One of the famous high altitude trek of Bhutan is Chomolhari trek. The trek begins and ends in Paro. Through the trek, you can enjoy the beautiful Bhutanese countryside and landscape. The beauty of the place is added more with its fascinating culture. During the trek, we visit the famous Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) Monastery, view amazing views of Jichu Drake (6,989m) and Chomolhari (7,513m) Himalayas. The best season for this trek is spring (March to May) and autumn (September to October).
TRIP DETAILS
Day 01: Arrive Paro
Today, we take an early morning flight and arrive at Paro, where you will be meeting our representative and then you will be transferred to your Hotel once we cover up the formalities. During day, we can go for a general sightseeing. Overnight at Hotel.
Day 02: Sightseeing in Paro
The day calls for a full day sightseeing in Paro. So, we drive to Drukgyel Dzong, which was built in 1646. From here, we can also watch the finest views of Mt. Chomolhari. On our way back, we visit, Kyichu Lhakhang, monastery built in the 7th century. These two shrines are the one of the most sacred places in Bhutan.
After lunch, we visit Ta Dzong, which was previously built as a watchtower to protect Rinpung Dzong. In 1968, it was inaugurated as the National Museum. Also, we take a visit to Rinpung Dzong (“fortress of the heap of jewels”), the center of district administration. Rinpung Dzong is also the home of the local monk body. Overnight at Hotel.
Day 03: Paro to Shana – 5 to 6 hours walk
We start our trek from Drukgyel Dzong and walk downhill first. Then we climb gently through rice terraces and fields of millet and reach the army post of Gunitsawa. We continue our trail to Sharma Zampa and reach Shana. Overnight at camp/hotel.
Day 04: Shana to Soi Thangthangkha – 7 to 8 hours walk
Following the Pa Chu River, we ascend and descend along the trails through pine, oak and spruce forests. Having our lunch on the way, we further climb via rhododendron forest to Soi Thangthangkha. Overnight at camp.
Day 05: Soi Thangthangkha to Jangothang – 7 to 8 hours walk
We descend through the army camp watching the peaks surrounding us and walk our way to Jangothang, from where the views of Chomolhari and Jichu Drake are superb. Overnight at camp.
Day 06: Jangothang to Lingshi – 7 to 8 hours walk
Eyeing the breathtaking views of Chomolhari, Jichu Drake and Tserimgang, we climb to Nyele-la pass. We descend through the trail to Lingshi. Overnight at camp.
Day 07: Lingshi to Shodu – 8 to 9 hours walk
We move through the Laya-Gasa route to the deep Mo Chu valley. We then climb to Yeli-la (4,820m) from where mesmerizing glimpses of Chomolhari, Gangchenta, Tserimgang and Masagang can be caught. We descend further to reach Shodu. Overnight at camp.
Day 08: Shodu to Barshong – 6 to 7 hours walk
We descend through rhododendron, juniper and mixed alpine forests and ascend to Barshong Dzong. Overnight at camp.
Day 09: Barshong to Dolam Kencho – 5 to 6 hours walk
We walk downhill to reach Thimphu Chu and walk along the pastureland to reach Dolam Kencho. Overnight at camp.
Day 10: Dolam Kencho to Dodena to Thimphu – 2 to 3 hours walk
Walking along the conifer forest, we walk downwards to Dodena and from the motor road here, we drive to Thimpu. Overnight at Hotel.
Day 11: Thimphu to Paro
On our way back, we visit the National Library, where an extensive collection of Buddhist literature can be found along with manuscripts dating back several hundred years. Then, we stop by Zorig Chusum (the Painting School); students are trained in Bhutan’s 13 traditional arts and crafts here. While on our drive to Paro, we will witness the appealing village sides and the lifestyle of local people. Overnight at Hotel.
Day 12: Depart from Paro
We catch our respective flights to our destination enjoying the mountain views from the aircraft. You will be leaving Bhutan and we will be bidding our final farewell hoping to see you again.
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