Himalaya only · Saver trips from ₹7,500
Try "Spiti", "snow leopard", "Char Dham", "homestay", "Tiger's Nest"
Route · Bhutan
Bhutan's highest road climbs from the Paro valley through blue pine and rhododendron to Chele La at 3,988 m, then drops into the quiet Haa valley. Allow 2.5–3 hours plus time on the pass.
Photo: Christopher J. Fynn · CC BY-SA 3.0 · CommonsEvery way to go
| How | Time | Cost, indicative 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Operator vehicle with guide | 2.5–3 h | ₹4,000–6,000 for the vehicle, return day trip |
| Via Chhuzom (winter alternative) | 3.5–4 h | ₹5,000–7,000 for the vehicle |
| Mountain bike with support vehicle | 5–7 h | ₹3,000–6,000 per person with bike hire |
Almost every visitor goes this way. Leave Paro by 7 am for the best chance of clear views from the pass, spend 30–60 minutes on Chele La, and reach Haa by late morning. The road is narrow and steep with sharp bends and drops.
When Chele La is icy or snowbound, usually December to March, drivers go down the Paro valley to Chhuzom and up the Haa Chhu road instead. It is longer, about 115 km, but lower and safer in bad weather.
Some operators run supported rides over Chele La for fit cyclists. The climb from Paro is about 1,700 m. Go only with a licensed operator, helmet and support vehicle, and acclimatise first.
At each end
Photo: xiquinhosilva · CC BY 4.0 · Commons
Bhutan's front door, with the Tiger's Nest on its cliff
Photo: Christopher J. Fynn · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Commons
Over Chele La to a quiet valley of white and black temples
Questions
It crosses Chele La at 3,988 m, the highest motorable point in Bhutan. Paro is about 2,250 m and Haa about 2,700 m. Stop briefly and walk slowly on the pass.
Usually, but snow and ice can close it. Drivers then use the longer road via Chhuzom. Check current status before you travel.
Yes. It is about 130 km return and 8–9 hours with stops. Leave by 7 am. An overnight in a Haa homestay is more relaxed.
On clear mornings, mostly October to April, you can see Jomolhari and Jichu Drake. Cloud often builds after 10 am and in the monsoon months.
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