Chele La Pass - on Bhutan's highest motorable road - 4,000 m

Paro airfield

A lot of tourists go to Haa Valley – it’s actively promoted by the Govt as there are a few villages there which are economically backward and tourists can see the semi primitive lifestyle. 

We had originally considered it but then decided that it was far too long a distance to travel – up and down mountain passes – having already been on enough mountain passes and curling S roads on this short trip- so we gave it a miss. I would rather spend two days in Paro than driving up and down mountains just to see a valley without much to do. However as we were in Paro on the last day, the guide felt we should see Chele La Pass – the highest motorable road in Bhutan at 3,999 metres. 

As usual Sonam did not say much other than to express that the drive was beautiful and not to be missed. The road begins six kms from Paro. And is 38 kms up. So it’s a total of 44 kms from Paro. Haa Valley is 68 kms away. Sounds so close but getting there takes time. To drive that distance to the Pass, at reasonable speed takes around 90 minutes enjoying the scenery. The roads are not dual carriageways – they are a mix of dirt track being repaired and tarred road. All 2 lane. 

We go past the Paro airfield, a refreshing change in its openness and greenery as compared to other world airports which are covered by concrete barriers and vast buildings. Here security is tight but discrete; buildings are pretty and blend into the landscape. There is a distinct feeling that these structures must not stand out but go with the flow of the country’s heritage. 

Just past the signpost 

 We started climbing and went through the dark forest. The sun was visible on and off and in the shade it was cool.

After a series of sinuous S bends and turns, we seemed to arrive at the top. There were two cars there and the one thing which strikes the visitors eyes are the numerous prayer flags all around in grouped sets. I did not count each set but had been told that these are put up in a certain number as dictated by Buddhism. It was windy so the flags were fluttering full steam. There was a group of three young people who were installing yet another set of prayer flags on the hillside. 

There is a signpost stating that this is the highest motorable road in the country. A typical good photo op.                                                                                

Bracing myself against the wind !

its a place of breath taking beauty and apparently a botanist's paradise. the views are spectacular - Mt Jumolhari, Mt Jichu Drake and the adjoining peaks to the north west. There is a lot of spirituality around. 

Then, as my family were staying near the car, Sonam took me further up – actually we were looking for a quiet secluded place to relieve ourselves!! We walked up and up and off the road. 

Suddenly, we saw a small hut nearby and facing it a valley. Deep down below, miles away, was the Haa valley.


From where we stood, the place looked miniscule. With my camera, I took a few close up shots without worrying on what was on the lens, as the wind was of concern: it was really hard to stand there. 

The photos reveal what the naked eye could not see!! 

We stayed there for another ten minutes or so, having a good look at the valley and the mountain peaks knowing well that we would not be coming here again; so absorb it in the mind’s eye. 

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