CHOMOLHARI TREK #2
Graded as a moderate trek, Chomolhari Trek # 2 has been well-structured for ardent trekkers who aim to explore the best of Bhutan. On starting your trek from Drugyal dzong, the trail passes through a high area with beautiful glacial valleys, verdant vegetation, rugged peaks, Chomolhari’s glacier and pristine village settlements en route to Shana, Soi Thangthangkha, Jangothang, Dumzo, Thombu Shong and back to Drugyal dzong.
Dominating views of Chomolhari (7320 m), Jichu Drake (6900m) and Tshrim Khang provide perfect backdrop during the journey. You get plenty of time to acclimatize prior to trekking and in between the trek. You even get to explore Takstang Monastery on foot and nearby cultural heritages. This 11-day trek rewards you with an invaluable insight into the real Bhutan whose ancient culture still remains intact untouched by modernization.
Outline Itinerary
- Day 1 Arrive Paro by Druk Air.
- Day 2 Hike to Taktsang monastery.
- Day 3 Drive from Drugyel Dzong to Shana.
- Day 4 Trek from Shana to Soi Thangthangkha.
- Day 5 Trek from Soi to Jangothang.
- Day 6 A rest day at Jangothang.
- Day 7 Trek from Jangothang to Dumzo.
- Day 8 Trek from Dhumzo to Thombu Shong.
- Day 9 Trek from Thombu Shong to Shana Zam.
- Day 10 Trek from Shana Zam to Drugyel Dzong and drive to Paro.
- Day 11 Departure.
Detailed Itinerary
- Day 1
ARRIVE PARO BY DRUK AIR FLIGHT
Arrive Paro by Druk Air flight which will offer you great views of Mt. Everest, Kanchenjunga, Chomolhari, Tsrim gang and Jichu Drake. The moment you step out of the plane you will see the difference . Bhutan welcomes you with cool, clean fresh air. Peace and quietness is just another bonous. Our representatives will escort you to Kichu resort. If time prevails visit the National museum & Rinpung Dzong. O/N Kichu resort. .
- Day 2
HIKE TO TAKTSANG MONASTERY
To acclimatize yourself a hike to Taktsang monastery meaning a tiger's den lies at an altitude of 3000m which takes about 2/3 hours. The monastery was gutted by fire in 1998 but the remains of the structure still attract visitors. The Royal Government has taken immediate steps to restore and re-construct the old structure. Tea and snacks will be served at the cafeteria where you can gaze at this beautiful monument built during the 17th century. Stroll back to Kichu resort. Evening at leisure . .
- Day 3
TREK FROM DRUGYAL DZONG TO SHANA
Trek begins from Drugyal dzong - Shana and the walking distance is 16 kilometers and takes 5/6 hours. The path leads down to the Pa chu river and runs on the left side passing villages and scattered farmlands. Before reaching the camp you will cross a military camp and trekking permits have to be produced. A nice campsite known as Shana Zam at an altitude of 2800m is located just beyond the military camp. .
- Day 4
TREK FROM SHANA TO SOI THANGTHANGKHA
Shana - Soi Thangthangkha and the walking distance is 22 kilometers which takes 8/9 hours. The trail is rather gradual without any steep climbs through dense forest of oak, pine and spruce. Camp lies on the left side of the river at an altitude of 3600 marked with two stone shelters. of 3800 meters near a stone shelter. Walking time 7/8 hours. .
- Day 5
TREK FROM SOI THANGTHANGKHA TO JANGOTHANG
Soi Thangthangkha - Jangothang and the walking distance is 12 kilometers which takes 4/5 hours. The path ascends for a while till you reach a army camp. After a kilometer pass a village called Jampu towards the north. From here you will be above the tree line enjoying the stunning views of the rocky mountains. Occasionally pass by solitary houses of the yak herders before you finally reach the old ruins of the fort known as Jangothang at an altitude of 4050m with a community hall. This is also the Chomolhari base camp..
- Day 6
A REST DAY IN JANGOTHANG
Jangothang halt - Options : Excursion to the nameless view point at an altitude of 5250 offering beautiful view of Mt.Chomolhari & Kungphu. Fishing can also be done at Tshophu lake filled with giant rainbow trouts provided clients bring their own equipment or relax at the camp. .
- Day 7
TREK FROM JANGOTHANG TO DUMZO
Jangothang - Dumzo. The walking distance is 18 kilometers which takes 6/7 hours crossing a pass known as Bhonte la at an altitude of 4900m. This day offers beautiful views of Mt.Chomolhari, Kungphu, Jichu Drake from the Two lakes and wonderful landscape. The ascent is about 800m in altitude, the descent 1,090m in altitude. Before reaching the camp you will pass the Soi Yaksa village and one kilometer futher cross a bridge to reach the campsite at an altitude of 3800m. .
- Day 8
TREK FROM DUMZO TO THOMBU SHONG
Dhumzo - Thombu Shong. The walking distance is 13 kilometers about 5/6 hours walk. This stage offers a lot of scenic beauty. You will have good views into the valley and from the Thombu la pass at an altitude of 4520m views of Chomolhari and Jichu Drake can be seen. From the pass its all the way down hill till camp at an altitude of 4180m situated above tree line. The difference in altitude (ascent) is 700m. .
- Day 9
TREK FROM THOMBU SHONG TO SHANA ZAM
Thombu Shong - Shana Zam. Walking distance 15 kilometers about 5/6 hours walk. The first part especially the walk on the ridge offers beautiful views partly to the mighty ice giants in the Chomolhari region. The second part consists of a steep descent which lacks interesting views. At end of the descent you will come across the same military camp as you entered. Many possible camps can be found if you walk further down. .
- Day 10
TREK FROM SHANA ZAM TO DRUGYAL DZONG AND DRIVE TO PARO
Shana Zam - Drugyel Dzong. Our Vehicle will be waiting for your return at Drugyel Dzong and then proceed to Kichu resort. O/n resort..
- Day 11
DEPARTURE
Departure..
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Happy Explorers
The service of the staff was excellent. The lodges in Bardia and Pokhara were excellent, and their staffs also, especially in Bardia. Hotel Dwarika in Kathmandu is a very good hotel. Sure we are going to recommend this trip to our friends!
Community Service
We work with the motto "Tourism for Development". Explore Himalaya Community Service Project was conceived to empower underprivileged segments of Nepal.
