Dochula Pass | Druk Wangyal Chortens | 108 memorial chortens in Bhutan

This video will give you a detailed tour of the Dochula Pass as known as Druk Wangyal Chortens or 108 memorial chortens between Thimphu and Punakha in Bhutan. The pass is a popular route for tourists and pilgrims who visit the Himalayas. If you're looking to explore the Himalayas, then this video is for you. In it, we'll take you on a tour of the Dochula Pass between Thimphu and Punakha, one of the most scenic routes in Bhutan. The pass is well known for its spectacular views of the Himalayas, and we'll show you all the best spots to visit. About Dochula Pass Dochula Pass is a beautiful mountain pass located between Thimphu and Punakha in Bhutan. Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck, the eldest Queen Mother of Bhutan built 108 memorial chortens known as “Druk Wangyal Chortens” at Dochula Pass in honour of the fourth king, His Majesty King Jigme Singye Wangchuck. The chortens were built adjacent to the country’s first Royal Botanical Park. The Dochula Pass is a historical landmark built to honour the bravery and sacrifices of the fourth king and the soldiers who perished during the battle against Assamese insurgents in 2003. It particularly marks the victory of King Jigme Singye Wangchuck who dislodged the rebels from their camps (there were 30 camps) in Bhutanese territory from where they raided Indian territory of Assam. 108 memorial chortens at Dochula Pass The chortens were built in three layers; the first lowest layer has forty-five chortens, the second has thirty-six and the top layer has twenty-seven built around the main chorten. The construction of these chortens was done as per religiously ordained ritualistic procedures. As the height of the chortens attained 1m, a pit was excavated in the ground in the centre, and symbolically offerings of grains and bronze utensils filled with butter were placed in the pit. Breathtaking view from Dochula Pass Dochula Pass is one of the main highlights for many tourists. You can never take a bad photo at the stunning Dochula Pass. In fact, if you are lucky, you can even see the Himalayan range in full view on a clear day from the mountain pass. If you are going to Punakha (the old capital) from the current capital of Bhutan, Thimphu, you’ll definitely pass through Dochula Pass. The pass was part of an ancient trail between Thimphu and Punakha, such as the Dochu La Nature Trail [1.2 kilometres (0.75 mi)] which begins at the Dochu La cafe and meets the present road at Lamperi, and the Lumitsawa Ancient Trail [4.7 kilometres (2.9 mi)] that connect the main road at Lumitsawa. What is the best time to visit Dochula Pass The weather at the pass generally remains foggy and chilly. However, between October and February, panoramic views of the Bhutan Himalayas can be seen. The Dochula Pass remains beautiful in all seasons. Sometimes, you may even see snowfall at Dochula Pass and capture the chortens majestically covered in snow. What can you see at Dochula Pass The forest cover on the slopes of the pass consists of cypress trees. The hill slopes around the pass are festooned with a profusion of colourful religious flags fixed by the Buddhists as a mark of veneration. The flags, made in five colours representing the natural forces, — "blue (sky), white (clouds), red (fire), green (water) and yellow (earth)" – are inscribed with Buddhist scriptural prayers to usher prosperity and peace around the country. Beautiful flowers around Dochula Pass After the Losar festival in February, which marks the Bhutanese New Year, and as the snow melts, the pass provides a spectacle of many species of flowers such as the Primal Denticulata, Primula Garcilipes, rhododendrons and Magnolia campbellii. Druk Wangyal Lhakhang Apart from the chortens, there is a monastery built nearby called the Druk Wangyal Lhakhang. The monastery was built against the backdrop of pristine forest of the snow-covered Himalayan mountains. The construction was completed in June 2008. The temple was built as a memorial to celebrate 100 years of monarchy in Bhutan. Paintings on themes of Bhutanese history decorate the walls of the temple. Dochula Druk Wangyel Festival The open ground in front of the monastery is a venue for the annual Dochula Druk Wangyel Festival. The Dochula Druk Wangyel Tshechu is a Bhutanese festival held annually on December 13. The festival is unique in Bhutan and the performances are unlike any other festivals. Usually, monks and laity are the ones who performed during a Bhutanese festival but Dochula Druk Wangyel Festival is performed by the Royal Bhutan Army. This festival was established in 2011 to commemorate victory of the Fourth Druk Gyalpo and the Armed Forces in 2003. Hope you enjoy my video and don’t forget to subscribe my channel for future contents from all around the world. If you want to visit this amazing country please contact with: https://www.bhutanpeacefultour.com Alp Galip http://www.alpgalip.com #bhutan #dochulapass #punakha #thimphu

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