The Chelela Nature Trek is a short, yet magnificent high-altitude trek in Bhutan. It offers the panorama of high snow-capped mountains and superb views of the Haa and Paro Valleys. The highest point on this trek is about 4,250 meters, from where you can see 360-degree views of the mountains.
The trek goes over the mighty ridges from the Haa to the Paro valleys. Eventually, it ends at the highest pass in Bhutan accessible to motor vehicles: Chelela Pass (3890 meters). One great advantage of this gorgeous trek is that it attracts very few trekkers, as the route is not well-known.
We can arrange this trek during almost all seasons, except during the winter months of December to February, when it is too cold and the trails are icy.
Chelela Trek Map:
Day 01: Arrive Paro
The Druk Air flight into Paro is a befitting introduction to the spectacular beauty of our country. In clear weather, magnificent views of the world’s highest peaks give way to the lush green Paro valley as you land. Upon arrival at Paro airport, you will be received by our representative and escorted to the hotel. In the afternoon, visit Ta Dzong, an ancient watchtower that now houses the National Museum. Below the museum is the Paro Rimpung Dzong, the center of civil and religious authority in this valley. A short walk takes you to the base of the dzong and across a traditional cantilevered, covered bridge. A short distance further is one of the innumerable archery grounds. (Archery is the national sport of Bhutan.) If you are lucky, you may catch a match in action.
Day 02: Paro Tiger’s Nest hike
The hike will take about 5 hours for a round trip with a lunch stop. It’s an uphill hike. Taktsang monastery is perched on the face of a cliff 800 m above the Paro valley. It is a memorable spiritual journey. It was here that the great Tantric master, Guru Padmasambhava, flew in from Tibet on the back of a flying tigress to propagate his teachings in Bhutan. Lunch at the cafeteria, or you will be served catering lunch from a restaurant. Walk back downhill to your hotel. Take a rest or drive to town for your last-minute shopping. Overnight at the same hotel in Paro.
Day 03: Paro – Punakha (115 km, 3 hrs drive)
Drive to Punakha via the amazing Dochula Pass (3100 meters). If the weather is clear, you could have a superb view of the Himalayas from the pass. Upon arrival in Punakha, check in at the hotel first. Have lunch in Punakha town and visit beautiful Punakha Dzong, built in 1637 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, situated between Pho Chu (Male River) and Mo Chu (Female River), two famous rivers of Bhutan. Punakha was the former capital of Bhutan, and the winter capital for the central monk body at present. In the evening, walk around your hotel and rest.
Day 04: Punakha – Thimphu sightseeing (70 km, 2 hrs drive)
After your breakfast, drive to Thimphu and check in at your hotel. Drive to Buddha Point to see one of the largest Buddha statues in the world, with a panoramic view of the whole Thimphu city. Later, visit the Handicraft Emporium for your souvenir shopping, and take a free evening walk around the city. Night halt stay at the hotel in Thimphu.
Day 05: Thimphu sightseeing – Haa Valley (2,685m)
After breakfast, visit the Folk Heritage Museum, a replica of a medieval farmhouse that can still be found in some rural areas.
After having a bit of an early lunch, drive to the Haa Valley for 3 ½ hrs along the western border of Bhutan. After checking into your hotel, start preparing for tomorrow’s trek. Overnight halt at the hotel in the Haa valley.
Day 06: Begin trek, Haa – Saga La (3,370m)
Your trek begins through a village, takes a maximum of around 3-4 hours, and then camps near Saga La pass. Overnight stay in the camp.
Day 07: Saga la – Ningula (3,515m)
Continue trek, trek up to Saga La to catch the views of Mt. Jumolhari and other peaks. You will make several ups and downs over ridges and small passes with amazing scenery before descending to camp at Ningula, taking about 5 ½ hrs trek.
Day 08: Ningula – Kung Karpo – Chelela Pass (3,890m) – Paro
After breakfast, walk on the flat trail for a few minutes and descend to the meadows of the yak herder’s camp. And then ascend through rich forests of pine, dwarf rhododendron, and primulas to a ridge with High Mountain views of sacred Jumolhari and other Himalayan peaks until Kung Karpo (4,200m), from where you can see 360 Degree views of the Himalayas and deep valleys. Even Mt. Kanchenjunga in Sikkim can be viewed during clear weather. Then, descend through the alpine meadows towards Paro valley, taking in great views and scenery. Your trek today takes around 5-6 hrs only. End your trek at Chelela Pass (3,890 meters), one of the highest motorable passes, and then drive to your hotel in Paro, which takes about an hour.
Day 09: Paro – International departure
Our guide and driver will drop you off at the airport and bid you goodbye for your flight departure.
Tashi Delek
Peak Season: USD 2,240 per person
Regular Season: USD 1,960 per person
Price Inclusions:
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Ans – If you have completed some day hikes of approximately 2000 meters, that’s good enough. This trek is also suitable for beginners, as it’s an easy trek
2. What is the minimum number of people required for the trek, and when is the best time or season?
Ans – We normally require a minimum of 2 people for the trek. Yet, we can also conduct the trek for one person. However, you will incur a slight additional cost. The best times for the trek are in late spring or the end of May, and in the fall, toward the end of September.
3. What is the procedure for this trek booking?
Ans – You will need to book this trek at least two months in advance, along with your confirmed flight booking. You must then deposit US $550 each/only 30% as an advance payment, with full airfare for your flight to/from Paro, Bhutan.
4. Why should we book this adventure trek with your company?
Ans – We are one of the most local adventure travel companies offering personalized services with value for money. We provide excellent weatherproof trekking equipment, skilled guides/tour leaders, a good cook and helpers, transportation, etc. We arrange the trek at the optimal time/season to ensure it’s mostly a successful trek.
5. Do you apply for our Bhutan Visa, and what are the documents required for the Visa?
Ans – Yes, we will issue your Bhutan Visa upon receiving the full payment from you. We require a clear copy of your passport and a passport-size photo for Visa application purposes.
6. Do we need to bring our sleeping bag, and if so, what type or how warm must it be?
Ans – Yes, you will have to bring your own sleeping bag. And it must be a minimum of -10 Degrees Celsius down feather sleeping bag for the spring and fall seasons.
7. What are the available flights connecting Bhutan with other cities, and what is the most convenient flight to/from Bhutan? And do you book the flights too?
Ans – We have flights to and from Bangkok, Kathmandu, Delhi, Kolkata, Dhaka, Singapore, Bagdogra, and Guwahati. Yet, the most convenient flight to/from Paro, Bhutan, is via Bangkok, as we have several flights in a day. Yes, we will book your flight as well, unless you want to do it on your end.
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