Tour Overview
Trekking in Bhutan is the best way to observe the country off the beaten path; walking uphill, downhill, over ridges, and through idyllic villages, while experiencing a combination of its natural beauty and cultural richness.
Known as the hardest trek in the world, this adventure is for the experienced and determined trekkers. The route combines the Jhomolhari and Laya treks, passes through the Lunana region and ends at Bumthang. The trek includes spectacular landscapes and you will climb altitude of about 18,480 feet.
Trek Duration: 32 Days / 31 Nights
- Maximum Elevation: 4,930 m
- Best Season: April to June, September to November
- Standard: Medium to Hard
- Start: Drugyel Dzong, Paro
- Finish: Dhur, Bumthang
Tour Details
Chomolhari Trek I is one of the most popular trek in Bhutan. With altitude differences of 2,500m and nearly 5,000m (lowest and highest point of the route), it offers a wide range of landscape ,fauna and flora. The highlight of this trek is the spectacular view of Mount Chomolhari from Chomolhari Basecamp, Jangothang. Nearly the whole trek goes through a small part of the Jigme Singye National Park, passing a few of the Yak herder’s settlement and the remotest region of Lingshi. One should be reasonably physically fit to enjoy the majestic mountain views, endure thin air, serenity & the wilderness of the landscape while on the trek.
Day 1 : Arrive Paro Airport by Drukair
You will be met by our guide on arrival and transferred to your hotel to settle in. After lunch visit the Paro Dzong and the National Museum. The evening ends with a walk through Paro’s main shopping district.Overnight stay at hotel.
Day 2 : Sightseeing around Paro
Day excursion of sightseeing to Taktsang Monastery / Tiger’s Nest, the most spectacular monastery and probably the most photographed one in Bhutan, in a way a symbol of Bhutan. It is said that Guru Rinpoche arrived here on the back of a tigress and meditated at this monastery hence it is called Tiger’s Nest. The excursion to monastery’s view point takes about 5 hours for round trip. Lunch will be served at the cafeteria, followed by a short walk back. Evening stroll Paro town for leisure. Overnight stay at hotel.
Day 3 : Drugyel Dzong – Sharna Zampa (start trek)
(Distance 17km, four to five hours, 360m ascent, 80m descent, camp altitude 2,850m). Drive up to Drukgyel Dzong (2,580m) where the road ends and the trek begins. With a gradual climb the trail follows the Paro Chhu passing beautiful meadows, paddy fields and impressive farm houses. After about four hours you will reach the army post at Gunitsawa village. At the army checkpost your trek permit (provided by your tour operator) will be checked and endorsed.The campsite is on the opposite side of the river, not far from Gunitsawa.
Day 4 : Sharna Zampa – Thangthangkha
(Distance 22km, seven to eight hours, 770m ascent, 10m descent, camp altitude 3,610m). On this long day, the trail continues with lots of small ups and downs. After goinguphill through the river valley , you enter the Jigme Dorji National Park. The valley finally narrows gradually to a mere path which descends to a meadow where a camp will be set up. From here, if weather permits, you will have the first great view of Mount Chomolhari.
Day 5 : Thangthangkha – Jangothang
(Distance 19km, five to six hours, 480m ascent, camp altitude 4,080m). If you did not see Mount Chomolhari last evening, you will have a great chance to get a great view this early morning. This morning the trek continues up the Paro Chhu valley which widens into patches of alpine meadow and scanty growths of forest. Cross an army outpost along the way and enjoy a spectacular view of high mountain ridges and snow-capped peaks. Yaks and the herder’s homes become a regular feature of the landscape. Passing the villages Soe, Takethang and Dangochang is another asset on this day. Reaching Jangothang, one of the most beautiful campsites of the Himalayas, you will again have a spectacular view of Mount Chomolhari.
Day 6 : Rest Day at Jangothang
The day in Jangothang provides plenty of possibilities for day hikes with great views on lakes and snow capped mountains such as Jomolhari and Jichu Drake. There are good chances to spot some blue sheep on the upper slopes of the valley. Jangothang is a perfect environment for your acclimatisation. Trek up to Tosoh or hike around the area. There are good short hiking trails in three directions. Jumolhari and it’s subsidiary mountain chains lie directly west, Jichu Drake to the north and a number of unclimbed peaks to the east.
