Nyingma monastery above the valley
Gangtey Gompa
A single great nest monastery on a spur above the crane valley, with a village grown against its walls....
See this place →108 stupas
Dochula Pass
A ring of 108 white chortens at 3,100 m, with the black mountains of the Himalaya behind them.
CountryBhutan
RegionBetween Thimphu and Punakha
Height3,100 m
Best timeOct–Nov, Mar–Apr
Typical visit45 minute stop
What it is
The pass on the road between Thimphu and Punakha, where the Druk Wangyal choir of 108 stupas was erected by Queen Dorji Chatten on the Bhutanese soldiers killed in the 2003 operation against the Indian camps, and where the Himalaya is visible on a clear morning.
How we visit it
As the highest point on the road, and the day’s photo stop: tea at the café, the walk round the stupas and, if the clouds lift, a view that stretches from Gangkar Puenshum to the northern ranges.
Before you go
Good to know
- It is 3,100 m u2014 the day will feel cooler up there than in either valley
- Winter mornings are clearest; by noon the cloud usually arrives
- Short stop, but do not skip it
Bhutan Highlights
Other places to visit
Nyingma monastery above the valley
Oldest temple · valley town
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