Chele La Pass
Chele La Pass
4.5
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4.5
689 reviews
Excellent
424
Very good
206
Average
52
Poor
5
Terrible
2
Abhijit_284
Kolkata (Calcutta), India86 contributions
Jan 2020
On 2nd of Jan 2020, morning we went to this place from Paro. Its an average looking spat compare to Dra chu la Pass it is nothing . On the above only one toilet facility is available ( yes its paid one) and you have wait in the queue if wanted to use
Written 3 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Shilpa_Lakhani
Mumbai, India71 contributions
Jan 2020
Chele La Pass, is a half day trip from Paro. We had kept aside one day to go to Chele La and then proceed to Haa valley. But the day we were to go, it had snowed there the night before so our driver, said lets drop it. Because I had never seen snow, I requested him to take us till the spot where he is comfortable driving and I'm so glad we did. Driving through freshly snowed pine trees and beautiful mountains that look like a yummy vanilla ice-cream and chocolate sauce concoction, it was beyond dreamy. The road to Chel-La pass is the highest motorable road in Bhutan, so you can only imagine the view at up-top. And though we were only there for a very short period as the temperature was hitting a minus 6...it was by far the highlight of our trip
Written 6 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tapojyoti Bhattacharjee
Jamshedpur, India219 contributions
Dec 2019
The Chele La Pass, situated at an altitude of 3988 metres (13083 feet) above MSL and at a distance of about 36 kms from Paro Town on the Paro-Haa highway is a must visit place in Bhutan for all tourists, who can withstand the bitter cold and the breathlessness at high altitude. This pass is the highest motorable road in Bhutan separating two valleys Paro and Haa. The journey through the road, covered with snow was very exciting and memorable with fantastic views on either side. As the sky was clear during our visit, we could see the most sacred mountain peak of Bhutan, Jumolhari , having an altitude of about 22000 feet above MSL. We did not see any human habitation in that area. Only a mobile Fast food/Tea/Coffee/Snacks vehicle was seen stationed there to cater to the needs of the visiting tourists.
Written 20 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ashish Deb
Kolkata (Calcutta), India967 contributions
May 2024 • Family
On the sixth day of our Bhutan adventure, we visited the stunning Chele La Pass, the highest motorable pass in Bhutan. From this vantage point, we were able to see the magnificent peak of Mount Jhomolhari with the Paro valley. This short video captures the breathtaking views and serene beauty of Chele La Pass. Join us as we explore one of Bhutan's most scenic spots and provide travel tips for your visit.
Written 15 August 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
raytirth
5 contributions
Dec 2019 • Family
After 11:00 am the place is mess with crowd & jammed with vehicles.Public Toilet is a mess. Some attention is needed to improve the situation specially for a toilet facility,when there is frequent urge considering cold weather
Written 1 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Shiranee G
Colombo, Sri Lanka16 contributions
Feb 2020
Our final day in Bhutan was magical. We drove to Chelila pass in the morning through snow covered forests. The birds were there to greet us-blood pheasant, Magpie, Kalij pheasant,Nut cracker and many others. Horses of all hues were also enjoying the scenes.It was an exhilarating experience and my friends left their foot prints on the snow to mark their presence.
Written 17 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Biji_Varghese
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates149 contributions
Oct 2017 • Friends
The place is so nice and so beautiful, can view various areas of Bhutan from there, please try to visit there early morning so the areas will be clear
Written 12 November 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
David T
Madeira, Portugal3 contributions
Jan 2015 • Friends
We drove up to the pass from Haa valley to photograph a winter sunrise. We left the hotel at 4:30AM and arrived at about 6:00AM. As the sky began to brighten we got stunning photos of the many prayer flags as well as the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas. In January it was very cold, so be sure to dress accordingly with gloves, hat, long-johns etc. Early morning views of the Haa valley as we drove back down were amazing too.
This pass can be reached by road from Paro or Haa. The road from Paro was closed due to ice and snow. One of the highlights of our 11-day trip to Bhutan.
This pass can be reached by road from Paro or Haa. The road from Paro was closed due to ice and snow. One of the highlights of our 11-day trip to Bhutan.
Written 21 January 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BobPaul
Lexington Park, MD9 contributions
Oct 2014 • Couples
Highest pass we went over in Bhutan on drive from Paro to Haa Valley- Haa Valley is a little off the beaten path but well worth the time- highly recommend Soednam-Zingkha Hertitage Lodge (7 km north of Haa).
Written 12 November 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
hisandhercravings
Mumbai, India557 contributions
Dec 2018 • Friends
Chele La ⛰️is located at 3810m (13,000ft), between the valley of Paro and is the highest road pass in Bhutan.
The drive 🚗 to Chele La is through dense forests on both the sides of the Road. Depending on season you will encounter various sights such as frozen river, waterfall, rhododendron forest and yaks grazing peacefully. The Yaks will be busy grazing and if you go nearby they will just go away from.
