Important Information

Region
Bhutan Tour
Duration
7 Days
Max Altitude 4458m
Best Season April - October
Activity Per Day
5-6 hrs
Grade
Level 3
Group Size
2 - 20 people
Transportation Flight - Car

Chele La trek is a short camping trek in the western region of Bhutan. This trek is perfect for those who want to experience trekking in Bhutan within a limited time span. Chele La trek offers you the panoramic view of Bhutan’s and eastern Nepal’s Himalayas such as Mount Jomolhari (7314m), Jichu Drake (6989m), Tsherimgang (6789m), and Kanchenjunga(8586m) of Nepal. This trek will take you to scenic passes like Sgala, Ningula, and Kung Karpo that provide you the enchanting views of the Himalayas. It will also offer you an opportunity to explore the nomadic life of Bhutanese Yak herders and remote villages.   

This Trek will start with an acclimatization hike to Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest). The next day you will drive to Haa and trek from there. After three days of Chele La Trek, you will spend one day at Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan for sightseeing.  During your sightseeing, you will explore some of the landmarks of Thimphu. The best time to do Chele la trek is from late March to June in spring and from September to early November in the Autumn season.  

If this package doesn’t meet your choice of tour and wants to do it in a different way/itinerary please Customize your Trip. HWW’s travel advisor will assist you to create your Trek according to your time availability and interest.

Outline Itinerary ( 7 Days )

Day 1

Arrival to Paro and Sightseeing in Paro (2200m).

Landing to Paro will offer you one of the best views of the Himalayas including Everest. On your arrival at Paro International Airport, you will assistance by Himalayan Wander Walkers's representative. Our Guide and driver will help you to arrange your luggage in the vehicle and drive to your hotel in Paro. Later You will drive to Bhutan National Museum which is used to watchtower in the past. You will learn something about history by exploring impressive collections like statues, festival masks, Thanka paintings, and interesting curving on woods. Then you will visit Rinpung Dzong of Paro, one of the finest fortresses. This structure of Dzong is unique and appreciating architecture. This Dzong is currently seat for the monk body and centers for government administration.

Overnight accommodation is set with AP Plan.

Day 2

Hiking to Taktsang for Acclimatization (3000m).

Today after your breakfast we will drive toward Paro and we will hike to the most important landmark of Bhutan. Your guide and driver will receive you from your hotel and drive to the hiking point. The hike will be about 5 hours both way up and down. Those who are difficulty with walking can hire a horse to ease your hike. Taktsang or Tiger Nest was beautifully lying on the edge of the rocky mountain which was burned by fire in 1998 and restored later. This is also a popular pilgrimage site of Guru Rinpoche (Tantric Master). In the evening we will be preparing for a trek.

Overnight accommodation is set with AP Plan.

Day 3

Drive from Paro to Haa (3000m) and trek to Sagala (3,890m)

Hiking Distance: 5 Kilometers

Walking hours: 3 hours

Ascent: 890 meters

Descent:  Nil

Today is your first day at Chele La Trek. After your breakfast, you will drive to Haa valley which is less than an hour off-road drive on the left side of the villages. The trek starts from the Haa where you will meet your camping crew. After walking for hours you will reach two routes point. You will take the right trekking route. The left trail leads to the summer yak herder camp which lies on the border of Bhutan and China. The trek gradually climbs up through the meadow and yak herder Kharka. The campsite is set just before the Sagala.

Overnight accommodation at tented camp. (Meal: B, L & D)

Day 4

Trek from Sagala to Ningula (3850m)

Hiking Distance: 12 Kilometers

Walking hours: 5 hours

Ascent: 545 meters

Descent:  244 Meters

As a normal day, you will start the trek after your breakfast. The trek starts with ascending to the Sagala Pass which is 3,550 meters from sea level. From the pass, you will see the magnificent view of Mount Jumolhari (7,314m) and Jitchu Drake (6,989m) if the weather permits. You will walk on the right side by ascending and descending a couple of times via pastures and thin forests. You will have a beautiful view of Haa valley from the top viewpoint and continue your hike to Ningula Camp.

Overnight accommodation at tented camp. (Meal: B, L & D)

Day 5

Trek from Ningula to Chele Pass (3990m) and drive to Thimphu (2320m)

Hiking Distance: 13 Kilometers

Walking hours: 6-7 hours

Ascent: 267 meters

Descent:  459 Meters

Today is the last day of the trek and you will cross Chele Pass. From Ningula the trail goes downward via rhododendron forest and yak pastures. Then climb to Kunga Karpo La which is marked with the cairn at 4458 Meters. It is a ky Burial. From the top, you will have a fascinating view of the Haa valley. Gradually the trail drops down toward Chele Pass via scenic ridges offering you the view of Kila Goenpa Nunnery, Haa valley on your right, and Paro on your left. Eventually, you will reach Chele La pass where your driver is waiting to drive Thimphu.

