The Dochula Pass is a mountain pass. It is situated on the road from Thimphu to Punakha. Here you can see 108 memorial Chortens or Stupas. The Chortens were made in memory of those soldiers who lost their lives in a war to drive out militants that were not even attacking Bhutan. These Assamese militants were in fact, targeting India while taking shelter in Bhutan. The Bhutanese soldiers successfully attacked & drove them out, however losing a few of their own in the process. The Queen mother - AshiDorjiWangmoWangchuk commissioned these 108 stupas as a mark of honour for these brave soldiers. The pass is located at an elevation of 3100 metres (10,200 ft).
Every mountain pass can be deemed as scenic. On a good clear day, especially from September to December you can see the Eastern Himalayas with their snow-capped peaks. There is something fascinating when you see those while tips through the frosty mist of the wow that escapes your mouth. The chill that escapes sends goosebumps down your spine, especially when you realize that the one peak that you are looking at is the highest one (Mt. Massanggang) in Bhutan. In huge peaks in the background there can be no ugliness. However, when you have colorful prayer flags entwined in cypress trees with snow-clad misty summits at the far end, there is just another edge to that landscape.