Day 7 : Jangothang – Lingshi
(Distance 18km, six to seven hours, 840m ascent, 870m descent, camp altitude 4,010m) After 15 min. from the camp the trail climbs rapidly for about half an hour and then becomes a gradual ascend to the Nyilila pass at 4,870m. While on the climb enjoy the sourrrounding. You might see herds of blue sheep grazing on the slopes of the mountains. From the pass you will have spectacular views of Mt. Jomolhari, Jichu Drake and Tsherimgang, all of them rising above 7,000m. On the way down to the camp you will pass by some of the yak herder’s tent, made from yak wool, where the herders take shelter while on the move to various pastures for their yaks. As you come down into the Lingshi basin, you get a wonderful view of Lingshi Dzong on a clear day. Tserimgang and its glaciers rise up at the north end of the valley. The campsite is next to a stone hut you reach just before Lingshi Dzong.
Day 8 : Lingshi – Shodu
(Distance 22km, eight to nine hours, 940m ascent, 920m descent, camp altitude 4,080m) The trail climbs up to the Yelila pass at an altitude of 4,930m. From the pass, on a clear day you will get an excellent view of Jumolhari, Tserimgang and Masanggang. The trek from the pass to the campsite at Shodu is a steep downhill.
Day 9 : Shodu – Barshong
(Distance 16km, five to six hours, 250m ascent, 670m descent, camp altitude 3,710m). The trail follows the Thimphu Chhu through rhododendron forests, past beautiful waterfalls along the way. The valley narrows till the path takes to the slopes and gradually ascends to the ruins of Barshong Dzong..
Day 10 : Barshong – Dolam Kencho
(Distance 15km, four to six hours, 290m ascent, 640m descent, camp altitude 3,320m). The trail descends down to the Thimphu Chhu river valley, through dense forests of rhododendron, birch, conifer, maples and bamboos and then ascends to pasture lands. The camp is in a meadow.
Day 11 : Dolam Kencho – Dodena
(Distance 8km, three to four hours, 500m ascent, 930m descent). The trail continues through forested areas winding up and down and through a small pass. Langurs (monkeys) can be seen along the way. In Dodena, you will exit the Jigme Dorji National Park and reach the road head next to a impressive cantilever bridge.
Day 12 : Drive from Thimphu to Paro
Sightseeing of Thimphu valley includes the National Library, Traditional Medicine Institute, Arts & Crafts School, Textile and Folk Heritage Museum, National Memorial Chorten, Zilukha Nunnery, Traditional paper factory, Zilukha Nunnery, Takin mini Zoo, Handicrafts Emporium, local shops. Finally visit to Tashichho dzong which houses most of the Government office and King’s Throne room. Evening depart to Paro.Overnight at hotel.
Day 13 : Departure
After breakfast our representative will drop you to the Paro International Airport and bid you farewell.
Services Offered
Daily Tariff (High tourist season):
US $250 per person per day on twin sharing basis during the Month of March, April, May, September, October, November
Daily Tariff (low tourist season):
US $ 200 per person per day on twin sharing basis during the month of January, February, June, July, August, December
All the tours can be customized and clients can request extra services.
SINGLE ROOM SUPPLIMENT US $ 30 PER NIGHT PER PERSON.
FIT surcharges 1 pax US $ 40 per day per person.
FIT surcherges 2 pax US $ 30 per day per person.
Cost Includes:
1. All Permits
2. Museum Fees
3. All Sightseeing
4. Walks and Hikes
5. Bottled Mineral Water
6. English Speaking Guide
7. Double/Twin in 2/3 Star Accomodation
8. Receive and Transfer to Airport
9. 3 Meals every day with Evening Tea
10. Toyota SUV for FIT & Toyota Bus for Group with Driver
Cost Does Not Include:
1. Insurance
2. Inbound Airfare
3. Gifts & Souvenirs
4. Alcohol & Beverages
5. Round Trip Air fare
6. Donations to Monasteries
7. International Telephone Calls
8. Tips for Guide, Driver & other Staff
Note:
TCB Licensed language Speaking Guides US $ 100 per day.
Tour price is based on High Season Tariff of US $ 250. For low season months it will be based on Low Season Tariff of US $ 200
