Overview
Chomolhari trekking trip in Bhutan
Chomolhari-the abode of the goddess Chomo, is one of the most beautiful and imposing mountains in the entire Himalyan region located at the northwestern border with Tibet, the trek to the base camp of this dome shaped mountain provides an opportunity to experience the panoramic views of some of the world's highest peaks.
The trek to Chhomolhari is just a perfect duration trek, which is probably the most popular in Bhutan because of its easy access, beautiful terrain and spectacular views of the majestic snowcapped mountains. The trek starts and ends from city tours visiting most popular sights and culture.
Trip Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrival at Paro
Fly with Druk Air and land at Paro Airport. On arrival, the group will be accorded a very warm reception by a representative of Holiday Mountain Treks and driven to your hotel. Overnight at hotel.
Day 2 : Paro Sightseeing
After breakfast, sightseeing to Drukgyel Dzong, the fort of the victorious Drukpas with the great view to the north of sacred Mt. Chomolhari or the abode of the "mountain of goddess.
On the way visit the oldest temple of Kyichu Lhakhang, Ta Dzong pewawntly known as National Museum and Rinpung Dzong or the 'fortress of the heap of jewels' which is the seat of the district administration and the residence of the monastic school. Overnight at hotel.
Day 3 : Paro- Shana 2800m. (trek start) 17 km. 5-6 hrs.
Drive up to Drugyal Dzong where the road ends and the trek begin. The trail follows the Paro Chu and is a gentle walk through terraced fields and a narrowing valley. There are a few quaint farm hamlets en route. The campsite is just beyond an army outpost.
Day 4 : Shana - Soe Thangthangkha 3400m. 15 km. 4-5 hrs.
Continue uphill through the river valley which closes in after some distance. The trail then winds up and down along the river bank. After the initial climb, most o the way is downhill. The campsite is located in a meadow with a stone shelter.
Day 5 : Soe Thangthangkha - Jangothang 4040m. 19 km. 5-6 hrs.
Walk up along the Pachu (Paro river), pass a small army outpost where the valley begins to widen again. You can now clearly view the high ridges and the snow-capped mountains all around and also see yaks and herders settlements. Camp beneath a ruined fortress at the base of the Jomulhari Mountain.
Day 6 : Jangothang rest
Explore this wonderful area around the bases of Mt. Chomolhari , JitchuDrake, un-climbed summits and ridges and lakes as you wish. Overnight at camp.
Day 7 : Jangothang - Lingshi 4150m. 19 km. 5-6 hrs.
Walk up toward the pass through a wide pastureland. Depending on the season, you might find some yak herders in their camping tents along the way. As you come down after the pass to the Lingshi basin, you will see beautiful views of the Lingshi Dzong and the valley and also Tserim Kang (mountain) and its descending glaciers. Over night at camp.
Day 8 : Lingshi rest:
rest day at Lingshi for an excursion to Tsokha lake 4500m. 4-5hrs. During the excursion see hundreds of Blue Sheep and Musk Deer.
Day 9 : Lingshi - Shodu 3815m.
The trails take about 6-7hrs through the deep valley ascending to Yeli-la pass at Alt. 4820m. Spectacular views of Mt. Jomolhari , Mt. Tsheringang and Mt. Masagang can be seen on a clear day.
Day 10 : Shodu- Barshong 3685m. 5-6 hrs.
The trail winds up & down gently following the Thim-chu before a gradual climb to the ruins of Barshong Dzong.
Day 11 : Barshong - Dolam Kencho
The trail descends gently down to meet the Thim-Chu through dense forest of Rhododendron , birch and conifer and across pasturelands. Camp in a meadow at Alt, 3428m. trek takes about 5-6hrs.
Day 12 : Dolam Kencho - Thimphu
Continue the trek till Dodena where a team from Thimphu awaits to receive you. The trail goes gently uphill through mixed forests of conifer & high altitude broad leaves. The trek takes about 4-5hrs.
Day 13 : Thimpu sightseeing - Paro
Morning visit the memorial temple that depicts the Buddhist teachings in form of paintings and statues, Folk Heritage Museum, where life in medieval Bhutan is still showcased; the National Library, the repository of all ancient books and manuscripts, the Textile Museum for antique textile collections then drive up to the highest viewpoint overlooking Thimphu valley and while returning, the Takin research center. After an evening tea, drive to Paro along a winding road for about 2 hrs to spend a night there.
Day 14 : Departure
Drive to Paro airport; Farewell and fly to your further destination.
Inclusions
What is included?
- Royalty fee
- accommodation
- all meals
- sightseeing tours by private coaches
- service of experienced and English speaking guide
- all transportation within Bhutan
- entrance fee to the monuments, permits, during trekking-all camping/kitchen gears
- ponies or yaks for transportation of gears
- trekking guide and cook etc.
What isn't included?
- Bhutan visa fee USD 40, TDF USD 10
- airfares USD 485 round trip (Ktm sector)
- expense of personal nature travel insurance
- drinks
- cigarettes
- laundry
- telephone call and tipping etc.
Complimentary
Introduction and trip briefing:
On our all tours, we give a short brief about the trip on the same day of your arrival and introduce your tour guide. At the mean time, we provide an opportunity for individuals to ask questions if any about the trip.
Guide and other staffs:
Our guides are English speaking, well experienced and knowledgeable holding license from the government. Guides and other staffs are well trained about eco tourism, social/culture/traditions responsibilities, and sincerely dedicated on their duty. Actually the tour guide play an invaluable role in ensuring that our clients have the best opportunity to experience, learn about, and enjoy their trip presenting them whenever you need any help.
Accommodation:
We use comfortable 2/3 star category resorts and hotels in city and two men tents while trekking in mountain.
Transportation:
Our local agent in Bhutan has own fleet of luxury Japanese/Korean and Indian car, van and buses. All major places of interest are connected by paved roads so travelling will be smooth and pleasant.
Trek itinerary:
Given tour itinerary is fixed as the route permit is taken while applying visa of the planned tour itinerary. In the special case there will be possibility to extend or shorten the tour so please discuss this with your tour guide and express your wishes.
Food and drinks:
As a full board package tour; freshly cooked and higenic meals are provided. The favorite Bhutanese dishes being Ema Dasti- a cheese and chilly dish. All Bhutanese dishes use an abundance of chilly so do order according to your palette strength. You will also have Indian and Chinese cuisine too. Likewise hot and soft drinks are also provided
Photography:
Bhutan is the picturesque country for the Photograph so bring a good camera with extra batteries memory as what you need may not be available in Bhutan. It is polite to ask people if you may take their picture. Ask your guide when it is permissible to take pictures in religious and public buildings.
Risk and Liability:
Holiday Mountain Treks or our local agent in Bhutan are not responsible for any loss, injury, or damage sustained by tourists. Additional expenses caused by weather-related delays, original itinerary change, and political actions must be borne by the traveler.
Tipping and Gifts:
You will find no beggars in Bhutan. Please do not hand out candy or trinkets to children. Small gifts to people you stay with and tips for your guide and driver are appropriate.
Travel Insurance:
We suggest our clients to purchase travel insurance that covers baggage and travel delays as well as helicopter evacuation for medical emergencies.