Overnight accommodation is set with AP Plan.

Day 6

Sightseeing in Thimphu and drive to Paro

Today will be your last day in Bhutan. After your breakfast, you will start your sightseeing to Tashicho Dzong. Later visit Memorial Chorten, which was built to commemorate the 3rd king of Bhutan. Then drive to the gigantic statue of Buddha from which you can overlook the valley and drive to Paro. On the way, you will visit the Tamchog monastery.

Overnight accommodation is set with AP Plan.

Day 7

Final departure

Our team is saying goodbye as your journey to Bhutan comes to an end today. If you have more time you can do some shopping or sightseeing. Approximately 2 hours before your scheduled flight guide from Himalayan Wander walkers will take you to the airport. On your way home you'll have plenty of time to plan your next adventure in the wonderful countries of Bhutan, Nepal, and Tibet.

Meal: Breakfast.

*AP (American plan) = Meal includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

 

Include

Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Thimphu and Paro.
2 nights in tented camp
Meals: All breakfasts, Lunches, and Dinners
Airport transfers on by private vehicle
Professional English speaking guide and necessary transportation.
All park entrance fees, trekking permits, and taxes
All Government Royalties
Transportation during the trek.
Sightseeing and site entry fees as listed

Exclude

International flights
Personal travel insurance, trekking gears.
Aerated & alcoholic drinks
Items of a personal nature such as phone calls, laundry, etc
Tips for guide and helpers.
Luxury hotels/resorts available on supplement cost
Specialized /language guides available on supplement cost
Travel / Medical Insurance

Important Information

* The Price given here is per person based on a minimum of 2 pax. The price will be cheaper with an increase in the number of people.

* If you are flying from Nepal then let us know we can help you to book your flight to Bhutan.

* Single Room Supplement is an extra charge.

Equipment

What to Bring for Trek?

Although trekking gear is available in Bhutan you are advised to bring your own gear.

  • Footwear
  • Trekking or running shoes
  • Camp shoes or thongs
  • Socks (polypropylene)
  • Clothing
  • Down or fiber-filled jacket
  • Jumper or piled jacket
  • Hiking shorts
  • Waterproof jackets, poncho, or umbrella
  • Hiking pants
  • T-shirts or blouses
  • Underwear
  • Sun hat

Other equipment

  • Rucksack
  • Self Inflating Sleeping Mattress (optional, “normal” mats provided by Bhutanese tour operators)
  • Water bottle
  • Torch, batteries, and bulbs

Useful Information

CHECKLISTS

  • Valid passport (valid for six months from the date of your trip)
  • One other picture ID, such as driver’s license (in case of emergency and for use as a substitute of passport or in case of loss of your passport) Photocopy of passport page to carry in a wallet
  • Air tickets (Make a copy of flight tickets which may be helpful, in case of loss)
  • Visa Clearance (Make a copy of visa clearance which may be helpful, in case of emergencies)
  • MasterCard, Visa Credit, and Debit Cards are accepted in Bhutan. However, traveler's cheques and some cash are highly recommended.
  • Mobile (if your cell phone is from CINGULAR USA or ATNT (USA) operators then your cell phone will work in Bhutan.)
  • Guiding, Food, and Camping

In Bhutan, all trekking supplies - camping equipment, kitchen implements, food - are all carried by pack animals. Porters are rather unusual in Bhutan with loads usually carted by horses or, in higher regions, yaks. All trekkers are accompanied by a guide, a cook, and usually at least one horseman or yak herder. With the surest footing; they lead trekking groups across the passes. The horseman and cook will usually run ahead during a trekking day. They will have prepared a packed lunch for hikers and will go on to the night’s resting place to set up camp.

They set up tents, cook dinner, and ready the area for arriving trekkers. When trekkers reach the campsite they are greeted with a hot cup of tea and biscuits in the dining tent. After six hours in the mountains, no drink will ever taste sweeter. For dinner, the cook will usually prepare a buffet of dishes that are as welcome as they are delicious.

DRESS CODE FOR VISITING FORTRESSES, MONASTERIES, AND TEMPLES IN BHUTAN

  • Shirt (either half or full sleeve)
  • Full pants/long skirts
  • Any type of shoes with socks
  • No Hats, No Umbrella, No Slippers, No t-shirts, No short skirt, and No half-pants
  • Photographs allowed in the courtyard only.

Frequently Asked Question