Chomolhari Trek

Detail Itinerary

• Day 1Arrival and sightseeing in Paro (2250m) A company representative will be there to greet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel. Later we will be visiting the Rinpung Dzong which houses the government administrative offices. We also visit Kichu Lhakhang which is the oldest temple in Bhutan. Overnight in Paro.
• Day 2Trek to Tigers Nest Monastery (3180m) Today we will trek for 4-5 hours to the iconic Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest). It is situated high on the side of a hill in a stunning location seemingly clingling to the cliff. It is the site where Guru Rinpoche is said to have flown on the back of a tigress to meditate in a cave where the monastery is now located. We spend some time exploring the monastery before returning to Paro for the night. Overnight in Paro.
• Day 3Paro – Shana (2850m) 5-6hrs Our day starts from Drugyal Dzong with a downhill walk before climbing gently through rice terraces and millet fields. A little further we walk through an area of apple orchards and forest before the valley widens and we reach the army post at Gunitsawa (2810m). This is the last place before Tibet just beyond Shana Zampa. There are some nice meadows here for us to camp. Overnight camp.
• Day 4Shana to Sio Thangthangkha (3750m) 7-8 hrs Our track follows the Pa Chhu (Paro River) through pine, oak and spruce forest. We cross a bridge over the river and stop for lunch before climbing up again through rhododendron forest and reaching our campsite at 3750m. Overnight camp.
• Day 5Sio Thangthangkha to Jangothang (4040m) 7-8 hrs Our day starts with an ascent to the army camp where it follows the path of the river above the tree line and we are treated with stunning views of the surrounding peaks. We stop for lunch at a yak herders camp before a short walk into the valley takes us into the camp at Jangothang. From here we have stunning views of Mt Chomolhari and Jichu Drake. Overnight camp.
• Day 6Acclimatization day at Jangothang Base Camp Today we have a day to rest and acclimatize. We go for a 4 hour walk to the northern side of our camp from where we have an amazing view of the Jichu Drake Peak. We stop for a picnic lunch before heading back. This is a great place to spot yaks and blue sheep grazing. Overnight camp.
• Day 7Jangothang to Lingshi (4000m) 7-8 hrs This morning we follow a stream for half an our before crossing a bridge to our right. We ascend a ridge and are treated with spectacular views of Chomolhari, Jichu Drake and Tshering Gang peaks. From here we it’s a fairly level walk along the valley before the climb to the Ngye La Pass (4870m). After crossing the pass it’s a gradual descent to the Lingshi camp. Along the way we have panoramic views of Lingshi Dzong and the surrounding peaks. Overnight camp.
• Day 8Lingshi to Shodu (4100m) 8-9 hrs We leave the Chomolhari route here and climb towards a small white Chorten on the ridge above camp. The track heads south from here up the deep Mo Chhu valley staying on the western side of this treeless valley. It crosses the river and climbs steeply to the Yeli La Pass (4820m) from where we can enjoy amazing views of Chomolhari, Gangchen Ta, Tshering Gang and Masang Gang. From here we descend alongside a stream to our camp at Shodu. Overnight camp.
• Day 9Shodu to Barshong (3600m) 6-7 hrs Today we follow the Thimphu River descending through rhododendron, juniper and alpine forest. The waterfalls are beautiful as are the rocky cliffs in this area. W have lunch beside the river before continuing our walk ascending to the ruins of Barshong Dzong and our campsite at 3600m. Overnight camp.
• Day 10Barshong to Dolam Kencho (3600m) 5-6 hrs This morning our track descends through thick rhododendron, birch and pine forest down to the Thimphu Chhu River. We stay on the left side of the river climbing ridges and crossing streams. We pass a steep cliff to arrive at Dolam Kencho which is our camp located in beautiful pastures. Overnight camp.
• Day 11Dolam Kencho to Dodena then drive to Thimphu (2350m) 3-4 hrs trek Today we have an ascent of 500m and then a descent of 930m through forest down through a small pass. Continuing on we reach Dodena from where we drive to Thimphu. In Thimphu we can have a walk and explore the local culture and lifestyle. Overnight in Thimphu.
• Day 12Departure Day It’s the end of our journey today and our company representative will escort you to Paro airport in time for your return journey.