Where is Pele La?
Bhutan, asia
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hard
Year-round
Okay, buckle up, adventure awaits at Pele La! This beast of a mountain pass sits way up high in Bhutan's Wangdue Phodrang District - seriously, it's one of the highest roads you'll find in the country.
Pele La acts as a natural divider, marking the spot where western Bhutan transitions into the central region. Keep an eye out for the chorten that marks the summit. On a clear day (good luck with that!), you might catch a glimpse of the majestic Mount Jomolhari (7,314m) and Jichu Drakye (6,989m). Feeling adventurous? There's a gnarly gravel track near the top that climbs to a radio/TV Repeater Station. Only attempt that with a 4x4 with serious clearance!
This road is a lengthy ride, stretching from Wangdue Phodrang (the district capital) all the way to Trongsa (the capital of its district).
What's the road like? Well, let's just say it's "paved" in the loosest sense of the word, with plenty of rough patches and gravel thrown in. Get ready for a steep climb and what feels like a million hairpin turns on the highway. Built back in the 90s, it's a real rollercoaster hugging the cliffside. Located in Jigme Singye Wangchuck National Park, be warned, this route is crazy narrow. If you're prone to vertigo, maybe sit this one out.
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