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| At the Druk Wangyal Chortens, Dochula Pass, Bhutan |
Tucked away in the
majestic Himalayas, Dochula Pass is a hidden gem that offers a glimpse into
Bhutan's stunning natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. Located at an
altitude of 10,130 feet above sea level, this mountain pass is a must-visit
destination for travellers seeking adventure, serenity, and spiritual
enlightenment.
Dochula Pass is
situated in the Thimphu district of Bhutan, approximately 30 kilometers east of the capital city, Thimphu. The pass is easily accessible by
road, and the scenic drive from Thimphu takes around 1.5 hours. I visited the
Dochula Pass twice, first on way from Thimpu to Punakha and then again while
going from Punakha to Paro. Both the times, as I had gone in July the Pass was
mostly enveloped in clouds so there was no clear view of the surrounding mountains
but then the clouds made the place more mystical & serene. For one to get
the views of the nearby mountain ranges the best time is from March to May or September to November.
As you ascend to
Dochula Pass, the landscape transforms into a breathtaking tapestry of rolling
hills, towering mountains, and verdant forests. The pass is surrounded by the
majestic Himalayas, with the highest peak, Masanggang (7,158 meters), visible
on a clear day. The area is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna,
including rare species of birds, animals, and plants.
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| The 108 Stupas at Dochula Pass, Bhutan |
One of the most striking features of Dochula Pass is the 108 memorial stupas or chortens, built to commemorate the Bhutanese soldiers who lost their lives in the 2003 war against insurgents. The stupas, known as "Druk Wangyal Chortens," are beautifully crafted and offer a reminder of the country's history and bravery.
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| The Chortens and the path for circumambulation, Dochula Pass, Bhutan |
There is a path for circumambulation of the stupas. For the non-initiated please note that the circumambulation is always done clockwise in Buddhism. Only in Bon religion the circumambulation is done anti clockwise (Bon Monastery in Himachal). Each stupa also has a further four miniature paintings of various Buddhist Gurus.
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| Chorten with miniature painting of a Guru |
In Buddhism, the
number 108 holds significant spiritual and symbolic meaning. The number 108
represents the completion of a cycle or a journey, symbolizing spiritual
fulfillment and enlightenment; 108 is believed to bring abundance and
prosperity, as it is a multiple of 9, which represents growth and expansion;
108 is often associated with spiritual growth, representing the many stages and
challenges one must overcome on the path to enlightenment.
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| Miniature 108 Stupas at a roadside in Bhutan |
Across Bhutan one sees miniature stupas (mostly in multiples of 9 and 108 at several places) placed by devotees next to a precipitous road.
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| Beautiful view of Druk Namgyal Chortens from top at Dochula Pass, Bhutan |
In Mahayana Buddhism,
a Bodhisattva takes 108 vows to attain enlightenment and help others achieve
liberation. In Tibetan Buddhism, many mantras and recitations are repeated 108
times to purify the mind and accumulate merit. A traditional Buddhist rosary,
called a mala, typically has 108 beads, used for counting recitations of
mantras or prayers.
Near the stupas stands
the Druk Wangyal Lhakhang, a beautiful temple built to honour the fourth king
of Bhutan, Jigme Singye Wangchuck.
Also next to the stupas there is a well-maintained park having good flora and fauna. There are nine man made cave temples with each devoted to a separate Guru. Carry a binocular if you are interested in bird watching here.
