CHOMOLHARI TREK

The Chomolhari trek in Bhutan is an adventure seeker’s dream, offering breathtaking vistas, cultural immersion, and a profound connection with nature.

The Chomolhari trek in Bhutan is an adventure seeker’s dream, offering breathtaking vistas, cultural immersion, and a profound connection with nature. Situated in the heart of the Himalayas, this trek is named after the majestic Mount Chomolhari (also known as Jomolhari), which stands at an impressive 7,326 meters (24,035 feet) tall, making it one of the highest peaks in Bhutan. Chomolhari trek isoff-the-beaten path, high altitude trekking but not very long. We also have chance to see the Tiger Monastery and the sites of Paro and the capital, Thimphu.Sadly modern life has encroached on this route to some degree, with an electricity supply following the trail up the Paro Valley. However, look beyond the wires and you will be treated to amazing scenery that ranges from the picturesque valleys of Paro and Thimphu, to the incredible mountain vistas of Chomolhari (7314m), Jichu Drake (6794m) and Tshrim Khang. Throughout the trek you will be weaving your way through Rhododendron forests and over glacial streams.The trek typically begins in Paro, A picturesque town known for its historic sites, including the iconic Taktsang Monastery, or Tiger’s Nest. From Paro, trekkers embark on a journey through pristine alpine forests, verdant valleys, and remote villages, all while being surrounded by towering snow-capped peaks.

One of the highlights of the Chomolhari trek is crossing high mountain passes, such as the breathtaking Nyele La Pass, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding peaks and valleys. As trekkers ascend through the rugged terrain, they may encounter yaks grazing on the slopes, colorful prayer flags fluttering in the wind, and perhaps even spot elusive Himalayan wildlife, such as the blue sheep or the majestic snow leopard.Throughout the trek, trekkers have the opportunity to interact with the friendly locals, predominantly of the ethnic Bhutanese group known as the Drukpa. These encounters provide insight into the traditional way of life in the remote mountain villages of Bhutan, where age-old customs and beliefs still hold sway.Accommodation along the Chomolhari trek ranges from camping under the starlit sky to rustic guesthouses in the villages, offering a chance to rest and rejuvenate amidst the serenity of the Himalayan landscape. Evenings are often spent around a campfire, swapping stories with fellow trekkers or gazing up at the brilliant tapestry of stars overhead.

As trekkers near the end of their journey, they are rewarded with a visit to the remote village of Thangthangka, nestled in a picturesque valley beneath the towering peaks of Chomolhari. Here, amidst the rugged beauty of the Himalayas, trekkers can reflect on their adventure and marvel at the awe-inspiring landscape that surrounds them.In conclusion, the Chomolhari trek in Bhutan is not just a physical challenge; it is a journey of self-discovery, cultural immersion, and profound connection with nature. With its stunning scenery, rich cultural heritage, and warm hospitality, it is an experience that will leave a lasting impression on all who embark upon it.

Outline Itinerary

• Day 01: Arrive Kathmandu and  transfer hotel
• Day 02: Flight Kathmandu to Paro and Thimpu transfer
• Day 03 : Paro sightseeing
• Day 04: Trek to begin Drugyel Dzong to Shana (17km, 5-6 hours)
• Day 05: Shana to Soi-Thangthangka (22km, 6-7 hours)
• Day 06: Soi-Thangthangka-Jangothang(Base camp Mt.Jumolhari,19km, 5-6 hours)
• Day 07: Day halt for altitude acclimatization/excursion
• Day 08: Jangothang to Lingshi(18km, 5-6 hours)
• Day 09: Lingshi to Shodu (22km, 8-9 hours)
• Day 10: Shodu to Barshong (16km 5-6 hours)
• Day 11: Barshong to Dolam Kencho (15km, 5-6 hours)
• Day 12: Dolam Khencho to Dodina and drive to Thimphu (8km, 3 hours)
• Day 13: Thimphu sightseeing
• Day 14: Drive to Paro Airport for departure ktm apt pickup
• Day 15:Kathmandu sightseeing
• Day 16: Departure Kathmandu Airport

Detailed Itinerary

Day 01: Arrival Kathmandu(1400m):Meet our representative at Kathmandu airport and transfer to hotel. All the required documents, photos, passport copies etc. are collected for the preparation of all legal documents required during the tour.Overnight : thamel

Day 02: Flight Kathmandu to  Paro and Thimpu transfer:Open arrival at Airport, we will received by our representative and transfer to Thimphu. Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu.

Day 03 : Paro sightseeing:
Visit Drukgyel Dzong, Ta Dzong (National Museum), Rinpung Dzong and Kyichu Lhakhang. Overnight at the hotel in Paro.

Day 04:Trek to begin Drugyel Dzong to Shana (17km, 5-6 hours):First day of the trek follows Paro Chhu valley climbing up the ridges. The actual trek starts from Drukgyel Dzong at 2580 m. From here you look back to see how dzong was positioned. After covering short distance you will find settlement of Chang Zampa. A further walk takes to settlement of Mitshi Zampa finding little shops and hotels.The valley widen and you will reach at army post of Gunyitsawa at 2810 m, there are also primary schools and shops.

