It was a day that was so pleasant that birds performed full-throated symphonies. The decision to go for a drive was taken. Nothing out of the ordinary. Except for the car we were in. It swayed from side to side. And bobbed up and down. My guess was that it was possessed. By the spirit of Elvis The Pelvis. Judging by the rocking movements, our car was performing Jailhouse Rock in a continuous loop as it snaked up through lush pine forests, bedecked with wildflowers, to reach Chelela Pass, the highest motorable point in Bhutan. 3,998m to be precise. That’s almost 13,000 feet. And we have simply weaved and bobbed our way up there. In comparison, Mont Blanc is the highest peak in Western Europe. And it’s at an elevation of 4,810m.
Though it was sunny in Paro, the weather could change drastically by the time it takes to reach the top. Strong winds blow, and it rains quite often too. Thankfully for us, it was only after we soaked in views of the enigmatic valley of Haa on one side, nestling between three mountains, and that of Paro on the other, a thick mist rolled in, adding a layer of mystique to Chelela Pass. We took a deep breath, and sat still for some time, listening to the prayer flags fluttering in the wind.
Tip: Do the drive in the first half of the day. The weather gets highly unpredictable in the afternoon. And yes, make sure your car is not haunted.
