Located right in the heart of the Himalayas, Chele La is Bhutan’s highest motorable pass, soaring to an altitude of 3,988 metres (13,084 feet). The view from this stunning pass extends to the snow-capped Himalayan range, including sacred Mount Jomolhari and Jichu Drake, during a visit. Chele La is not about the highest point but more of the journey through lush forests, serene landscapes, and fields of vibrant rhododendrons, those very ingredients that one would associate with a destination, making it a must for the nature enthusiast and adventure seeker. Chele La has to be on your list if you plan to visit Bhutan with your friends and family.
The Historic Past Of Chele La
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Chele La is a place of exceptional beauty with landscapes, forests, and flora that are untouched and panoramic. During the Spring, the pass turns azure red with the blooming rhododendrons’ colours, becoming a paradise for photographers. View from this pass is panoramic, with majestic Mt. Jomolhari and Jichu Drake dominating the skyline. The serene setting with the crisp mountain air and fluttering prayers has created a feel of calmness, rarely experienced elsewhere.
Chele La is a historical and cultural pass in Bhutanese history. It has been a trade route between the Paro and Haa valleys for centuries. Added to this, it is a place of pilgrimage for most Bhutanese, with many prayer flags gifted to it, held in the belief that they bring peace and prosperity. The view from the Pass offers a glance at the rich cultural heritage of Bhutan, with monasteries and stupas dotting the landscape, reflecting the respect that the Bhutanese feel for their land.
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Activities At Chele La
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Activities Chele La offers a visitor a slew of activities, which include:
Photography: With the kind of landscapes or panoramic views on offer, one could get quite busy with clicking pictures. Take a shot at the Himalayan range shimmering under the bright sun, or focus the lens on the very colourful rhododendrons with barren stems and beautiful fluttering prayer flags.
Hike and Trek: Many hiking and trekking trails of varying difficulties are found around Chele La. The hikes are tailored to suit both beginners and hardened trekkers. These hikes will allow for an immersive feeling of Bhutan`s beautiful nature and rich biodiversity.
Bird Watching: Chele La represents an incomparable experience for bird watchers. Hence, one can see many different species of birds here. Look for the colourful Himalayan Monal and other exotically clad birds fluttering around.
Local Delicacies
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You must try the local cuisine while visiting Chele La. Bhutanese food itself contains different flavours and ingredients. Some local delicacies of the place which you should try are:
Ema Datshi: Chilli pepper with cheese is Bhutan’s national food. It is a spicy stew.
Red Rice: Another staple in the Bhutanese diet is red rice, which naturally grows as a variant of brown rice. It is usually served along with all the curries and stews.
Phaksha Paa: A delicious dish prepared with pork, red chilies, and radishes.
Momos: The Tibetan dumplings are filled with meat or vegetables; they are very popular snacks in Bhutan.
Butter Tea: This famous Bhutanese drink has tea leaves, salt, and yak butter mixed together to make for very different and invigorating drinks.
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Best Times To Visit
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Best times to visit Cheli La are in both spring and autumn seasons. The weather during these periods is calm, with the skies always clear, making the Himalayan range rather magnificent in its outlook. The rhododendrons are fully bloomed during spring and shower the landscape with vivid colours. Autumn is equally good, as the crisp air and local clear skies make it perfect for outdoors.
How To Reach
Chele La is situated about 35 km from Paro and 25 km from Haa Valley. Being on the road is a journey in itself. Comprising curved roads, which give breathtaking views at every shot. Here are the ways to reach Chele La:
By Car: One can hire a private car or taxi from Paro or Haa Valley for the most convenient commute to Chele La. The drive from Paro shall take-about 1.5 – 2 hours, while from Haa Valley, it shall take an hour, depending upon the condition of the road.
By Bike: For those loaded with a sense of adventure, biking to Chele La is an entirely different experience. It’s a hard uphill ride but can turn out to be wonderfully rewarding with the excellence of views on the way.
Trekking: Trekkers can take quite a number of different forgiving trails leading to the pass. Another popular one is the Paro trek, which takes a day and gives a more intense experience of Bhutan’s natural beauty.
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Chele La is the kind of destination that offers a nice blend of natural beauty, cultural value, and adventure. Perhaps what came across as attracting so many travellers, whether it be a nature lover, an adventure enthusiast, or one seeking just plain peace, Chele La has in store. Plan your trip to Bhutan. Get ready for the most unforgettable journey to Bhutan’s highest motorable pass
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Frequently Asked Questions About Chele La
What is the altitude of Chele La?
Chele La, situated at an altitude of 3988 metres (13,084 feet) above sea level, is the highest pass in Bhutan that can be reached through biking.
How can I reach Chele La?
Chele La can be visited using a private car or taxi. Another way to get there is by bicycle ride. As for me it could be one of those that you can’t forget.
What is the best time to visit Chele La?
Visiting the site during spring and autumn tends to be a good option; this falls between March to May and September till November as well. Also, during such times, there exists very fine weather with clear skies around.
What are the things that I can experience at Chele La?
There is so much to explore at Chele la, other than enjoying its natural splendour. The activities done in Chele La by the visitors are photography, hiking, bird watching, picnics, meditation, nature walks and more.
What are the other places that I can visit with Chele La?
Some other attractions near the area are hermitages like Paro Taktsang also known as Tiger’s Nest Monastery, Haa Valley, Kila Nunnery as well as Drukgyel Dzong .
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