CHOMOLHARI TREK
Overview The Chomolhari Trek is an awe-inspiring and adventurous journey that takes trekkers through the pristine landscapes of Bhutan, offering an unforgettable experience in the lap of the Himalayas. Spanning over 10 to 12 days, this trek is also one of the most popular in the region, attracting outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers from around the world. The trek begins in Paro, a picturesque town with its iconic Tiger's Nest monastery perched dramatically on a cliff. Trekkers set off through lush valleys, dense pine forests, and quaint villages, immersing themselves in Bhutan's rich cultural heritage along the way. Bhutanese hospitality…
Overview
The Chomolhari Trek is an awe-inspiring and adventurous journey that takes trekkers through the pristine landscapes of Bhutan, offering an unforgettable experience in the lap of the Himalayas. Spanning over 10 to 12 days, this trek is also one of the most popular in the region, attracting outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers from around the world.
The trek begins in Paro, a picturesque town with its iconic Tiger’s Nest monastery perched dramatically on a cliff. Trekkers set off through lush valleys, dense pine forests, and quaint villages, immersing themselves in Bhutan’s rich cultural heritage along the way. Bhutanese hospitality and warm smiles from locals add a delightful touch to the journey.
Journey to the Majestic Heights: Exploring Chomolhari Trek’s Breathtaking Beauty and Thrilling Challenges
The highlight of the Chomolhari Trek is undoubtedly the breathtaking view of Mount Jomolhari, also known as “the bride of Kangchenjunga.” At 7,326 meters (24,035 feet) high, it dominates the skyline and offers trekkers a sense of accomplishment as they approach the base camp. The pristine glacial lakes, such as Tsho Phu and Tsho Chena, further also enhance the trek’s natural beauty and provide an ideal backdrop for serene contemplation.
As trekkers ascend higher into the mountains, they may encounter various species of flora and fauna, including blue sheep, yaks, and elusive snow leopards. The challenge of traversing mountain passes, such as Nyele-la pass (4,890 meters/16,043 feet) and Takhung La (4,520 meters/14,829 feet), also adds an element of excitement and achievement to the trek.
The Chomolhari Trek is a moderate to strenuous adventure, requiring a good level of physical fitness and mental endurance. Trekkers must prepare for changing weather conditions and carry appropriate gear and provisions. The best times to embark on this trek are during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) seasons when the weather is generally milder and the views are at their most spectacular.
Conclusion and Summary
In conclusion, the Chomolhari Trek is an enchanting journey through Bhutan’s untamed wilderness, offering trekkers a chance to immerse themselves in nature’s beauty, explore rich cultural heritage, and marvel at the grandeur of the Himalayas. It’s a pilgrimage for those seeking adventure, self-discovery, and a profound connection with nature in one of the world’s most serene and mystical settings.
Trip Highlights
- Visit the breath-taking Tiger’s Nest Monastery
- Trek through unspoilt wilderness
- Be immersed in the culture of this ancient Himalayan kingdom
Itinerary
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
Accomodation: Hotel
Meals included: Lunch / Dinner
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.
After lunch we will visit the 7th century Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the 108 temples built in the Himalayas by Tibetan King, Songtsen Gampo. The building of this temple marks the introduction of Buddhism to Bhutan. We will then drive to Drukgyel Dzong, a ruined fortress where Bhutanese warriors fought Tibetan invaders centuries ago. In the early 1950s, Drukgyel Dzong was almost completely destroyed by fire. It is now listed in Bhutan’s Tentative List for UNESCO inclusion. In 2016, the Prime Minister Lyonchen Tshering Tobgay, announced that the Dzong will be rebuilt and reinstated to its former glory. The snowy dome of sacred Chomolhari (7326m), ‘the Bride of Kangchenjunga’, can be seen in all her glory from the approach road to the Dzong. 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
Accomodation: Hotel
Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
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
Accomodation: Camping
Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
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
Accomodation: Camping
Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
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
Accomodation: Camping
Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
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
Accomodation: Camping
Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
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
Accomodation: Camping
Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
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.
Hiking time: 6 – 7 hours
Descent: 370 m
Max. altitude: 4080 m
Accomodation: Camping
Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
The trail descends gently through a dense forest of rhododendron, birch and conifers, then drops steeply to meet the Thimphu Chhu river. The trail runs along the left bank of the river, climbing over ridges and descending into gullies where streams run down into the river. The final stage of the trail climbs around a cliff face high above the Thimphu Chhu river, coming out onto pastureland at Dolamkencho at 3,320m. Our transport will meet us here and we will drive to Thimphu, which takes about 1 hour. Your hotel will be a welcome sight!
Hiking time: 5 – 6 hours
Descent: 1360 m
Max. altitude: 3710 m
Accomodation: Hotel
Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
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 Punakha Valley, where we will spend the night in a hotel.
Accomodation: Hotel
Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
We will collect you from your hotel and transfer you to Paro Airport for your flight
Meals included: Breakfast
What's Included
- Your hotel stay for the 2 nights before and 2 nights after the trek on a full board basis
- All airport transfers
- Entry visa to Bhutan
- Government royalty fee
- A fully supported trek with a qualified mountain guide
- All food and drinking water on the trek
- Monument and monastery entrance fees
What's Excluded
- International airfares and transit visas
- Tips for your guides and porters
- Personal items
- Travel insurance (you must be insured, and specifically for treks up to 5000m)
- Your personal trekking gear
- Your personal medicines or prescriptions
- Beverages (alcoholic and non-alcoholic)
Trip Information
DIFFICULTY
FOOD & DRINK
In addition to the drinking water we provide on the trek, we will also provide drinking water during your cultural tours. To reduce the use of plastic bottles, we would ask that you bring a re-usable drinks bottle that we can fill for you. If you are planning on using a hydration bag for the trek, this may not be comfortable to use around town, so we recommend you bring a smaller drinks bottle as well.
ACCOMMODATION
Kandoo use good quality, spacious tents to ensure you stay warm, dry and comfortable on your Bhutanese trek. They are designed to sleep three people, but we only ever sleep 2 to a tent, to ensure you have plenty of space for you and your gear. Keep in mind, these are proper mountain tents, designed to cope with extreme conditions so don’t expect to be able to stand up and walk around inside! Your meals will be taken in a separate mess tent where you will be able to sit comfortably, while you relax and chat to your team mates and enjoy some of the delicious food that our cook has freshly prepared for you. Inside, you’ll be pleased to find a table (of course) and a proper, comfortable chair with arms. With a full 2 metres of headroom, even the tallest climbers will be able to stretch a bit, and move about without hunching over.
TRANSPORT
LUGGAGE
HOW DO I GET THERE?
Currently there are only two airline operators that fly to Bhutan, Drukair and Bhutan Airlines. The main airport is in Paro (2,225m) and currently receives flights from Bangkok, Dhaka, Delhi, Kolkata, Kathmandu, Doha, Kuala Lumpur and Singapore. This means that you need to get to one of these hubs to catch a connecting flight to Paro.
The flight into Paro is pretty exciting as the position of the airport requires the plane to get much closer to the mountain tops than most other flights in the world. If you are lucky enough to fly from Kathmandu to Paro and the weather is clear you will fly over 4 of the 5 highest mountains in the world – Mt. Everest, Lhotse, Makalu and Kangchenjunga.
BUDGET & CHANGE
Bhutan is a cash economy and credit cards are not commonly accepted. Mastercard may be accepted in larger shops and hotels, but Amex is rarely accepted. If you are relying on a credit or debit card for emergency funds while you travel, make sure you tell your card issuer that you will be using it abroad, or you may find that it won’t work when you really need it.
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