The temperature is very low at Chele la pass, its windy but amazing View to see. There are no restaurants on the top so please carry some snacks with yourself. We walked on the peak along with our friends for seeing that perfect view. The mountains are joined and you will just feel not to stop but please take a note of time as it gets darker soon. Sharing some of my pics which I had clicked.
The drive 🚗 to Chele La is through dense forests on both the sides of the Road. Depending on season you will encounter various sights such as frozen river, waterfall, rhododendron forest and yaks grazing peacefully. The Yaks will be busy grazing and if you go nearby they will just go away from.
The temperature is very low at Chele la pass, its windy but amazing View to see. There are no restaurants on the top so please carry some snacks with yourself. We walked on the peak along with our friends for seeing that perfect view. The mountains are joined and you will just feel not to stop but please take a note of time as it gets darker soon. Sharing some of my pics which I had clicked.
Written 5 January 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
What are the big white sticks found in the Chele pass area
Written 23 February 2022
Hi, Do we need a permit for Chele La pass? One of the travel agent said I need one. From where can I get it?
Written 19 February 2020
Yes you need a permit to go to Chele La pass. Your travel guide can arrange it for you. Plan in advance.
Written 23 February 2020
Hi
We are 4 adults travelling with my 1 year old daughter to Paro for 2.5 days. We want to make a day trip on one of these days either to Dochula Pass or to Haa Valley via Chele la Pass. I am really confused which one is more scenic / better esp. given that I will have a small kid traveling with us. I am inclined towards Haa Valley but is there much to do there except see the White and the Black temple? I am more interested in walking through the lush green valley that is shown in the pics online.
Many thanks for your helpful answers, in advance.
Regards
Niti
Written 21 August 2019
Chele La can be called the big brother pass while Dochula is the smaller one. So you must give more importance to Chele La. Pl remember to take good worm clothes including wind cheater. Its very very windy and very cold. If you are lucky you can see the entire Himalayan range with all ice caps. Dochu La has a memorial whose history is in contrast to the peace and tranquility that Bhutan is known for.
Written 6 March 2020
We are driving our car ...just wanted to know the road conditions to the chellela pass from paro..we have Creta and my husband is driving the entire tour in Bhutan through phuensholing,Thimpu,punakha till paro..and our 8yrs old son is with us..is it safe to go by our own or do we need to hire a driver.??
Written 26 May 2019
The roads in Bhutan can be quite treacherous. The trip to Chelela on the east side is less so, while the decent into Haa is a bit more hair-raising. It takes about 80-90 minutes with a local driver to get to the top and there was some construction going on In late-March. If you decide to drive plan on taking it slowly, especially on the turns.
Written 30 May 2019
We are landing at Paro airport at 1340hrs aftenoon , is it late to go to Chelela pass and return to paro , considering it is approx 90minutes drive uphill
Written 24 April 2019
I will suggest to visit early morning after breakfast. You cant start your journey to view all around natural beauties scenarios. Main attractions to see snow capped mountains from chelela pass, wear appropriate attires to prevent coldly air.
Written 25 April 2019
HI,I wanted to know that if we visit Dochula pass then also we should do this?is it different landscape ?I have been to khardungla in Leh,will you suggest this still?,Im leaving on 21
thanks
Written 18 June 2018
This pass is different as it is on way from Paro to haa valley,whereas Dochula pass is between Thimphu and Punakha valley.Definitely both should be visited.
Written 18 June 2018
how did you go there?can you just rent a car and go by yourself?I found just packages to book and its is very expensive, also things that I don't want to do.
Written 31 May 2018
One can hire a cab to the place I am sure. Bhutan has some rules about tourists going off on their own. You can ask your tour agency to customise your experience. What they typically push is a well trodden circuit which sometimes disappoints. it would be a good idea to insist on your own itinerary but you will need to stick to what you want. It is a still beautiful country though they seem to be working at an unsustainable commercialisation. Hope this helps.
Written 1 June 2018
Will I get to see snow capped mountains from Chele la pass in mid april? if not here where can I get such view in Bhutan?
Written 17 March 2018
You can see some snow frozen beside road side when you are going chelala pass, that is may be happend after 2500-3000 meter height. After reach the pass you can view snow mountain limited view. Dochula pass also have snow mountain view if sky is clear.
Written 19 March 2018
me, with my mom and brother , are planning to visit Paro in second week of may
I understand tigers best would take up the whole day .
would it be possible to do chele la pass in the morning and then drive back to phunetsholong later that day .
we do get motion sickness .
how much time do we need to cover and enjoy chele la pass. would there be snow in may ?
Written 28 February 2018
Always keep Tiger nest in the 'last but day' in your itinerary,
You can cover chele LA pass and go back to pheuntsoling on same day (Last day) BUT remember you have another chance of vising Ha village.
Chele La- Ha- Pheuntsoling route is the route you need to select. Remember you need to collect the HA permit from Thimphu.
if you do NOT wish to go HA village you can go in different route that is Chele LA to pheuntsoling.
But I would prefer first option. Both are same distance.
Written 28 February 2018
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