Prayer flags
Thousands.
Vinayaraj — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Vinayaraj — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Vinayaraj — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Vinayaraj — CC BY-SA 4.0
The highest motorable pass in Bhutan, at close to four thousand metres, between the Paro valley and the remote Haa valley. A winding road climbs through pine and rhododendron forest to an open summit covered in thousands of white and coloured prayer flags fluttering in the wind. On clear days the pass shows the sacred snow peak of Jomolhari, over seven thousand metres high, and neighbouring Himalayan peaks above deep green valleys. In spring the rhododendrons bloom red and pink in the forests. Short trails lead from the pass along the ridges among prayer flags and pastures, where you may see yaks and colourful pheasants in the forest. It is usually paired with a visit to Haa or as a half-day outing from Paro. The pass is free; it is very cold and windy, and snow sometimes closes the road in winter. The mountain passes lie above 3,000 metres, so go slowly and drink water; it is cold most of the year. Most visitors to Bhutan pay a Sustainable Development Fee of USD 100 per person per night, fixed until August 2027, and a licensed guide is required at dzongs and major temples.
Thousands.
A sacred peak.
Yak pastures.
Between the Paro and Haa valleys, about an hour and a half by car from Paro
Usually, but snow sometimes closes the road and it is very cold, so check with your guide before setting off.