Chomolhari Trek
At a Glance
  • Duration12 Days
  • Difficulty Level Moderate
  • Max Altitude 4830 M
  • Group Size Up to 10 Pax
  • Starts Paro Airport Bhutan
  • Ends Paro Airport Bhutan

Be ready for this adventurous trek, the 12 days of Chomolhari Trek grant you the highest peaks ( Jomolhari) in the Himalayas. The Chomolhari trek is built for the adventurous traveler as it involves traversing through different forms of terrain. A perfect combination of high-altitude hiking and rugged trekking that can be completed in a relatively short time span is what amazing treks are. Roaming through meadows where herdsman guides their yaks to pasture, sip tea as you watch the first rays of light strike the protector of Bhutan, Chomolhari, and ascend rugged hills to learn more about the kingdom that is the happiest in the world.

The escapade begins from diminishing hills and later reaches the freezing parts of the Himalayas. The trek assimilates a bit of culture as you’ll be visiting the famous Taktsang monastery. This monastery responds on a cliff and grants factual views of the green ambiance. Believe that Guru Rinpoche is here. From here, the real adventure begins meandering through the once glorious Drugyal Dzong and later pledge a picture of apple orchards. The rushing Paro River will be your companion as you cross rhododendron forests and campsites. The road sees glimpses of snow which will be a common sight once you arrive at the Jangothang base camp. The view of Mount Chomolhari and Jichu Drake is simply magnificent. The trail becomes thrilling as you conquer the dangerous Ngye La Pass. Battling the snow and strong winds will take you to the top and once you reach there, the feeling of achievement is overwhelming. Slowly head down and cross the Yeli La pass to admire amazing views of Gangchen Ta, Masang Gang, and Tshering Gang. The snowy terrain gives way to green hills and the warm sun provides some relief from the blistering cold. Unclench at the green meadows of the Barshong Dzong and understand the history behind this ruined fort. Arrive at the small camp in Dolam Kensho and later catch a bus to reach the capital of Bhutan, ‘Thimpu’. The drive can be prolonged but the sights it furnished are splendid. End your thrilling trek by enjoying quality food at a restaurant there. This trekking experience is leaped to be one of the most memorable moments of your life so hurry up and grab this opportunity!

Chomolhari Trek is a cultural tour package designed for those adventure lovers who would love to add spice to the trekking experience on their Bhutan Tour. The best season for this trek is from March to May and Sept to November. Come and join this trekking and capture every moment to make this trip memorable for a lifetime.

Itinerary

Show Detail ItineraryHide Detail Itinerary

    Admire the spectacular view during the flight to Paro, see the glance of awesome peaks, including the sacred Jumolhari and Jichu Drake peaks in Bhutan. After arriving, you will be picked up by our representative and taken to Hotel. After some time the crew member will take you for visiting Ta Dzong, once a fortified lookout tower now that is the National Museum. Explore the museum has a wide assortment of ancient paintings, armor, a philatelic display and “field of Buddhas”, which helps to visualize while meditating. Afterward, you will visit Kichu Lhakhang, the oldest and the most sacred shrine in the country. Overnight at Hotel.

      Have your breakfast, then the short and sweet adventure begins about 4 -5 hours to Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) Monastery, Bhutan’s most famous monastery situated at 3,180 meters. Guru Rinpoche (spiritual master) is said to have flown on the back of a tigress to meditate in a cave where Taktsang Monastery now stands. Allying blue pines and blue air, the religious residence perches miraculously on a drop-off nearly a pair of,700 feet higher than Paro’s depression floor. Take some breaks for tea and snacks in a tiny tea house, and therefore the read of each Taktsang religious residence and Paro depression is monumental. After having explored the monastery,  hike down to the valley floor and return to Paro. Overnight at Hotel. 

        From today, the adventure starts from Drugyal Dzong at 2,580m with a downhill walk on a wide trail. Then climb gently through well-maintained rice terraces and fields of millet. The route later enters an area of apple orchards and forests. Soon the valley widens and we reach the army post of Gunitsawa at 2,810m. This is the last stop before Tibet. At 2,870m, just beyond Shana Zampa, there are several good camping places in meadows surrounded by trees. Camp at an altitude of 2,850m. Overnight at Tent.

