Overview:

Chele La Pass in Bhutan is located on the borders of Chhukha and Haa districts in western Bhutan and lies on the route connecting Paro to Haa. It is the highest motorable pass in Bhutan, at an elevation of 4000 m. It provides stunning views of the Himalayan Mountains, Jhomolhari, Jitchu Drake, and Tsering Kang. The pass remains open and accessible to vehicles all year round, though it can be a bit slippery in the rainy season. Popular activities at the pass include driving, photography, paragliding, and sightseeing. There is a Druk Wangyel Chorten and a stupa located at the pass, and visitors are offered a fantastic view of the nearby snowcapped mountains. Visitors can also enjoy the stunning vista of the Haa Valley. Chele La Pass is a popular tourist destination in western Bhutan. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Bhutan
Prominent Features:

1. Highest mountain pass in Bhutan: At an elevation of 4,988m (16,354ft), Chele La Pass is the highest mountain pass in Bhutan. 2. Spectacular views of the Himalayas: The views from the summit of the pass are simply breathtaking, offering wide-reaching panoramas of the surrounding Himalayan peaks, including Jhomolhari, Drukse Dzong and Chomolhari. 3. Sacred prayer flags: Hundreds of prayer flags adorn the ridge, adding a sacredness to the atmosphere and offering protection to travelers passing through. 4. Rich biodiversity: The area surrounding Chele La Pass is home to an abundance of flora and fauna, including Himalayan blue poppy, red fox, and the endangered snow leopard. 5. Exploring Jigme Dorji National Park: Chele La Pass is situated near the heart of Jigme Dorji National Park, one of the most respected conservation areas in Bhutan. 6. Popular pilgrimage site: Every year, hundreds of pilgrims form across Bhutan and around the world make their way to Chele La Pass to pay respect to the sacred pass. This national monument of Bhutan portrays the history and culture of the country.

History:

The Chele La Pass is located in the Himalayas in the west of Bhutan. It is the highest motorable pass at an elevation of 3,988m above sea level. It is part of the Paro-Haa highway that connects the two districts of Paro and Haa in Bhutan. The pass was first built by Dawa Je Khenpo in the 17th century, and the road was further improved by the British in 1920s for military use. As the trade between India and Tibet gained more importance, the road was further upgraded by the Bhutan government in the early 1980s. The pass has played an important role in commerce and cultural exchanges between the nearby countries of India and Tibet. Traders travelling between these countries used the pass as an important trade route. Many of the traders used to stay overnight at the small villages on the pass and take shelter in the nearby forests in the harsh cold weather. The Chele La Pass is a popular tourist destination in Bhutan. It offers spectacular views of the lush Himalayan valleys, rugged snow-capped mountains, and pristine blue lakes. The pass is also visited by hikers who come to explore the surrounding area. Moreover, religious tourists flock to the pass as it houses some of the most sacred monasteries and temples in the country. Today, the pass is still used as an important trade route between India and Tibet and is also a popular tourist destination. It is a major attraction for visitors looking for a unique experience of the mountains and culture of the Himalayas. You must visit one of these historical places in Bhutan on your Bhutan tour

Interesting facts:

1) Chele La Pass is the highest motorable pass in Bhutan, located at an altitude of 13,123 feet (4,000m). 2) The pass links the Paro Valley with Haa Valley and is the most popular route for trekkers. 3) At the top of the pass there is a prayer flag pole, with five different colors representing the five elements of the Buddhist philosophy. 4) During winter months, the pass is often closed due to heavy snowfall. 5) Chele La Pass offers a stunning panoramic views of Mt. Jomolhari, Mt. Jitchu Drake, and other surrounding peaks of the Himalayas. 6) Surrounding the pass are lush pine, oak, rhododendron and juniper forests. 7) Animal sightings aren’t uncommon, with the elusive snow leopard, blue sheep and takins amongst the animals visible in the area. 8) The pass is also known to be the starting point for the popular Snowman Trek, a challenging trek which takes up to 21 days. Visit one of the famous monuments of Bhutan with your friends and family.