Chele La Pass
Chele La
A road pass at about 3,900 metres between Paro and Haa, where prayer flags cover the hillside and, on clear days, you can see Mount Jomolhari in the distance.
Chele La Pass sits on the road from Paro to the Haa Valley, at an altitude of about 3,988 metres. It is often described as one of the highest drivable road passes in Bhutan. At the top, colourful and white prayer flags stretch across the pass, flapping in the wind. On clear days you can see Mount Jomolhari and Jichu Drake, the snowy peaks, and below you lie the Paro and Haa valleys. In spring (April to May), the hillsides bloom with rhododendrons, and from the pass you can walk along the ridge for 1 to 2 hours to enjoy the flowers and the snowy mountains. Getting there: about 1 hour by car from Paro town, and you can continue on to the Haa Valley. Note: the altitude makes the air cold and windy, so bring warm clothing. Anyone who has had altitude sickness should avoid strenuous activity. In winter, the road may close due to snow.
Opening hours
Open all day (winter depends on road conditions)
Nearby sights
- Haa Valley (Lhakhang Karpo & Nagpo)
- Kyichu Lhakhang
- Paro Rinpung Dzong
- National Museum of Bhutan (Ta Dzong)
- Paro Taktsang (Tiger's Nest)
- Drukgyel Dzong
- Tachog Lhakhang & Iron Bridge
- Motithang Takin Preserve