Day 05: Shana to Soi-Thangthangka (22km, 6-7 hours):The trek continuous at side of Pa chhu through conifers and rhododandron coming across Jigme Dorji Wangchuk National Park. By making gentle climb on the rock through oak, crossing several steams come across Phari Dzong of Tibet. Then climb little ridge, cross the Paro Chhu on a wooden bridge. Finally come across Thangthangka at 3630 m, where Bhutanese style house are there.

Day 06: Soi-Thangthangka-Jangothang(Base camp Mt.Jumolhari,19km, 5-6 hours):
At night Jumolhariis covered with cloud, but be sure to view early in the morning. Jumolhariappears behind the a ridge. Less than an hour from camp at 3730 m is army post. A short climb leads to small chorten finding yak country. Making further climb come across Takethang, clustered of stone houses on plateau at 3940 m.

Day 07: Day halt for altitude acclimatization/excursion:
Here is best viewpoint, you won’t get better any better than here. The ridge is endless, after an hour of climb you can view Jichu drake (6989 m) and Jumolhari. If you like to see much of the country better to trek Nyile La to Lingzhi.

Day 08: Jangothang to Lingshi(18km, 5-6 hours):
If you have problem with altitude don’t go to Lingshi. Ten minutes after beyond the camp, finds settlements. This is the last settlements in the valley and is extremely isolated places. From this place you can also view Jichu Drake. Passing by you can see Jumolharipeak. Then it comes across Nyile La at 4890 m. Dropping down to the valley at 4450 m and stop for lunch here. Trekking further see army camp, where Jumolharipeak is visible. At last coming to Lingzhi.

Day 09: Lingshi to Shodu (22km, 8-9 hours):
The Laya Gasa route leaves the Jumolhari and climbs opposite the camp towards dzong through white chorten. It climbs steeply to Yeli La (4820 m). From this pass on the clear day, you can view Jumolhari, Gangchhenta, Tserim Kang and Masang Gang. Further downstream come across Shodu at 4110 m.

Day 10: Shodu to Barshong (16km 5-6 hours):
The route cross the river 6 times on bridge built of huge logs. Within one hour climb come to Barshong; in Barshong you find small ruin Dzong. The camp in below the ruin dzong at 3680 m.

Day 11: Barshong to Dolam Kencho (15km, 5-6 hours):
The trek continue over dense forest of rhododendron, birch and conifers and drop to Thimphu Chhu. It reach to Dolam Kencho camp at 3430 m

Day 12: Dolam Khencho to Dodina and drive to Thimphu (8km, 3 hours):
The trail goes in and out through conifers and high broadleaf species to pass at 3510 m. The trail drop down and reach to road head at Dodina at 2600 m.

Day 13 : Thimphu sightseeing:
Visit the Memorial Chorten, Tashichhodzong, National Library, Painting School, Traditional Medicine Institute and Handicrafts Emporium. Overnight at hotel in Thimphu.

Day 14: Drive paro and  Flight to Kathmandu:
We will transfer to Paro airport for the departure flight and pickup Kathmandu airport, after arrive hotel. This is the free day for you and you can enjoy yourself around the city. In the evening there will be a Typical Nepali Dinner organized  for you in the Typical Nepali restaurant with cultural program.

Day 15: Kathmandu Sightseeing: Pre- trip meeting and Sightseeing around Kathmandu Valley,visit UNESCO World Heritage Sites.Specially Visit Swayambhunath,patan Durbar Square, Pashupathinath Temple And Boudhanath Stupa.Then transfer to hotel. Overnight At the hotel.

Day 16:Kathmandu – Departure Airport:

Services included

• Best hotel accommodation “A” Grade. (Twin Sharing)
• Meals (Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner, Tea/Coffee with snacks as and when required)
• Transport within Bhutan
• Services of experienced and English speaking guide (Government License holder)
• All Trekking Equipment (2 men sleeping tents, Kitchen Tents, Dining tents, Toilet Tents, Petromax, Cooking Utensils etc.
• Trekking Guide and trekking cook along with supporting staffs.
• Pack ponies as and when required for trekking
• Mineral water on long trips both on trek and cultural tours
• Mineral water with all the meals
• Museum fees and other special entry fees
• Tourism Development Fund and Visa fee of Bhutan
• Tours specified in the itinerary

Services Not Included

• Any beverages items other than not mentioned in included section
• Any tips to guide / driver
• Any itinerary extension will be subject to additional cost
• Single room supplement US$ 210
• Service manage by Kathmandu office by local counter in Bhutan
• hot ston bath,
• Any Bank Charges while transferring tour payment
• Personal warm closed for trekking
• Sun cream and personal belong
• Any laundry
• Tips for staff Driver