Druk Wangyal Chortens
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Sue Wolfe
About this spot
At Dochula Pass stands the 108 Druk Wangyal Chortens commissioned by the eldest Queen Mother to honor the martyred Bhutanese soldiers who died in Operation All Clear. In 2003, the King led the army against Assamese rebels who, over several years, had established 30 guerrilla camps and observation posts in southern Bhutan. The camps were a launching point for raids into northeastern India with a goal of creating an independent state. In just a few weeks, King Jigme Singye Wangchuk successfully captured the camps but in the process 11 Royal Bhutan Army soldiers were killed in action.
The red and white chortens (Buddhist shrines) form three rows (27, 36 and 45—top to bottom). According to religious tradition, the chortens were built in stages. The first stage contained utensils filled with butter and grain. The second section was filled with clay Buddhist gods. And the final stage included the sokshing or life tree—providing a link between heaven and earth.
Elevation at the Pass is 3,100 meters (10,200 ft.) and offers amazing views of several Himalayan peaks. Cypress trees overlook the hillside. The first Royal Botanical Park is adjacent to the chortens mound.
It is a popular spiritual destination for locals because of the Druk Wangyal Lhakhang temple located on the crest of Dochula Pass.
The red and white chortens (Buddhist shrines) form three rows (27, 36 and 45—top to bottom). According to religious tradition, the chortens were built in stages. The first stage contained utensils filled with butter and grain. The second section was filled with clay Buddhist gods. And the final stage included the sokshing or life tree—providing a link between heaven and earth.
Elevation at the Pass is 3,100 meters (10,200 ft.) and offers amazing views of several Himalayan peaks. Cypress trees overlook the hillside. The first Royal Botanical Park is adjacent to the chortens mound.
It is a popular spiritual destination for locals because of the Druk Wangyal Lhakhang temple located on the crest of Dochula Pass.
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