Chele La — Attraction in Paro District

Popular for short excursion (2 and half hours), many tourists are seen visiting the vantage point. Some prefer driving, some hiking and many wheels down either to Haa or Paro valley in their mountain bikes. The drive to Chele La is through dense spruce and larch forests. Depending on season you will encounter various sights such as frozen river, waterfall, rhododendron forest and yaks grazing peacefully. On a clear day, you can view Mt. Jumolhari(Bhutan's most sacred peak at over 22,000 ft) along with Jichu Drake and adjoining peaks to the North West, as well as the view of both the valley (Paro and Haa).

Few things to watch out for driving along the way are:

Roadside drub chuu (spring) with rock paintings of Guru Rinpoche and his two consorts. DzongdrakhaGoemba, just two km away it is famous for its large white Nepali style chorten perched stunningly on a cliff ledge. The site is where Guru Rinpoche suppressed local demons and is definitely worth a detour If you like getting off the beaten track and want to stretch your legs, hike to kilanunnery, established as a mediation site in the 9th century; it is the oldest nunnery in the country Other popular passes of Bhutan includes DochuLa at 3,116 metres (10,223 ft) between Thimphu to Punakha , which features 108 chortens- known as the Druk WangyalChortens or “Chortens of the victory of the Druk Gyalpo”.

he mountain slopes are covered in fields of white poppy (endemic to Haa and not found anywhere else in the world), dense forests of fir trees and several varieties of ferns. You also get to enjoy the beauty of pristine lakes thriving with rainbow trout.

Standing sentinel at the south entrance of the valley are the two temples – Lhakhang Karpo (White Temple) and Lhakhang Nagpo (Black Temple). Legend has it that the Tibetan King Songsten Gempo released a white and a black pigeon so that wherever they landed would stand the respective temples. These two are among the 108 temples built by the King.

An added attraction is the Haa Summer Festival which showcases the unique culture and traditions of the nomadic Haaps. East of WangduePhodrang is the Pele La at 3,390 metres (11,122 ft). Continuing to the east along the main highway is Yotang La, Shertang La, Wangthang La, Thrumshing La...

Bhutan is located in the interior Himalayas with steep high rise mountains, therefore there are numerous mountain passes that divide the valleys and a visit to Bhutan is not complete without crossing over these passes either on foot (while trekking) or by vehicle (for a usual cultural tour). One such pass is the Chelela Pass at about 3,988 meters (13,083 ft) located between the Paro and Haa valleys and is also the highest motor-able pass in Bhutan.

The Pass is a little more than an hours drive from the Paro valley through the dense spruce and larch forest and depending on the season you will see various types of flowers like the Rhododendron and the occasional Yaks freely grazing in the meadows along the way. There are many interesting things to see and do at the Pass so a full day excursion with a picnic lunch is a perfect opportunity to enjoy the peace and serene environment with a few short hikes.

The Blue Poppy (national Flower of Bhutan) along with different types of Rhododendron and high altitude flowers are grown nearby the Pass. From the road, it is another one-hour hike till the top of the Pass from where you can enjoy the panoramic view of the Paro and Haa valleys on either side, mountain ranges like the Mt Jomolhari, Mt Jichu Drakey and other snow capped Himalayan mountains.

There are colorful prayer flags fluttering in the wind all the way from the road till the top of the Pass and you can also hoist your own prayer flags assisted by your tour guide. As per your birth year, an astrologer will consult the Divination Charts and accordingly you can purchase the appropriate prayer flags that most benefit and...

I recently visited Chele La Pass in Bhutan, and it was an unforgettable experience. Located at an altitude of 3,988 meters (13,084 feet), it is the highest motorable pass in Bhutan. The drive to the pass from Paro, about 37 kilometers away, is incredibly scenic, winding through lush forests and offering stunning views of the Himalayas.

Upon reaching the pass, I was greeted by a breathtaking panorama that included views of Mount Jomolhari, one of Bhutan's most sacred peaks. The area is adorned with vibrant prayer flags fluttering in the wind, adding to the serene and spiritual ambiance. In the spring, the surrounding hillsides are covered in blooming rhododendrons, making it a perfect time for a visit.

The weather at the pass can be quite chilly and windy, so it's advisable to dress warmly. If you're lucky, you might spot some rare wildlife, such as the Himalayan monal or the blood pheasant, adding to the unique experience. Activities like hiking and mountain biking are popular here, and the nearby Haa Valley offers additional trekking opportunities.

Overall, Chele La Pass is a must-visit for anyone traveling to Bhutan. The combination of natural beauty, spiritual significance, and the thrill of high-altitude adventure makes it a highlight...