Chomolhari Trek
This trek is one of the most popular trek in Bhutan that endows you with great variety of Bhutanese landscape and is without doubt, one of the most beautiful & unspoiled trekking areas in the entire Himalayas.
On this 12 day trek you not just embrace an amazing opportunity to trek the hotspots of Bhutan but also get to feast on an incredible diversity of mountains and ecosystems. A hike to Takstang Monastery provides ample acclimatization for a delightful trek from Drugyal dzong towards campsite at Shana (2800 m) and thereon to Soi, Thangthangkha and then to Jangothang. A rest day in Jangothang acclimatizes you completely for further trek to Lingshi, Shodu, Barshong and finally to Dodina.
Along the trekking trail, nature scintillates you with its lush forests of pine, oak, rhododendron, juniper, bamboo and spruce, Pachu River gracing down the majestic landscape, outstanding views of Chomolhari (7320 m), Jichu Drake (6900m) and Tshrim Khang, cliffs overlooking stunning views of cascading waterfalls, yak pastures and trout-fishing sites. If you get lucky, you may get to spot rare fauna like blue sheep and snow leopard. Eventually, after insightful sightseeing in Thimpu you bade your farewell to Bhutan with indelible trekking experience, photographs and mementos that intimately bond you to Bhutan and its people throughout your lifetime.
Outline Itinerary
- Day 01 ARRIVE PARO BY DRUK AIR
- Day 02 DAY HIKE TO TAKTSANG MONASTERY
- Day 03 DRIVE TO DRUGYEL DZONG AND TREK TO SHANA CAMP
- Day 04 TREK FROM SHANA TO SOI THANTHANGKHA
- Day 05 TREK FROM SOI TO JANGOTHANG
- Day 06 A REST DAY AT JANGOTHANG
- Day 07 TREK FROM JANGOTHANG TO LINGSHI
- Day 08 TREK FROM LINGSHI TO SHODU
- Day 09 TREK FROM SHODU TO BARSHONG
- Day 10 TREK FROM BARSHONG TO DODINA AND DRIVE TO THIMPHU
- Day 11 SIGHTSEEING IN THIMPHU AND DRIVE TO PARO
- Day 12 TRANSFER TO AIRPORT FOR DEPARTURE
Detailed Itinerary
- Day 01
ARRIVE PARO BY DRUK AIR
Arrive Paro by Druk air BAe 146-100 series, the only national carrier. The flight offers you beautiful view of mountains and landscapes. On arrival and after visa formalities you will be received by Our members. Afternoon / evening time at leisure. Overnight Kichu Resort..
- Day 02
DAY HIKE TO TAKTSANG MONASTERY
Day hike to Taktsang monastery. Horses can be arranged with an extra US $ 5/- The hike which is all the way uphill takes about 2 /3 hours through villages and pine forests. The monastery which clings to a huge granite cliff 800 meters from the Paro valley was devastated by fire in 1998 but the Royal Government has taken immediate steps to restore the monastery to its original structure. It is believed that the great saint Padmasambhava came in the 7th century on a flying tigress and meditated in a cave for 3 months. The demons were subdued who were trying to stop the spread of Buddhism and converted the Paro valley into Buddhism. During the end of the 17 century a monastery was built on the spot where the saint meditated and it is a pilgrimage site for every Bhutanese to visit once in their life time. Stroll back to Resort..
- Day 03
DRIVE TO DRUGYEL DZONG AND TREK TO SHANA CAMP
Drive to Drugyel Dzong where the trek begins. The path goes upstream of the Pachu river through villages gradually ascending to 2800 meters at Shana camp. Walking time 5/6 hours..
- Day 04
TREK FROM SHANA TO SOI THANTHANGKHA
Shana to Soi Thangthangkha. The trail again follows the Pachu river ascending through pine, oak and spruce forest. Lunch will be served near a wooden bridge. The camp is at an altitude of 3800 meters near a stone shelter. Walking time 7/8 hours. .
- Day 05
TREK FROM SOI TO JANGOTHANG
Soi to Jangothang. Climb slowly for a while till you reach an army camp. Then follow the river above tree line with stunning views of the surrounding peaks. Hot lunch will be served inside a Yak herders camp. A easy walk will reach you to Jangothang at an altitude of 4050 meters. The view of Chomolhari (7320 meters) and Jichu Drake (6900 meters) is superb. Both the mountains are still virgin peaks. Walking time 4/5 hours..
- Day 06
A REST DAY AT JANGOTHANG
Halt at Jangothang. Explore the surrounding areas like Tshophu lake, visit Yakherders or simply relax..
- Day 07
TREK FROM JANGOTHANG TO LINGSHI
Jangothang to Lingshi. The trail follows the stream for half hour and crosses the bridge to the right side. Climb up the ridge and enjoy stunning views of Chomolhari, Jichu Drake and Tshrim Khang mountains. Than walk through the wide open valley sometimes coming across herds of blue sheep. The climb upto the Nyele la pass 4700 meters is not too difficult and the view is breathtaking. After the pass its a gradual descend and through the valley with beautiful views on all side. Nearing the camp you will see the Lingshi Dzong perched ontop of a hill with commanding view of the valley. Arrive camp at 4100 meters near a stone shelter. Walking time 6/7 hours..
- Day 08
TREK FROM LINGSHI TO SHODU
Lingshi to Shodu. Today is the most difficult day so start early. Begin walk opposite the dzong gradually through the valley until the stiff climb to Yale la pass at 4950 meters the highest point of the trip. The panoramic view of Mt.Chomolhari, Jichu Drake and Tshrim Gang is breathtaking. After the pass its a long descent to the camp at 3750 meters. Walking time 7/8 hours..
- Day 09
TREK FROM SHODU TO BARSHONG
Shodu to Barshong. The path follows the Thimchu river descending through rhododendron, Juniper and pine forests. The view of the cliff facing rocks and water falls are stunning. The trail gradually ascends after 3/4 hours to the ruins of Barshong Dzong reaching the camp at 3500 meters. Walking time 5/6 hours..
- Day 10
TREK FROM BARSHONG TO DODINA AND DRIVE TO THIMPHU
Barshong to Dodina. The path descends for a while joining the Thimchu river and gradually ascending and descending through thick bamboo and pine forests. From Dolemkencho the trail descends all the way to Dodina where the Our coach will be waiting for your return. Walking time 7/8 hours. Drive 1 and half hour to Thimphu (capital city). Overnight at Hotel..
- Day 11
SIGHTSEEING IN THIMPHU AND DRIVE TO PARO
AM stroll around the market and drive 2 hours to Paro. PM Paro sightseeing. Overnight Kichu resort..
- Day 12
TRANSFER TO AIRPORT FOR DEPARTURE
Transfer to airport for final departure..
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Happy Explorers
Very professional, clear instructions & on time - we were all very satisfied with the entire crew and had a wonderful time. Service was excellent everywhere and the quality of food varied. We had good drivers managing very difficult roads. Thanks for a wonderful experience in Nepal!
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