Visit the memorial chortens of Dochula Pass

Dochu La is an incredible Bhutanese mountain pass peaking at 3 140 m (10 301 ft) above sea level. Boasting exceptional views of the snow-capped eastern Himalaya on clear days, the pass links the capital city of Thimphu and Punakha. Stop to see the Druk Wangyal Chortens, where 108 memorial stupas and chortens stand in honour of Bhutanese soldiers slain in the insurgency against Bodo militants from India. The Queen Mother, Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck, commissioned the shrine in 2003 after King Jigme Singye Wangchuck overcame the insurgents. From here you can opt to hike through beautiful forests down to the Lampelri Botanical Garden or for something more strenuous, hike up to the Lungchutse Temple through thick woodlands of broad hemlock trees. At the foot of the temple lies a rich bamboo underbrush and dense juniper shrubs flourishing against a backdrop of the Himalaya. One of Bhutan’s highest peaks, Gangkhar Puensum, and the world’s highest unclimbed mountain, can also be seen from here. Alternatively view the nearby monastery, Druk Wangyal Lhakhang, built in reverence of the king.