What Makes the Kila Gompa Hike Special
The Kila Gompa Hike is one of the most unique short hikes in the Paro region, leading to a secluded cliffside nunnery dramatically perched on the mountainside near Chele La Pass. Kila Gompa is home to Buddhist nuns who dedicate their lives to meditation and spiritual practice in one of Bhutan's most serene settings.
The trail descends through alpine meadows and vibrant forests of rhododendron and hemlock, leading to the Kila Gompa Nunnery, one of the oldest nunneries in Bhutan. Perched dramatically on a cliffside, the nunnery is home to around 30 nuns devoted to meditation and spiritual study. Continuing further downhill, the trail passes Gorina Lhakhang, a small temple with a modest monk residence, before rejoining the road where your vehicle awaits.
What makes this hike particularly special is the monastery's extraordinary location. Built into the rocky cliffs overlooking deep valleys and distant Himalayan peaks, the nunnery feels both remote and deeply peaceful.
About the Kila Gompa Trail
The hike usually begins near Chele La Pass, Bhutan's highest motorable pass connecting Paro and Haa. After a scenic drive up from Paro through dense pine and rhododendron forests, the trailhead is reached just below the pass. This viewpoint provides sweeping views of snow-capped peaks and deep valleys, making it an ideal rest stop for photos.
From here, the path descends gently along the mountainside through alpine forest and open slopes. The walk is short but incredibly scenic, with colourful prayer flags fluttering in the wind and sweeping views across the surrounding mountains.
From the ridgeline, the trail starts to descend through a picturesque alpine forest filled with rhododendrons, junipers, and hemlocks. During spring, the hillside is ablaze with wildflowers, and you may spot yaks grazing in the meadows. The descent to Kila Gompa takes about 1.5 hours, where the peaceful cliffside complex welcomes visitors with fluttering prayer flags and distant chanting.
As you approach the monastery, the white temple buildings of Kila Gompa appear dramatically against the rock face. The nunnery consists of several small temples and meditation huts built directly into the cliffside, creating one of the most striking monastery settings in Bhutan.
Visitors often spend time quietly exploring the temple complex, enjoying the mountain views, and observing the peaceful rhythm of monastic life before returning along the same trail.
After exploring the nunnery, continue down the trail for another 30–40 minutes to reach Gorina Lhakhang. This small temple marks the end of the hike. Your driver will meet you here for the return drive to Paro (approximately 30 minutes).
What You'll Love About This Hike
Dramatic cliffside monastery overlooking the valley
Home to Bhutanese Buddhist nuns in meditation retreat
Short and scenic hike near Chele La Pass
Panoramic views of surrounding Himalayan mountains
Unique monastery architecture built into rock cliffs
Peaceful spiritual atmosphere
Kila Gompa Hike Tips
Bring warm layers — Chele La Pass can be windy and cold
Wear comfortable walking shoes for the rocky trail
Move slowly as the altitude is over 3,000 metres
Bring water as there are no facilities along the trail
Dress modestly when visiting the nunnery
Combine the hike with a scenic drive to Chele La Pass
Getting to the Kila Gompa Trail
Starting Point: Chele La Pass (3,800 m)
End Point: Gorina Lhakhang, near Paro
Travel Time from Paro Town: Approximately 45 minutes to the pass / 30 minutes return from trail end
Make It Part of Your Bhutan Journey
The Kila Gompa Hike is a wonderful addition to your Paro itinerary, especially if you plan to visit Chele La Pass or explore the road toward Haa Valley.
For travellers seeking a short but unforgettable Himalayan hike with dramatic scenery and spiritual depth, the journey to Kila Gompa offers one of the most unique monastery experiences in Bhutan.
Here are some popular Bhutan tours where you can include this Kila Gompa Hike:
