Journal · Paro
Chele La pass
A road pass at about 3,990 m between Paro and Haa, often called the highest in Bhutan.
The story
The road from Paro climbs through blue pine and rhododendron forest to the top, which is draped in thousands of prayer flags. Most sources give the height as 3,988 m. Haa, on the far side, was closed to foreign visitors until 2002.
Look for
On a clear morning, Jomolhari, the sacred peak on the Tibetan border, to the north. Below the pass on the Paro side, the old Kila nunnery clings to the cliff.
Before you go
Go early, before the cloud comes up. It is cold and windy in every season.
Sources
Checked October 2026. Where sources disagree, we say so or leave the detail out. Opening times and rules change, so your guide confirms on the day.