Travel Guide to Druk Wangyel Monastery
Experience the tranquility of Druk Wangyel Monastery in Dochula Pass, a majestic site blending spirituality with breathtaking Himalayan views.
A brief summary to Druk Wangyel Monastery
- FPRX+G3G, Dochula, BT
The Serenity of Druk Wangyel Monastery
Druk Wangyel Monastery, perched majestically in the Dochula Pass, stands as a testament to Bhutanese spiritual heritage and architectural brilliance. Built in 2004, this monastery was constructed in memory of the soldiers who lost their lives during the 2003 military operations against Indian insurgents, making it not just a place of worship but also a site of remembrance. The monastery features stunning murals and intricate carvings that reflect the rich cultural tapestry of Bhutan, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in its serene ambiance. As you approach the monastery, you are greeted by the iconic 108 chortens (stupas) that adorn the pass, symbolizing peace and tranquility. The breathtaking backdrop of the Himalayan mountains adds to the ethereal beauty of the site, providing an ideal setting for reflection and contemplation. Inside, the calmness is palpable, allowing visitors to connect with their inner selves amidst the vibrant colors and spiritual iconography that decorate the walls. Open daily from 9 AM to 4 PM, Druk Wangyel Monastery is accessible to all, though a respectful demeanor is encouraged due to its sacred significance. Whether you are seeking spiritual solace, contemplating the profound teachings of Buddhism, or simply wishing to admire the stunning architecture and stunning views, a visit to this monastery is sure to be a memorable highlight of your journey in Bhutan.
Local tips
- Visit early in the morning to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and avoid crowds.
- Bring a camera to capture the stunning views and intricate details of the monastery.
- Dress modestly as it is a place of worship; covering shoulders and knees is advised.
- Take time to explore the surrounding area, including the beautiful chortens.
- Ask local monks about the history of the monastery for a deeper understanding.
Getting There
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Walking
Start your journey at the Punakha Dzong, a central landmark in Punakha. From the Dzong, head towards the main road (Punakha-Wangdue Highway) and follow it. Walk for about 20 minutes until you reach the junction at the bridge over the Pho Chhu River. Cross the bridge and continue along the road. Keep an eye out for signs pointing towards Dochula Pass. After crossing the bridge, it will take you approximately 1.5 to 2 hours of walking to reach the Druk Wangyel Monastery, located at Dochula Pass. The path will take you through scenic landscapes and pine forests, so enjoy the view as you walk.
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Hiking
If you prefer a more adventurous route, you can hike up the trails leading to Dochula Pass. Begin at Punakha Dzong and follow the same directions as if you were walking to the main road. From the road, look for the hiking trails leading into the forest. These trails will eventually lead you up towards Dochula Pass. This option may take longer, approximately 2.5 to 3 hours depending on your pace, but it offers a more immersive experience with nature.
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Public Transport
While you may not be driving, there are local buses that run from Punakha to Dochula Pass. Look for a bus station near the main market area in Punakha. Board a bus heading towards Wangdue Phodrang and inform the driver that you want to get off at Dochula Pass. The bus ride will take about 30 minutes. Once you arrive at Dochula Pass, the Druk Wangyel Monastery is a short walk from the bus stop. Follow the signs leading uphill, which will take you approximately 10-15 minutes.
Attractions Nearby to Druk Wangyel Monastery
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Dochula Chorten
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Dochula Pass
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Dochula
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Meditation Caves Park
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Lungchutse Goemba
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Mendrelgang zimchung
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Omley Tshozhaw
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Atthatplace Bhutan Tours
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Simtokha Dzong སེམས་རྟོགས་ཁ་རྫོང་།
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Walking Buddha Statue
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Centenary Park བརྒྱ་འཁོར་སྐྱེད་ཚལ།
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Centenary Farmers Market
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Centenery Childrens Park
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Thimphu Valley
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Department of Tourism, Bhutan
Landmarks nearby to Druk Wangyel Monastery
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Druk Wangyel Monastery
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Dochula Chorten
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Dochula Pass
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Dochula
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Meditation Caves
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Druk Wangyel Tshechu Ground
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Lungchutse Goemba
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Tokha cypress
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Atthatplace Bhutan Tours
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Simtokha Dzong སེམས་རྟོགས་ཁ་རྫོང་།
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Talo Goenpa
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Tara Phendeyling Hotel
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Hotel Ugyen
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Bhutan Enlightened Tours and Treks
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Bhutanese Paper Factory