Dochula Pass, Bhutan
Post of the Day: Adding a bit of light to the darkness as we get through the pandemic together.
This series features travel photos from my archives, shared with you as we shelter in place.
June 14th, 2020
Dochula Pass (10,170 feet/3,100 meters) marks the high point of the land route between Thimphu and Punakha in Bhutan. The single-lane rutted dirt road between these towns climbs up and over the pass on a precarious rim cut from the side of the mountain. The journey takes several hours and a lot of patience. It’s imperative to have a good driver (like Kumar!) who goes slowly, stays away from the drop-off to one side, and knows how to deal with the oncoming traffic.
At the top of Dochula Pass, 108 chortens commemorate Bhutanese soldiers killed in 2003 during a confrontation with rebels invading India from camps in Bhutan. The memorial was commissioned by Queen Mother Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck (who, along with her three sisters, was married to former King Jigme Singye Wangchuck). On a clear day, there’s a wonderful view of the Himalayas from the site. It’s also a nice place to stop and give thanks for making it up the pass, while gathering hope for the descent on the other side.
Tomorrow we’ll explore Punakha Dzong, followed by the Phobjikha Valley. Later this week we’ll wrap up our visit at Tiger’s Nest.
Until then,
Kelly
Dochula Pass, Bhutan
compassandcamera.wordpress.com 
On a clear day, the light is so sharp at high altitudes, it makes the colours even more vivid and the shapes so neat.
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And the sky so blue! Happy this was a clear day. 🙂
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Gorgeous scenery! Both the buildings, and the landscape.
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Thanks, Kevin! Hope you’re doing well and things are getting back to “normal.” 🙂
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Sorry for just now seeing this! And, thanks! Yes, back to normal. But, now business is fast expanding….lol
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Strange times! Stay healthy out there.
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Thanks for showing me the view from Dochu La … because you guessed it, it was totally socked in both times we crossed it! 😦
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LOL, why am I not surprised? Sorry, Lex. 😦 Happy to share the view with you anytime!
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“who, along with her three sisters, was married to former King Jigme Singye Wangchuck,” Now that would seem to me to be fraught with all sorts of interesting issues! 🙂 I found the memorials quite attractive. Great photographs. –Curt
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Thanks, Curt! And I was wondering who would comment on that little fact hidden in the post. 🙂 Agreed – one of the most unusual arrangements I’ve heard of!
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Not sure how one could ignore it, Kelly. 🙂
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Ha!
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That’s an interesting memorial. For 108 solders, I gather?
No white knuckle pictures from the drive?
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