Chomolhari trek


Ruins of a dzong with Mt. Chomolhari in the clouds

Chomolhari trek (14 days, 13 nights)

Trek to the base of Chomolhari, the holiest and highest mountain in Bhutan. The trek is through several remote villages, lakes, pastures, terraced fields and rhododendron forests.

On this trip, you will also visit important sites in the three major towns in Bhutan: Thimpu - the capital, Paro and Punakha. Paro is a very laid back town with clean streets. Thimpu, on the other hand, is more colorful and vibrant especially on the weekends where people from the villages come to sell vegetables and other wares at the weekend bazaar. Punakha is the site of the Punakha Dzong (Fort), undoubtedly one of the most impressive dzong in Bhutan. The art within the dzong and the serene setting makes this monument a must see in Bhutan.

This is a private trip: On the trek, you and your friends will be accompanied by a trek guide and a camping crew. In Paro, Punakha and Thimpu, a guide and drive will accompany you and your friends to all the places and sites listed below.

 

Itinerary

Day 01 - Paro

Fly to Paro from either Bangkok or Kathmandu. Visit the ruins of Drukgyal Dzong. In the evening, you are free to stroll around Paro town. Overnight Hotel. (D)

Day 02 - Paro


Taktsang Monastery

In the morning, hike to Taktsang Monastery. Then visit Kyichu Lakhang, the oldest monastery in Bhutan. Overnight Hotel. (All meals)

Day 03 - Paro to Shana (9,400 ft.)

The trek begins near Drukyal Dzong. Today's is a six hour hike involving a gradual ascent through terraced fields to camp at Shana. Overnight tents. (All meals)

Day 04 - Shana to Soi Thangthangka (12,300 ft.)

Today is a long day (8 hours) involving trekking through forests and also a steep ascent to camp. Overnight tents. (All meals)

Day 05 - Soi Thangthangka to Jangothang (13,300 ft.)

Another long hiking day of 8 hours to camp at Jangothang from where Chomolhari, Jichu Drake and other mountains can be viewed. Overnight tents. (All meals)

Day 06 - Jangothang to Lingshi (13,150 ft.)

Today is the crossing of the Nyelela (15,500 ft.) . Ascend steeply to the pass and descend to camp at Lingshi. Overnight tents. (All meals)

Day 07 - Lingshi to Shodu (13,500 ft.)

Today is a long day of hiking (up to 9 hours) . Ascend steeply to Yelila (15,900 ft.) from where spectacular views of Chomolhari, Tserimgang and Gangcheng are possible. Overnight tents. (All meals)

Day 08 - Shodu to Barshong (11,800 ft.)

Today we descend to tree line and make a final gradual ascent to Barshong. Overnigth tents. (All meals)

Day 09 - Barshong to Dolam Kencho (11,800 ft.)

Today is a shorter 6 hour day. Descend through thick birch, conifer and rhododendron forest until you climb to a pasture at Dolam. Overnight tents. (All meals)

Day 10 - Dolam to Thimpu

Today you ascend for the final time and then descend steeply to Dodena where we will be met by our vehicle and transported to Thimpu. Overnight hotel. (All meals)

Day 11 - Thimpu


Guide, Sangay, and driver in traditional attire

Visit the Tashicho dzong, National Library and National institute of medicine. Overnight Hotel. (All meals)

Day 12 - Punakha

Visit the Punakha dzong. Optional hiking. Overnight hotel. (All meals)

Day 13 - Paro

In the morning, visit Wangdue town. Drive to Paro. Overnight Hotel. (All meals)

Day 14 - Final departure

Transfer to airport for final departure. (B)

Contact us for a detailed itinerary.

 

Price includes:

Price does not include:

TO BOOK THIS TRIP:

A completed reservation form must be either faxed to us or scanned and emailed as an attachment.

Email: info@crystalmountaintreks.com
Fax: 977 – 1- 4412647

You must also send us a non-refundable deposit of $500 per person. In addition, you must also send us the full airfare for flight into and out of Bhutan on Druk air as this must be purchased well in advance as air tickets are very hard to get. The deposit must be wired to us. Details will be provided. We will refund up to $30 to cover your wire expenses. Wire details will be provided.

Balance payment required one month prior to arrival in Bhutan.

Download reservation form here »

Cancellation Policy:

If you cancel at anytime prior to the beginning of the trip, you forfeit your deposit and Druk Air airfare. No refunds will be made for unused services on the trip.

TREK RATING:

This trek is rated strenuous and involves trekking at high altitude; highest altitude reached is around 16,000 ft. The entire trip also involves a lot of ascents and descents with elevation change of up to 3,000 ft in a day.

No technical climbing experience is required for participation on this trip.

References:

Crystal Mountain organizes treks and tours in Nepal, India, Bhutan and Tibet for hundreds of satisfied travelers each year. Feel free to ask us for references who can tell you about their experience with us.

Questions:

Email us with questions: info@crystalmountaintreks.com