Experience Serenity at Dochula Pass
Discover the breathtaking beauty of Dochula Pass, a serene mountain pass in Bhutan with stunning views, rich culture, and spiritual significance.
Nestled in the breathtaking Himalayas, Dochula Pass offers stunning panoramic views, vibrant prayer flags, and a sense of tranquility that enchants every traveler. This scenic mountain pass is a must-visit for those exploring Bhutan, as it presents an ideal blend of natural beauty and cultural significance. A visit here is more than just sightseeing; it's an experience that rejuvenates the spirit.
A brief summary to Dochula Pass
- Dochula, BT
Local tips
- Visit early in the morning for the clearest views of the Himalayan peaks.
- Bring warm clothing, as temperatures can drop significantly at this elevation.
- Make sure to try local tea and snacks available at the small eateries.
- Respect the local customs by being quiet and mindful around the chortens.
- Don't forget your camera; the landscapes offer incredible photo opportunities.
Getting There
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Car
To reach Dochula Pass by car from anywhere in Thimphu Valley, start by heading east on the Norzin Lam road. Follow this road until you reach the junction on the outskirts of Thimphu, where you will take a left onto the Wangdue Phodrang highway (also known as the Thimphu-Wangdue Road). Continue along this highway for approximately 23 kilometers (about 30 minutes). You will pass through the beautiful countryside and experience stunning views. Look for signposts directing you to Dochula Pass. As you approach Dochula, you will see the pass on your right, marked by the iconic 108 chortens (stupas). There is no entry fee to access the pass, but be sure to have your own vehicle or arrange for a hired driver.
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Public Transportation
If you prefer public transportation, start at the Thimphu bus terminal located near the main market. Look for a bus heading towards Punakha or Wangdue Phodrang, as these buses will pass through Dochula Pass. The fare is relatively inexpensive, typically around 50 Nu (Bhutanese currency). The bus journey will take about 1 hour, and you will need to inform the driver that you want to be dropped off at Dochula Pass. Once you arrive at the pass, you can explore the area and enjoy the panoramic views. Make sure to check the bus schedule for the return trip, as services may be limited in the evening.
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Taxi
Another convenient option is to hire a taxi from Thimphu. You can find taxis near the main market or request one through your hotel. The drive to Dochula Pass will take approximately 30 minutes to 1 hour, depending on traffic. The cost for a round trip taxi ride is usually around 1,500 to 2,000 Nu. Agree on the fare before starting your journey. The taxi driver will wait for you while you explore the pass, making this option flexible and comfortable.
Discover more about Dochula Pass
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Meditation Caves
0.2 km
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Druk Wangyel Tshechu Ground
0.7 km
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Tokha cypress
7.9 km
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Talo Goenpa
9.8 km
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Hotel Ugyen
10.2 km
Discover the perfect blend of comfort and local culture at Hotel Ugyen in the heart of Thimphu, Bhutan's vibrant capital city.
Tara Phendeyling Hotel
10.2 km
Experience the warmth of Bhutanese hospitality at Tara Phendeyling Hotel, your cozy retreat in the heart of Thimphu, surrounded by stunning landscapes.
Bhutan Enlightened Tours and Treks
10.3 km
Explore the enchanting landscapes and rich culture of Bhutan with Bhutan Enlightened Tours and Treks, your trusted travel agency in Thimphu.
Bhutanese Crafts
10.5 km
Explore the rich artistic heritage of Bhutan at Bhutanese Crafts, offering unique handmade goods that reflect the vibrant culture of this Himalayan kingdom.
Bhutanese Paper Factory
10.6 km
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Jungshi handmade paper factory
10.6 km
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Talakha Tashi Drukgyel Monastery
10.9 km
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Pelyang Boutique
11.0 km
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Changlimithang Archery Ground
11.0 km
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BookMyTour
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Tarayana Park ཏཱ་ར་ཡ་ན་སྐྱེད་ཚལ།
11.0 km
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Unmissable attractions to see
Dochula Chorten
0.1 km
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Dochula
0.1 km
Explore Dochula Pass, a serene historical landmark in Bhutan, famous for its stunning mountain views and rich cultural heritage.
