
Dochu La
Bhutan, asia
N/A
3,126 m
hard
Year-round
Dochu La Pass in Bhutan's Thimphu District is a MUST-SEE, sitting pretty at 3,126m (10,255ft) above sea level.
Get ready for a winding, paved climb! The Thimphu-Punakha Highway throws hundreds of turns at you as you ascend. The air gets thin, so be prepared if you're prone to altitude sickness β that 2,500-2,800 meter mark can hit you hard. Engines can struggle with the lack of oxygen, too.
At the top, you'll find 108 chortens, built as a memorial to Bhutanese soldiers. And the views? Absolutely breathtaking! You get a full 360-degree panorama of the Himalayas. Winter days are particularly magical when the snow-capped peaks create an incredible backdrop. Keep an eye on the weather, though β this road can close quickly. High winds are common year-round. Luckily, there's a cute little restaurant nearby to warm up after you soak in the scenery! It's a favorite stop for those traveling between Thimphu and Punakha.
Where is it?
Dochu La is located in Bhutan (asia). Coordinates: 27.3176, 90.7228
Road Details
- Country
- Bhutan
- Continent
- asia
- Max Elevation
- 3,126 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 27.3176, 90.7228
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