Dochula Pass sits at 3,100 metres on the road between Thimphu and Punakha, and on a clear day it offers one of the most spectacular views in Bhutan — a panorama of Himalayan peaks stretching across the northern horizon. The pass is marked by 108 chortens (memorial stupas) built in 2004, and by the Druk Wangyel Lhakhang, a newer temple worth stepping into.
The pass is usually reached on the drive to or from Punakha, and the 20-30 minute stop to take in the view and walk among the chortens is not to be missed. Morning visits are best — cloud typically builds by late morning and obscures the mountains. In winter and early spring the high peaks are snow-covered and particularly dramatic. The Druk Wangyel Festival, held at the pass each December, features masked dances in a stunning high-altitude setting.