Meditation Caves Park
0.2 km
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Druk Wangyal Lhakhang
0.3 km
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Druk Wangyel Monastery
0.3 km
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Lungchutse Goemba
2.7 km
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Mendrelgang zimchung
8.7 km
Discover the serene beauty and rich culture of Mendrelgang Zimchung, a hidden gem nestled in the heart of Bhutan's majestic Himalayas.
Omley Tshozhaw
8.9 km
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Atthatplace Bhutan Tours
9.8 km
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Simtokha Dzong སེམས་རྟོགས་ཁ་རྫོང་།
9.8 km
Explore the historic Simtokha Dzong, an architectural marvel in Bhutan offering stunning views and a deep dive into rich cultural heritage.
Walking Buddha Statue
10.8 km
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Thimphu Valley
10.8 km
Experience the breathtaking beauty of Thimphu Valley, Bhutan's premier hiking destination, blending adventure with rich cultural experiences.
Centenary Park བརྒྱ་འཁོར་སྐྱེད་ཚལ།
10.8 km
Discover peace and beauty at Centenary Park, Thimphu’s serene retreat, offering lush landscapes and stunning views.
Centenery Childrens Park
10.9 km
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Centenary Farmers Market
10.9 km
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Essential places to dine
Menchuna Restaurant
3.2 km
Experience authentic Bhutanese cuisine at Menchuna Restaurant – where tradition meets flavor in every dish.
Phendey Restaurant & Bar
5.1 km
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Home Kitchen, Olakha
10.2 km
Experience the finest Indian cuisine at Home Kitchen in Olakha, Thimphu - where every dish tells a story.
Chicken 65 RESTAURANT & Bar, Thimphu
10.2 km
Experience authentic Southern cuisine at Chicken 65 Restaurant & Bar in Thimphu – where every bite tells a flavorful story.
Ghalleynee Restuarant
10.5 km
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Chh'a Bistro and Bar
10.8 km
Experience exquisite Bhutanese dining at Chh'a Bistro and Bar in Thimphu - where tradition meets modern culinary artistry.
Phangu
10.9 km
Experience authentic Bhutanese flavors at Phangu – where tradition meets taste in the heart of Thimphu.
Spices Indian Restaurant
11.0 km
Experience authentic Indian cuisine in the heart of Thimphu at Spices Indian Restaurant - where every dish tells a story.
འབྱོར་DEN Kitchen
11.0 km
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In-n-out Restaurant
11.0 km
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Himalayan Restaurant
11.1 km
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Nice Restaurant
11.1 km
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Fu Lu Shou - Authentic Chinese Restaurant
11.1 km
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Cloud9 Gourmet Burger and Milk Bar
11.1 km
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Hayate Ramen
11.1 km
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Dochula Resort
0.6 km
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Authentic Bhutanese crafts
5.1 km
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RK Meat Shop
6.6 km
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Shearee Square
10.1 km
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Heavenly Bhutan Traders
10.2 km
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Junction Bookstore
10.4 km
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Bhutan Natural Products
10.9 km
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Druksell | Bhutan's Largest Impact marketplace | Made in Bhutan
10.9 km
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CSI Market
10.9 km
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Dechen Norbuling
11.0 km
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Changlam Corner
11.0 km
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Bhutanese Fashion
11.0 km
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Dantak Canteen (Shop)
11.1 km
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Sonam Tshongkhang
11.1 km
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Drukpro Bhutan
11.1 km
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Himalayan Bar
6.6 km
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Garuda Cafe - Chubachu
9.9 km
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denku bar
10.2 km
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Heju
10.8 km
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Pelvar Diner
11.0 km
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Cloud 9 Karaoke Pub
11.1 km
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Om Pub
11.1 km
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Lumous Restaurant & Bar
11.1 km
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SLOUNGE THE RECREATION BAR
11.1 km
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The Tipsy Cow
11.1 km
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Catch 34 - A Space Restaurant
11.1 km
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GO CRAZY BAR & Grill
11.1 km
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Hitokara Lounge & Bar
11.1 km
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Hashtag
11.1 km
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House of Beverages Bhutan HOBS Bar
11.1 km
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