Chomolhari Trekking

Chomolhari Trekking ! Bhutan Trekking operator

Chomolhari TrekThis trek is an extension of Chomolhari. If you are lucky enough you can see National Animal (Takin) and National flower (Blue Poppy). You will get a chance to see Layap people and a hot spring in Gasa. The snowfall may close the higher passes, but generally open from April to June and mid-September to mid-November. Well, the best trekking month in Laya is April. The trek begins from Drugyel Dzong.  

 

Day 01 ARRIVE PARO
Arrive at Paro Airport (7,000ft) where the representative from Bhutan will receive you and drive to the hotel. Stroll around Paro town in the evening.

Day 02 PARO SIGHTSEEING
A day of acclimatization. Visit Drugyel Dzong, the ruined fortress that once defended the valley from Tibetan invasions in the 17th century. On a clear day, one can get a good view of Mount Chomolhari, Mountain of Goddess (24,000 ft). Visit a typical Bhutanese farmhouse on the way back to town. Visit Ta Dzong, the watchtower that now houses the National Museum and see a traditional wooden bridge.

Day 03 PARO EXCURSION TO TAKTSHANG
Spend a full day hike to Taktsang, the Tiger's Nest. This magical monastery clings to a vertical granite cliff 3,000 ft above the valley floor. The monastery unfortunately got burnt in 1998 and has recently been reconstructed.

Day 04 PARO - SHANA
Drive to Drugyel Dzong and where the motor road ends the trek begins. The trail follows the river uphill through a narrow agricultural valley. Camp is just beyond an Army Post. Altitude 9,500 ft / 2,800 m. Distance-17 km. (Approx. 5-6 hrs).

Day 05 SHANA - SOI THANGTHANGKHA
The path leads uphill through the river valley and along the river drainage. The trail passes through conifer and rhododendron forests. On the way, there is a great view of Mount Chomolhari. Camp will be set up in a meadow with stone shelter. Altitude 12,664 ft / 3,860 m. Distance 19 km. (Approx. 6-7 hours).

Day 06 SOI THANGTHANGKHA - JANGOTHANG
Follow the river and pass a small Army Post where the valley begins to widen again. The view of the high ridges and snow-capped peaks can be seen on all sides. At this altitude, one will also be able to see the yaks and yak herders. Camp will be set up beneath a ruined fortress at the base of Mount Chomolhari. Altitude 13,255 ft / 4,040m. Distance-19 km. (Approx. 5-6 hours).

Day 07 JANGOTHANG - HALT
One can trek up to Tsophu for fishing or hike in three directions Mt Chomolhari and its subsidiary are directly west, Jichu Drake to the north and unclaimed summits and ridges to the eas

Day 08 JANGOTHANG - LINGSHI
The trail climbs gradually to Nyilila Pass ( 15354 ft / 4,680m). Wide yak pastures can be seen all along the trail. If the weather is clear, one can get a great view of the Lingshi Dzong as one descends into the Lingshi basin. Tserim Kang and its descending glaciers can be seen at the north end of the valley. Camp is in a stone shelter. Altitude 12,844 ft / 3,915m. Distance 19 km. (Approx. 5-6 hours).

Day 09 LINGSHI - HALT
During the day halt at Lingshi one can do a day excursion to Tsekha (Lahe) i.e. base camp of Jichu Drake. During the excursion, hundreds of blue sheep and musk deer may be seen on the way. Altitude 14,764 ft / 4,500 m. Distance 15 km. (Approx. 4-5 hours).

Day 10 LINGSHI - SHODU
During the day halt at Lingshi one can do a day excursion to Tsekha (Lahe) i.e. base camp of Jichu Drake. During the excursion, hundreds of blue sheep and musk deer may be seen on the way. Altitude 14,764 ft / 4,500 m. Distance 15 km. (Approx. 4-5 hours).

Day 11 SHODU - BARSHONG
This trail goes along the Thim-Chhu and through forests filled with rhododendrons and water -falls. The trail ascends up to the ruins of Barshong Dzong. The camp, which is a stone shelter, is just below the ruined fortress. Altitude 12,090 ft / 3,685m. Distance 13 km. (Approx. 3-  hours).

Day 12 BARSHONG - DOLAM KENCHO
The trail follows the Thim-Chhu and through a forest of thicker rhododendrons and into pasture land. Camp will be set up at a meadow. Altitude 11,247 ft / 3,428m. Distance  11 km. (Approx. 3-4 hours).

Day 13 DOLAM KENCHO - THIMPHU
This is the last day of the trek and the path goes over a small pass and through forests. Wild animals may be seen along the way. Your transportation will be waiting for you at Dodena and will take you to Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan. Overnight at a hotel in Thimphu. Distance  14 km. (Approx. 4-5 hours).

Day 14 THIMPHU
Sightseeing includes visits to the National Library, Memorial Chorten, Zilukha Nunnery and the Handicraft Emporium. Stroll through the Thimphu town.

Day 15 THIMPHU - PARO - DEPARTURE
Early morning drive to Paro Airport. Your escort will see you off at the airport.