Chelela Trek
Duration
8 Days 7 Nights
Tour Type
Cultural | Trek
Difficulty
Moderate
Best Time
May- Mar | Sept -Nov
Trip Summary
Experience the breathtaking beauty of Western Bhutan on this 6 Nights and 7 Days Chelela Trek, a perfect blend of trekking, culture, and Himalayan scenery. Journey through pristine forests of blue pine, hemlock, and vibrant rhododendrons as you trek across scenic mountain ridges connecting the beautiful Haa Valley and Paro. Stand atop Chelela Pass (3,988m), Bhutan’s highest motorable mountain pass, and enjoy spectacular views of Mount Jomolhari and Jichu Drakey. Along the way, visit the dramatic cliffside Kila Goemba Nunnery, explore the vibrant capital of Thimphu, and complete your adventure with a memorable hike to the iconic Tiger’s Nest Monastery. This itinerary is ideal for travelers seeking a rewarding trekking experience combined with Bhutan’s rich cultural heritage.
Trip Highlights
- Trek Through Bhutan’s Pristine Himalayan Wilderness
Follow scenic mountain trails through ancient forests, alpine meadows, and peaceful ridgelines while enjoying breathtaking views of Western Bhutan’s untouched landscapes. - Visit Chelela Pass & Kila Goemba Nunnery
Experience panoramic views from Chelela Pass (3,988m), Bhutan’s highest motorable road, and discover the spectacular cliffside Kila Goemba, one of the country’s oldest and most secluded nunneries. - Explore Bhutan’s Iconic Cultural Landmarks
Hike to the legendary Tiger’s Nest Monastery, visit Thimphu’s renowned attractions, and immerse yourself in Bhutan’s unique blend of spirituality, culture, and Himalayan hospitality.
Day 01: Arrival at Paro International Airport
Welcome to Bhutan, the Land of the Thunder Dragon. Upon arrival at Paro International Airport, one of the world’s most spectacular mountain airports, you will be greeted by our representative and transferred to your hotel.
After check-in, enjoy the rest of the day at leisure exploring the charming streets of Paro Town. Visit local handicraft shops, relax in traditional cafés, or simply enjoy the peaceful atmosphere while preparing for the trekking adventure ahead.
Overnight stay in Paro.
Day 02: Hike to Tiger's Nest Monastery (Paro Taktsang)
After an early breakfast, begin your hike to the iconic Paro Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest Monastery), Bhutan’s most sacred and recognizable landmark. Perched dramatically on a cliff approximately 900 metres above the Paro Valley, the monastery is believed to be the place where Guru Rinpoche flew on the back of a tigress and meditated, introducing Buddhism to Bhutan.
The hike takes approximately 5–6 hours round trip, passing through beautiful pine forests adorned with colourful prayer flags and offering spectacular views of the monastery and surrounding mountains.
Return to Paro in the afternoon and enjoy a well-deserved rest before your multi-day trek begins.
Overnight stay in Paro.
Day 03: Drive from Paro to Haa – Trek to Sagala (3,890m)
After an early breakfast, drive towards the beautiful Haa Valley, crossing the spectacular Chelela Pass (3,988m), the highest motorable pass in Bhutan. Along the way, enjoy magnificent panoramic views of Mount Jomolhari, Jichu Drakey, and the surrounding Himalayan peaks. The pass is beautifully adorned with colourful prayer flags fluttering in the mountain breeze.
Begin your trek from the Haa side of Chelela, following scenic mountain ridges through alpine forests of blue pine, hemlock, and rhododendron. The trail offers peaceful wilderness, abundant birdlife, and stunning mountain scenery before arriving at Sagala (3,890m).
Camp overnight at Sagala.
Day 04: Trek from Sagala (3,890m) to Ningula (3,850m)
The day’s trek follows rolling mountain ridges and tranquil forests while offering continuous panoramic views of Bhutan’s western Himalayas. The route passes through pristine alpine meadows and untouched forests where you may encounter grazing yaks and a variety of Himalayan wildlife.
Enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of Bhutan’s highlands before arriving at Ningula (3,850m), a beautiful campsite surrounded by pristine mountain landscapes.
Camp overnight at Ningula.
Day 05: Trek from Ningula (3,850m) to Chelela Pass (3,988m) – Drive to Thimphu
Complete the final section of the trek with a gradual ascent back to Chelela Pass, where spectacular 360-degree views of the Himalayan mountain range await. On clear days, admire the majestic peaks of Mount Jomolhari and Jichu Drakey, among the most revered mountains in Bhutan.
Before leaving the pass, visit the nearby Kila Goemba, one of Bhutan’s oldest and most secluded nunneries. Dramatically built into a sheer cliff face, the monastery offers a unique glimpse into the spiritual lives of Bhutanese Buddhist nuns.
After completing the trek, meet your vehicle and drive to Thimphu, Bhutan’s vibrant capital city.
Overnight stay in Thimphu.
Day 06: Thimphu Sightseeing
After breakfast, enjoy a full day exploring the cultural highlights of Bhutan’s capital.
Visit the magnificent Buddha Dordenma, one of the tallest Buddha statues in the world, overlooking the Thimphu Valley. Continue to the National Memorial Chorten, where locals gather daily to offer prayers and spin prayer wheels. Visit the Takin Preserve Centre, home to Bhutan’s unique national animal, and explore the Institute of Zorig Chusum, where students preserve Bhutan’s thirteen traditional arts and crafts.
Spend the evening exploring Thimphu’s lively streets, local markets, and cafés.
Overnight stay in Thimphu.
Day 07: Drive to Paro and Departure
At Aiming Bhutan Tours, we carefully design each journey to ensure a smooth, comfortable, and enriching travel experience across Bhutan’s stunning landscapes and cultural highlights. To help you plan with clarity, the section below outlines what is included in your tour package, along with items that are not covered. This transparent breakdown allows you to understand exactly what to expect and prepare for your journey with confidence.
Includes
- 3-star boutique hotel accommodation (twin-sharing)
- Full-service camping during trek (tents, crew, meals)
- All meals (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)
- Licensed English-speaking guide
- All internal transport & airport transfers
- Bhutan visa & trekking permits
- Bottled drinking water
- Porter & pony support during trek
- Cultural experiences (archery, traditional attire)
Excludes
- International airfare
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses
- Alcoholic beverages
- Spa and wellness services
- Any services not mentioned
