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.
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View AccommodationAmankora 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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View AccommodationNaksel 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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View AccommodationCOMO 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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View AccommodationSix 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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View AccommodationZhiwaling Heritage
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.
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.
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View ExperienceZurig 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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View ExperienceKyichu 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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View ExperienceFarmhouse 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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View ExperienceDressing 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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View ExperienceThe 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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View ExperienceParo 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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View ExperienceParo 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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View ExperienceTiger'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.
Call us on 020 8682 5060 to start planning