Chomolhari Trek

Quick Info

Duration

11 Days 10 Nights

Difficulty

Moderate

Alleviation

2,500 – 4,950 m

Tour Type

Cultural | Trekking

Overview

Often referred to as the ‘Land of the Thunder Dragon’, this tiny Himalayan Kingdom, nestled between India and the People’s Republic of China in the Eastern Himalayas, is one of the most isolated nations on earth. Each part of Bhutan has its own historical, geographical, cultural and religious significance, and any visit to this beautiful and largely unspoiled setting will combine spectacular mountain terrain, ancient monasteries, rich flora and fauna, and a vibrant Buddhist culture.

The Chomolhari Base Camp trek is a seven day trek, which ranges from the picturesque valleys of Paro and Thimphu, to the incredible mountain vistas of Chomolhari (7326m), Jichu Drake (6794m) and Tshrim Khang. Our tour begins with a visit to the stunning Tiger’s Nest Monastery, located high on the cliffside of the upper Paro valley.

Tour Highlights

Visit the breath-taking Tiger’s Nest Monastery
Trek through unspoilt wilderness
Be immersed in the culture of this ancient Himalayan kingdom
Trip fully carbon offset as standard

Itinerary

Day 01: Arrival

The Kandoo team will meet you at Paro airport and transfer you to your pre-trek hotel. Later in the afternoon there is the option to join a tour of the city. Once a watchtower, built to defend Rinpung Dzong during inter-valley wars of the 17th century, Ta Dzong was inaugurated as Bhutan’s National Museum in 1968. It holds a fascinating collection of art, relics, religious thangkha paintings and Bhutan’s exquisite postage stamps. The museum’s circular shape augments its varied collection which is displayed over several floors. Afterwards, we will take a walk down a hillside trail to visit Rinpung Dzong, which has a long and very interesting history. Built in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the first spiritual and temporal ruler of Bhutan, the Dzong houses the monastic body of Paro, the office of the Dzongda (district administrative head) and Thrimpon (judge) of Paro district. The approach to the Dzong is through a traditional covered bridge called Nemi Zam, which offers a good view of the architectural wonder of the Dzong as well as life around it. Later you will attend a pre-trek briefing with your Lead Guide to prepare you for the journey ahead

Accommodation: Hotel
Meals included: Lunch / Dinner

Day 02: Excursion to Taktshang Lhakhang

In the morning we will take an excursion to Taktshang Lhakhang, commonly known as ‘The Tiger’s Nest Monastery’. Undoubtedly one of the most famous of Bhutan’s monasteries, the Taktshang monastery is one of the most breath-taking temples in the world. This Buddhist place of worship is perched on a cliff-top at around 3,100m (10,000ft) above sea level. The main temple complex was built in 1692, and is considered to be one of the holiest for the Bhutanese people. Legend has it that Guru Rinpoche, an 8th-century Indian Buddhist master, arrived here on the back of a tigress and meditated at this monastery, thus the name ‘Tiger’s Nest’. The site has been recognized as a sacred place and is now visited by all Bhutanese at least once in their lifetime. On 19 April, 1998, a fire severely damaged the main structure of building but now this Bhutanese jewel has been restored to its original splendour.

We will stop for lunch at a café halfway down the trail, before continuing back down to our vehicle. If time permits we may visit the 7th century Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the 108 temples built in the Himalayas by Tibetan King, Songtsen Gampo, on our return journey to Paro. After our tours we will return to our hotel in Paro.

Hiking time: 4 – 5 hours
Ascent: 860 m
Descent: 860 m
Max. altitude: 3110 m
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 03: Paro – Thangthangkha

After a 2 hour drive through rice terraces, fields of millet and apple orchards, we reach Shana Zampa from where we will start our trek. If the day is clear, we will have our first views of the summit of Chomolhari at the head of the valley. Soon the valley widens and we reach the army post of Gunyitsawa. This is the last stop before Tibet, with a fork in the path leading across the Tremo La (Forbidden Pass) into Tibet. The trail follows the Pa Chhu river, ascending and descending through pine, oak and spruce forests. We enter the Jigme Dorje National Park, the largest protected area in Bhutan. After crossing a bridge to the left bank of the river, we stop for lunch. We then continue along the river, and as we climb higher, the forests are replaced with rhododendron, bamboo and ferns. We cross the river once more before reaching our campsite.

