Day Trip to Chelela Pass and Hike Kila Goenpa

Chele La Pass is known to be the highest motorable pass in Bhutan and provides wonderful views over Ha Valley and Paro District, which you have the chance to view today before taking a scenic hike and visit to Kila Nunnery.

Area

Paro

Type

Active

Wildlife & Nature

Grade

Standard

Who

Adults

Difficulty

Challenging

Duration

Full Day

At an elevation of 3,988 metres Chele La Pass is the highest road pass in Bhutan with fantastic views over the valleys below. This is a popular vantage point in the area and makes for an enjoyable day trip from Paro. To reach Chele La Pass you will drive through a beautifully forested area full of spruce and larch. During the right season this becomes a veritable botanical paradise full of wild roses, purple and yellow primulas and deep purple iris. The pass is marked by prayer flags and on a clear day you will be able to see across to Mt Jumolhari which is Bhutan's most sacred peaks.

To get more off the beaten track during the day you will also be able to hike to Kila Nunnery which is the oldest nunnery in Bhutan. There are two routes you can take. You can either start by hiking up 500 metres above the true starting point towards a sky burial spot and from here descend to the monastery through meadows and forests or alternatively head directly to the nunnery which clings to the cliff side much like Tiger's Nest. The entire hike should take between 2-4 hours.

We suggest that you depart early in the morning from your hotel at 8am and returning in the afternoon.

Recommended Hotels Nearby

A selection of luxury hotel options in the area, handpicked and recommended by our travel specialists.

Naksel Boutique Hotel & Spa

Naksel Boutique Hotel & Spa is a simple, yet charming hotel located about ten minutes above the Paro Valley in Bhutan, blending Bhutanese architecture with modern facilities. Naksel offers superb views of Mt Jumolhari and Tiger's Nest Monastery.

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COMO Uma Paro

COMO Uma Paro set in the stunning Paro Valley is one of the best hotels in Bhutan. Blending Bhutanese architecture with stylish interiors, COMO Uma Paro offers a perfect base to start a tour of Bhutan for spending a longer period in Paro.

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Zhiwa Ling

Zhiwa Ling is located just outside of Paro in Bhutan and is close to the Tiger's Nest Monastery. Zhiwa Ling is noted for its traditional Bhutanese architecture and offers international standards of service and rooms.

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Amankora Paro

Amankora Paro is beautifully set into the forest and delivers some breathtaking views. Traditional in design with carved wooden roofs, white wash walls and wood clad interiors.

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Six Senses Paro

Situated high in Paro Valley, perched above The National Museum of Bhutan, Six Senses Paro offers beautiful views over the surrounding forested peaks and is sympathetically designed, incorporating the 16th century ruins that it sits.

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More Experiences in This Area

Discover more things to do in the area and chat to our specialists about crafting these experiences into your tailor-made holiday.

Kyichu Lhakhang

The Kyichu Lhakhang is one of the oldest temples in Bhutan, dating from the 7th century and constructed by the Tibetan Emperor Songtsan Gampo.

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Dressing up in traditional Bhutanese dress

Anyone who works in Bhutan must wear traditional national dress, and you can have the chance to dress up for a few hours to see how it feels. The Bhutanese absolute love visitors doing it!

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Paro Dzong & National Museum

The Paro Dzong, or Rinpung Dzong as it is otherwise called, looms above the town of Paro. On the hill above the Dzong in the former watchtower you can visit the National Museum.

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Paro Sunday Market

If you are in Paro on a Sunday then absolutely visit the local market. See a variety of vegetables on offer from 0630 until about 1000, and you can then see the archery ground following your visit.

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The Haa Valley

The unspoilt Haa Valley is located close to Paro and offers a fantastic day out. Drive over the Chele Pass, Bhutan's highest road, and choose to free-wheel on bikes into the Haa Valley. Explore the local monastery, have a picnic and return to Paro.

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Tiger's Nest Monastery

The Tiger's Nest Monastery is spectacular; legend has it that this cliffside was where Guru Rinpoche landed on the back of a flying tigress, bringing Buddhism to Bhutan. Set off for the 2-hour walk to the viewpoint before continuing onto the Monastery.

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Zurig Lhakhang Hike & Archery

Hike through the scenic Paro Valley, visit historic Buddhist fortresses and try your hand at Bhutan's national sports - archery.

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Farmhouse Visit & Home-Cooked Dinner

Visit Kyichu Lhakang, one of the oldest temples in Bhutan dating back to 7th century before meeting with local community members in a nearby farmhouse to enjoying a home-cooked dinner.

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