The 108 Druk Wangyal Chortens, also known as the Druk Wangyal Khang Zhang Chortens, are a striking religious monument situated atop the Dochula Pass in Bhutan, along the road that connects the capital city of Thimphu with Punakha. Sitting at an elevation of about 3,100 m (10,170 ft), this alluring site offers sweeping views of the majestic eastern Himalayas, which are topped with snow-clad peaks and rising above the clouds on clear days. The chortens, arranged in concentric rows on a verdant hillside, form one of Bhutan’s most distinctive landmarks, blending religious devotion, national pride, and scenic beauty.
Commissioned in 2003 by Queen Mother Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck, mother of Bhutan’s fourth king, Jigme Singye Wangchuck, the chortens were constructed to honor the memory of Bhutanese soldiers who died during military operations against insurgents in southern Bhutan in 2003, an event that was crucial in safeguarding the country’s sovereignty and stability. Still, not just by serving as a memorial, the 108 Druk Wangyal Chortens also symbolize peace, harmony, and the spiritual protection of the nation. Their creation reflects Bhutan’s deep Buddhist traditions, where chortens are built to commemorate events, honor lives, and generate spiritual merit.
The construction of the chortens involved traditional Bhutanese craftsmanship and local materials. Each of the small chortens is built with stone and mud brick, and as they are finished with whitewashed walls, they are also topped with intricately carved and gilded spires. The craftsmanship demonstrates Bhutan’s architectural heritage, where artisans employ time-honored techniques passed down through generations.
Even though they appear similar, the chortens are not identical at all, and they follow three distinct styles of stupa architecture, which is known as the Druk Wangyal chorten design, which combines symbolic Buddhist forms with Bhutanese artistic expression. The use of natural materials not only connects the monument to the land but also ensures harmony with its surrounding environment.
The number 108 holds deep significance in Buddhism because it represents completeness in spiritual practice, with malas or prayer beads traditionally containing 108 beads. By simply building the 108 chortens, therefore, this carries symbolic weight which signifies the intention to purify negative karma and promote enlightenment. Their location at Dochula Pass, which serves as a mountain gateway between valleys, also reflects the idea of spiritual guardianship, while offering blessings to travelers and protecting the kingdom well from negative forces. For locals, the chortens are a site of pilgrimage, where circumambulation and prayer connect the faithful to Bhutan’s Buddhist teachings and traditions.
Throughout the years, the site has hosted essential events that highlight its national and spiritual significance. The most notable one is the annual Druk Wangyal Festival, which is held in December. As this festival combines religious rituals, traditional dances, and cultural performances against the dramatic backdrop of the chortens and Himalayan peaks, it is a very unique experience from this mountainous country. The festival also celebrates Bhutan’s unique cultural heritage by honoring its leaders, thus reinforcing the country’s commitment to preserving peace and harmony. For the lucky visitors who are coming to Bhutan to attend this festivity, they are provided with a rare opportunity to witness Bhutanese traditions in a setting that embodies both spiritual devotion and national pride.
Today, the 108 Druk Wangyal Chortens remain a prominent symbol of Bhutan’s identity and values. They serve not just as a reminder of the sacrifices made to safeguard the nation, but also they’ve been an inspiration to devotion and reflection among those who visit. For all travelers, this site is a great spiritual monument that is guarded as a place of serenity, offering breathtaking views of Bhutan’s pristine landscapes. The chortens are often included on itineraries between Thimphu and Punakha, making them easily accessible to those exploring the country’s cultural and natural treasures.
Visiting the chortens is a rewarding experience for both locals and tourists. From Thimphu, it takes about an hour’s drive to reach Dochula Pass. The winding road passes through forests of rhododendron and hemlock before opening into the expansive views of the pass. On arrival, visitors can walk among the chortens, admire their artistry, and take in the peaceful atmosphere. The site also features the Druk Wangyal Lhakhang, a temple built nearby in honor of the Fourth King, decorated with murals that depict Bhutan’s modern history. For those traveling further, Dochula serves as a gateway to the Punakha Valley, one of Bhutan’s most scenic and historically significant regions.
The surrounding environment deeply enriches the experience of the 108 Druk Wangyal Chortens. When the skies are clear, travelers are treated to vistas of towering Himalayan giants such as Gangkar Puensum, which is considered the world’s highest unclimbed mountain, an exquisite natural landmark that rises majestically in the distance. But it should be noted that even on misty days, when the whole surrounding is in a cloud mist, the chortens themselves appear ethereal, with their whitewashed walls and golden spires glowing through the clouds. This interplay of nature, architecture, and spirituality creates an atmosphere that is uniquely Bhutanese.
In conclusion, the 108 Druk Wangyal Chortens at Dochula Pass represent far more than a collection of religious monuments. They embody Bhutan’s longstanding spiritual devotion, commemorate its resilience, and symbolize the country’s enduring pursuit of peace. As they were constructed with traditional materials and deep symbolic meaning, they stand as a lasting tribute to Bhutan’s cultural and historical journey.
Nowadays, as they continue to attract pilgrims, locals, and international visitors alike, they continue to offer a space for reflection, prayer, and appreciation of Bhutan’s cultural identity and natural grandeur. For anyone traveling through the kingdom, a visit to the chortens is not only a journey into Bhutan’s religious heritage but also a profound reminder of the values that continue to shape this Himalayan nation.