Hiking time: 7 – 8 hours
Ascent: 1360 m
Max. altitude: 3610 m
Accommodation: Camping
Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 04: Thangthangkha – Jangothang

The path ascends, passing a small army camp and chorten. We leave the forest behind and can fully experience the huge mountain vistas. We then follow the river above the tree line, enjoying the stunning views of the surrounding peaks – from here, the views of Chomolhari (7326m) and Jichu Drake (6794m) are superb. Lunch is served at a yak herder’s camp followed by a short walk into the valley which takes us to our campsite at Jangothang, situated below the ice-covered east face of Chomolhari at 4040m

Hiking time: 5 – 6 hours
Ascent: 430 m
Max. altitude: 4040 m
Accommodation: Camping
Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 05: Acclimatization Day at Jangothang

The base camp at Jangothang sits by an old ruined fortress, beneath Mount Chomolhari and its neighbour Jichu Drake. Today we will take an acclimatisation hike to around 4500m for some great views of these two colossal mountains. Following the ‘walk high, sleep low’ principle, this hike will really help with your acclimatisation.

Hiking time: 3 – 4 hours
Ascent: 460 m
Descent: 460 m
Max. altitude: 4500 m
Accommodation: Camping
Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 06: Jangothang – Lingzhi via Nyele La Pass

The trail follows the stream before we cross a bridge to the right bank. Now the climb starts up to the first ridge, where we can enjoy breath-taking views of Mt Chomolhari, Mt Jichu Drake and Tsrim Khang. The trail then takes us across a fairly level valley floor until the climb to the Nyele La Pass (4,850m). From the pass we descend gradually through rhododendron forest to our campsite at Lingshi, enjoying the panoramic view of the mountain peaks and Lingshi Dzong as we walk. The Dzong was built in 1668 to protect villages in this region from Tibetan invasion, and continues to be used as an administrative centre.

Hiking time: 7 – 8 hours
Ascent: 810 m
Descent: 1050 m
Max. altitude: 4850 m
Accommodation: Camping
Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 07: Lingzhi – Shodu via Yale La

Today is the toughest day of our trek, as we cross our highest pass. We begin the trek with a climb up towards a small white chorten on a ridge, then turn south into the deep Mo Chhu valley. The trail stays on the west side of this largely treeless valley, climbing steeply. It then crosses the river, and continues to climb steeply for two hours to Yale La pass (4,950m). On a clear day, you can see Chomolhari, Gangchhenta, Tserim Khang and Masang Gang. We then descend alongside a stream until we reach Shodu.

Hiking time: 8 – 9 hours
Ascent: 1150 m
Descent: 870 m
Max. altitude: 4950 m
Accommodation: Camping
Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 08: Shodu – Barshong

Back below the tree line, our path follows the course of the Thimphu Chhu river, descending through rhododendron, juniper and mixed alpine forests. There are stunning views of rocky cliff faces and waterfalls along the way before we descend a steep stone staircase to the river and stop at the riverside for lunch. Then the trail takes us gradually upwards to the ruins of Barshong Dzong (3,710m), where we camp for the night. This will be our last night camping on the trail.

Hiking time: 6 – 7 hours
Descent: 370 m
Max. altitude: 4080 m
Accommodation: Camping
Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 09: Barshong – Thimphu

Today we will pack up camp for the final time and make our way to through the dense forest of rhododendron, birch and conifers to meet our transport for the journey to Thimphu. The road follows the Thimphu Chhu river as it twists and turns through the gullies and gorges until it meets the pastureland at Dolamkencho at 3,320m. From here, we will continue our journey to Thimphu where we will check-in to our hotel, grab a very welcome shower and have some time to rest and relax after completing your trek.

Hiking time: 5 – 6 hours
Descent: 1360 m
Max. altitude: 3710 m
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 10: Thimphu – Paro

We start this morning in Bhutan’s capital city with a visit to the National Library, which holds a vast collection of ancient Buddhist texts and manuscripts. We will also visit the nearby Institute for Zorig Chusum, the Textile Museum, and finally Simply Bhutan, a living Museum and Studio encapsulating the cultural heritage of the Bhutanese people. (Please note some sites will be closed on weekends and public holidays). After lunch we will leave Thimphu and drive up a series of zigzags to Dochu-La Pass (3,088m) stopping briefly here to take in the view and admire the chorten, mani wall, and prayer flags which decorate the highest point on the road. After crossing the pass, the road descends into the Paro Valley, where we will spend the night in a hotel.

Accommodation: Hotel
Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 11: Departure

We will collect you from your hotel and transfer you to Paro Airport for your flight

Meals included: Breakfast