          Today's trail follows Pa Chhu (Paro River), ascending and after some time descending through pine, oak and spruce forests. The walkthrough of lush forests will be an amazing experience sometimes scary and sometimes it will be enjoyable. Have a hot lunch which will be served after crossing a bridge towards the left side of the river. After lunch, you have to follow the river, and then climb up through rhododendron forests and finally cross another bridge and reach our campsite at an altitude of 3,750m.  Overnight at Tent.

            The path ascends for a while until we reach the army camp. Then you will follow the river above the tree line, enjoying the stunning view of the surrounding peaks. Hot lunch is served at a yak herder’s camp. A short walk from here into the valley takes us to our campsite at Jangothang (4,040 m). From here, the view of Chomolhari and Jichu Drake are superior. Overnight at Tent.

              The day to take rest and acclimatize for the next day’s adventure. After breakfast, you have to get ready for a 4-hour trip to the northern side of our camp from where you can see the beautiful view of the Jichu Drake Peak. Enjoy having a picnic lunch on the way. This trip will help us with acclimatization and if you are lucky you may even encounter grazing yaks and blue sheep which makes this trip all the more awe-inspiring. Overnight at Tent.

                The trail follows the stream for half an hour and crosses the bridge to the right side. Start the climb up to the first ridge with a breathtaking view of Jumolhari, Jichu Drake and Tshering Gang. Then Walk towards the valley, almost flat for a while, until the climb to the Ngye La passes at an altitude of 4830m. After the pass, it is a gradual descent to the Lingshi camp, enjoying the panoramic view of the peaks and Lingshi Dzong. Camp at an altitude of 4100m. Overnight at the Tent.

                  The Laya Gasa route leaves the Chomolhari trek here. Instead, the route climbs towards a small white Chorten on a ridge above the camp, then turns south up the deep Mo Chhu valley. The trail stays on the west side of the largely treeless valley, climbing steadily a short distance above Mo Chhu. It then crosses the river and climbs steeply for two hours to Yeli La pass (4,820m/15,810ft). From the pass, = see Chomolhari, Gangchen Ta, Tshering Gang and Masang Gang. Then descend alongside a stream to a shelter, and then further downstream to camp at Shodu (4,100m). Overnight at Tent.

                    At this place, one comes back to the tree line. The path follows the Thimphu River, descending through rhododendron, juniper and other alpine forests. The view of the cliff-facing rocks and waterfalls is stunning. Hot lunches will be served by the riverside. After lunch, the trail gradually ascends to the ruins of riversides. After lunch the trail gradually ascends to the ruins of Barshong Dzong, reaching the camp at an altitude of 3,600m. Overnight at Tent.

                      Take a trail that descends gently through a lush forest of rhododendron, birch and conifers, then drops steeply to meet the Thimphu Chhu river. Walk along the left bank of the river, climbing over ridges and descending into gullies where streams run down into the river. Later pon, climb around a cliff face high above the Thimphu Chhu river, coming out onto pastureland at Dolamkencho. Overnight at Tent.

                        Get up early and walk from Dolam Kencho to Dodena then drive to Thimphu. Today, the trails start with an ascend of around 500m and descend around 930m. Our trail passes through forests, winding up and down through a small pass. After continuing in the southern direction we reach Dodena. From here we drive to Thimphu. In the evening, you may ramble through the streets of the capital city and get connected with the local lifestyle. Overnight at Hotel.

                          Bid farewell to the beautiful country after spending an amazing 12 days. You will get transferred to the airport before the scheduled flight of 3hrs. Have a safe flight and we hope to see you again in the near future.

                          Cost Details

                          Cost Includes
                          • All ground transportation by private vehicle including airport transfers
                          • Assistance in acquiring Bhutan visa and visa fee
                          • Accommodation at a 3-star category hotel in Paro and Thimpu, approved by Bhutanese Government
                          • Single room surcharge when travelling 2 people in a group
                          • Full board meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) during the trek and tours
                          • Tented accommodation during the trek,
                          • Govt. trained guide and necessary no. of porters with their meals, salary and insurance
                          • Mineral water will be supplied during the tour and boiled water during the trek
                          • All entry/permit fees during the tour/trekking
                          • All applicable government taxes and tourist service charges
                          • Our office expenses and service charge
                          Cost Excludes
                          • Meals not specified in the 'Meal Inclusions' in the itinerary”
                          • International flights
                          • Nepal entry and re-entry visa fee
                          • Personal shopping, internet/Phone bill, and laundry
                          • Pony service and porters
                          • Tips for tour guide and driver (Tipping is appreciated)
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