Punakha with Raghav Travels, beginning your journey at Chimi Lhakhang, a temple dedicated to Drukpa Kunley and renowned for its special fertility blessings. Afterward,we will visit Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Nunnery, which boasts panoramic views and provides a tranquil setting for meditation.
Then we will continue our exploration to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten, a stunning stupa celebrated for its intricate artwork and profound spiritual significance. Conclude your day with a peaceful evening back in Punakha, reflecting on the day’s enriching experiences with Raghav Travels.
On your way back to Paro via Dochula Pass, take a break at Simtokha Dzong, an ancient fortress known for its role in religious and cultural teachings. Once in Paro, visit Paro Dzong, a fortress-monastery perched above the valley, where both government and religious activities take place.
Then we will explore Kyichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan’s oldest and most serene temples, steeped in historical importance. In the evening, wander around Paro town, browse shops for souvenirs, or simply relax in the tranquil atmosphere of this picturesque town.
On the sixth day, we will take a scenic hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery, located high on a cliff overlooking Paro Valley.Then we will enjoy stunning views and immerse ourselves in Bhutanese history and culture as you explore the monastery’s temples and meditation spots.
Afterward, we will return to Paro and relax. In the evening, savour a farewell dinner with traditional Bhutanese food and performances, marking the end of your memorable journey through this magical country.
After breakfast, Raghav Travels will take you to Paro Airport for your flight home. Take a moment to think about your amazing time in Bhutan—its beautiful landscapes, rich culture, and friendly people. Leave with wonderful memories and a newfound love for Bhutan’s special charm.
TOP 5 FOOD TO TRY WHEN IN DOCHULA PASS
- Ema Datshi: It is Bhutan’s famous dish made with spicy chilies and local cheese. The cheese is creamy and often made from yak milk. It’s served over red rice and is known for its fiery taste and rich flavours. If you like strong flavours, it’s a must-try dish.
- Kewa Datshi: It is a Bhutanese dish where potatoes are cooked in a cheesy sauce that’s not too spicy. It has Bhutanese spices that bring out the flavours of the potatoes and cheese. This dish is comforting and shows how much Bhutanese people enjoy using local ingredients and cheese in their cooking.
- Momo: They are Bhutanese dumplings filled with vegetables or cheese. They’re wrapped in dough, then either steamed or fried until they’re cooked. Usually, momo is served with a spicy sauce for dipping. People in Bhutan love momo.
- Red Rice: Red rice is a key part of Bhutanese food, known for its nutty taste and chewy texture. It’s often served with spicy dishes like curries and stews, balancing out their flavours. People love red rice not just for its taste but also because it’s healthy, packed with fibre and important nutrients.
- Jasha Maru: It is a traditional Bhutanese chicken curry cooked with local spices like ginger, garlic, and onions. The chicken simmers in a flavorful broth until it’s tender and fragrant. It’s usually served with red rice or buckwheat noodles.
BEST TIME TO VISIT DOCHULA PASS
The best times to visit Dochula Pass are from March to May and September to November. During these months, the weather is usually nice, with clear skies and mild temperatures. It’s perfect for enjoying the amazing views of the Himalayan mountains and the 108 chortens that decorate the pass.
It is not recommended to visit during the monsoon season from June to August because there is a lot of heavy rain. This can make it hard to see the views and enjoy your visit. To fully enjoy the beauty of Dochula Pass, it is best to go when the weather is clear and pleasant in spring or autumn.
FAMOUS RESTAURANTS IN DOCHULA PASS
- Dochula Resort Restaurant: It is located at Dochula Pass in Bhutan and is known for its beautiful views and tasty Bhutanese food. Their famous dish is Ema Datshi.
- Chimi Lhakhang Cafeteria: It is close to Chimi Lhakhang Temple in Punakha, offering a peaceful environment and tasty food. They’re known for Kewa Datshi.
- The Druk Wangyel Cafeteria: It is located near Druk Wangyal Lhakhang, close to Dochula Pass. It’s known for serving a range of Bhutanese dishes, but their famous dish is momo.
- 4. Meri Puensum Restaurant: It is in Dolakha,Wolakha offers a cosy dining experience. Their specialty is Jasha Maru, a delicious Bhutanese chicken curry with ginger, garlic, and local spices.
CONCLUSION
Dochula Pass in Bhutan, over 10,000 feet high, offers stunning views of the Himalayas and 108 memorial chortens surrounded by colourful prayer flags. It’s a peaceful place with memorials honouring Bhutanese soldiers.
Enjoy Bhutanese dishes like Ema Datshi and Kewa Datshi at Dochula Resort Restaurant. Best time to visit is March to May and September to November for clear skies. Explore with Raghav Travels for a guided tour of Bhutan’s cultural landmarks like Punakha Dzong and Tiger’s Nest Monastery.