The Chomolhari trekking program presents an extraordinary opportunity to embark on a captivating journey around the base of Mount Chomolhari, a towering peak reaching an impressive height of 7,316 meters. This enchanting trek is renowned for its scenic beauty and cultural significance, as it allows trekkers to explore the second-highest unclimbed peak in the world. The mountain holds deep spiritual reverence among the local yak herders, who consider it the sacred abode of their goddess. During his BBC Himalaya Adventure in 2010, notable personalities like Michael Palin bid a heartfelt farewell to Chomolhari, acknowledging its monumental presence.
Chomolhari Trek – 14 Days
Recommended by 99% of travelers
Country
Bhutan
Duration
14 Days
Activity
Trekking
Max. Altitude
4,820 M
Day to Day Itinerary
Flight Kathmandu-Paro
Highest Altitude
2250m
The flight to Paro crosses the Himalayan Mountains, affording spectacular views of the awesome peaks, including the sacred Jumolhari and Jichu Drake peaks in Bhutan. On arrival at Paro airport, you will be met by our Bhutanese representative and transferred to your hotel after completion of arrival formalities, evening visit to Paro market and town.
Sightseeing in Paro
Morning visit to Ta Dzong, built in 1651 as a watchtower and in 1968 inaugurated as Bhutan’s National Museum. The collection includes art, relics, religious thangkha paintings, postage stamps, coins and handicrafts, as well as a small natural history collection. Below Ta Dzong is Rinpung Dzong (Paro Dzong), “the fortress of the heap of jewels”, built in 1646, and now housing the offices of the district administration and Paro’s monk body. In the afternoon, visit Kyichu Lhakhang. Built by the Tibetan king, Songtsen Gampo in the 7th century, it is one of the oldest and most sacred shrines of Bhutan. On a clear day you can see Mount Jumolhari, Bhutan’s second-highest mountain.
Paro-Shana
Trek Distance
17km
Trek Duration
5/6hrs
The trek starts from Drukgyel Dzong (2,580m) with a short downhill walk on a wide trail. The trail then climbs gently through well maintained rice terraces and fields of millet. Later on we come to apple orchards and forests. Soon the valley widens, and we reach the army post of Gunitsawa (2,810m). This is the last stop before Tibet. We continue upwards to just beyond Sharma Zampa (2,870m), where there are several good camping places in meadows surrounded by trees.
Shana- Sio Thangkha
Trek Distance
20 km
Trek Duration
7/8 hrs
The trail again follows the Pa Chu (Paro river), ascending and descending through pine, oak and spruce forests. After crossing a bridge to the left bank of the river, we stop for a hot lunch. Then we continue along the river, climbing upwards through rhododendron forests, and crossing the river once more before reaching our campsite (3,750m).
Sio Thangkha- Jangothang
Trek Distance
19km
Trek Duration
7/8 hrs
The path ascends for a while till you reach the army camp. Then follow the river above the tree line enjoying the stunning view of surrounding peaks. Hot lunch will be served inside a yak herder’s camp. A short walk into the valley will take you to the camp at Jangothang at an altitude of 4,040m. From here, the view of Mt. Jhomolhari and Jichu Drake are superb.
Rest day at Jangothang
Acclimatization. Explore nearby mountains and lakes.
Jangothang - Lingshi
Trek Distance
18 km
Trek Duration
7/8 hrs
The trail goes the stream for half an hour and crosses the bridge to the right bank. We now start our climb up to the first ridge, enjoying breathtaking views of Chomolhari, Jichu Drake and Tserimgang. The trail then takes us across a fairly level valley floor until the climb up to Nyele-la pass (4,700m). We descend gradually from the pass to our campsite at Lingshi (4,000m), enjoying a panoramic view of the mountain peaks and Lingshi Dzong as we walk.
Lingshi- Shodu
Trek Distance
22 km
Trek Duration
8/9hrs
The Laya-Gasa route leaves the Chomolhari trek route here. Our trail climbs up towards a small white chorten on a ridge above the camp, then turns south up the deep Mo Chu valley. The trail stays on the west side of this largely treeless valley, climbing steadily a short distance above the Mo Chu. It then crosses the river, and climbs steeply for two hours to Yeli-la (4,820m). On a clear day you can see Chomolhari, Gangchenta, Tserimgang and Masagang from this pass. Descend alongside a stream to a rock shelter in the cliff face, and then continue on downstream till reaching Shodu (4,100m), where we will camp in a meadow with a chorten in it.
Shodu-Barshong
Trek Distance
16 km
Trek Duration
6/7 hrs
We are now back at the tree line, and our path follows the course of the Thimphu Chu, descending through rhododendron, juniper and mixed alpine forests. There are stunning views of rocky cliff faces and waterfalls along the way. We stop at the riverside for a hot lunch. Then the trail takes us gradually upwards to the ruins of Barshong Dzong (3,600m), near which we camp for the night.
Barshong-Dolam Kencho
Trek Distance
15 km
Trek Duration
5/6 hrs
The trail descends gently through a dense forest of rhododendron, birch and conifers, then drops steeply to meet the Thimphu Chu. The trail runs along the left bank of the river, climbing over ridges and descending into gullies where side streams run down into the river. The final stage of the trail climbs around a cliff face high above the Thimphu Chu, coming out onto pastureland where we camp for the night at 3,600m.
Dolam Kencho-Dodena-Thimphu
Trek Distance
8km
Trek Duration
3hrs
The trail winds in and out of side valleys above the Thimphu Chu, making a long ascent through a forest of conifers and high altitude broadleaf species to a pass at 3,510m. The trail then drops steeply down to the river, following it southward to the road head at Dodena (2,600m). Etho Metho transport meets us here, and we drive to Thimphu.
Sightseeing in Thimphu and drive to Paro
Full day of sightseeing in Thimphu valley visiting the following, as time permits: National Memorial Chorten; Tashichhodzong (“the fortress of the glorious religion”); National Library; Institute for Zorig Chusum (Bhutanese arts and crafts school); National Institute of Traditional Medicine (outside only); Handicrafts Emporium.Evening drive to Paro.
A free day in Paro/Shopping
Basically you can do some sightseeing in the morning and afternoon, you can enjoy shopping.
Departure from Paro
After breakfast, drive to Paro airport for flight to onward destination.
What is included?
- Arrival and transfer from to the international airport in Kathmandu and Paro
- Accommodations in standard hotels on full board (B.L.D)
- Private transport, in city English -speaking guide, airfare Kathmandu- Bhutan – Kathmandu
- All monument entrance fees, Royalty and visa fee of Bhutan
- English speaking local guide, cook, porters or pack animals
- During trek: accommodation in tent, 3 meals a day
What is excluded?
- Personal expenses like soft and hard drink, laundry, telephone
- Airport tax and tips for local staff
- Personal insurance for helicopter rescue in case of emergency
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