Nature · Haa, Bhutan
Chele La ridge walk at sunrise
Stop at Bhutan's highest road pass, 3,988 m, and walk along the prayer-flag ridge for views of Jomolhari and the Paro and Haa valleys. Go slowly: this is the highest point on most Bhutan trips.
Photo: Mario Biondi writer · CC BY-SA 4.0 · CommonsThe road from Paro climbs about 35 km and 1,700 m to Chele La through blue pine, then hemlock and rhododendron. At the top, thousands of prayer flags and tall white manidar flags line the ridge. On a clear morning Jomolhari (7,326 m) and Jichu Drake stand to the north. Most of the views are gone by late morning when cloud builds, so leave early.
From the pass, a trail follows the ridge south-east for 1–2 km, climbing gently to viewpoints over both valleys. In April and May rhododendrons and primulas flower along it; in winter there may be snow. Some walkers continue to Kila Gonpa, a nunnery on the cliffs above Paro, a longer descent that needs a vehicle pickup.
Chele La is nearly 4,000 m. If you flew into Paro the day before, keep the walk short and slow, drink water and descend if you get a headache or feel dizzy. Talk to your doctor before the trip if you have heart or lung conditions. Wear a windproof jacket, hat and gloves.
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Questions
Before you book
How high is Chele La?
3,988 m, the highest motorable point in Bhutan. It sits 35 km from Paro and 26 km from Haa. Some people feel the altitude at the top, so move slowly and keep the walk short on your first days in the country.
Is Chele La open in winter?
Usually, but snow and ice can close it for hours or days between December and March. Your operator may go round via Chhuzom instead. Check current status before you travel.
Can I see Jomolhari from Chele La?
On clear mornings, mostly October to April, yes. Cloud often builds after 10 am, and summer monsoon months rarely give views. Leaving Paro by 7 am gives the best chance.