Chele La Pass and Haa Valley Day Trip from Paro
Overview
From the Paro valley, a mountain road climbs through forests of pine and rhododendron to Chele La, at 3,988 metres the highest road pass in Bhutan. At the top, thousands of prayer flags crack in the wind, and on a clear morning you look out over ridge after ridge of the Himalaya.
The road then drops down the other side into Haa, a quiet valley close to the Tibetan border that opened to visitors only in 2002. Here your guide shows you Lhakhang Karpo and Lhakhang Nagpo, the White and Black Temples, which tradition links to the 7th-century Tibetan king Songtsen Gampo, and you have time to wander the small town and its farmland. Then it's back over the pass to Paro.
The drive from Paro to Haa takes about one and a half to two hours each way. The trip fits best on an extra day in Paro, and it's a good warm-up for the Tiger's Nest.
Highlights
- Chele La, Bhutan's highest road pass at 3,988 metres
- Prayer flags and wide Himalayan views
- Haa, a quiet valley near the Tibetan border
- The White and Black Temples of Haa
- Rhododendron forests, in bloom in spring
What's included
- English-speaking guide
- Private transport from Paro and back
- Lunch, unless stated
- Tips
Location
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Itinerary
Frequently asked questions
On clear days, yes. Mornings in autumn and winter are usually the clearest; in the monsoon the pass is often in cloud.
Yes, at almost 4,000 metres it's windy and cold, even on sunny days. Bring a warm jacket, hat and sun cream.
