Title:

Chomolhari Trek

Duration:

14 Nights / 15 Days

Best Season:

March to May, October to November

Altitude:

4820 M

Itinery:

Arrive Paro by Druk Air Flight. During this flight, one will experience breathtaking views of Mount Everest, Kanchenjunga and other Himalayan Peaks including sacred Chomolhari and Mt. Jichu Drake in Bhutan. Arrival at Paro International. Then drive to Olathang Hotel through Paro valley, an enchanting experience. After lunch go to visit the Ta-Dzong (Museum). Overnight at Olathang Hotel.

Paro - Sightseeing. Drive northwest up the Pa Chu to Drugyel Dzong, the ruined Fort, which once defended this valley from the Tibetan invasion. This fortress, now a burned shell, was once strategic in Bhutan's defense against the Tibetan invasion. Mount Chomolhari, the sacred summit, reaches skyward beyond the Dzong. This can be viewed on a clear day. On the way back you visit a typical Bhutanese farmhouse. After lunch walk up the hill just above Olathang Hotel to stretch your legs for the excursion to Taktsang viewpoint.

Paro - Shana. Drive upto Drugyel Dzong where the road ends and the trek begins, following the river gently up the hill through a narrowing agricultural valley. Lots of homes, kids and dogs can be seen. Camp is just beyond an army post. Alt. 2800 M, Distance 17 Kms about 5-6 hours.

Shana - Soi Thangthangkha. Continue uphill through the river valley. It narrows and closes in and the trail winds up and down along the drainage. There is actually considerable down on the trail. Camp is in the meadow with stone shelter TAB has built for the trekkers. Distance is about 21 Kms, 7-8 hours.

Soi Thangthangkha - Jangothang. On up the Pa Chu. Pass a small army post where the valley begins to widen again. Now views of high ridges and then snow-capped peaks are all around. You begin to see Yaks and Yak herders camp. Lunch will be probably at one of these camps beneath a ruined fortress at the base of Chomolhari. Alt 4040 M Distance - 19 Kms, about 5 - 6 hours.

Jangothang-Halt. Trek upto Tshophu for fishing or there are stupendous day hikes in 3 directions- Chomolhari and its subsidiaries are directly west, Jichu Drake to the north, unclimbed summits and ridges to the east.

Jangothang-Lingshi. Wide yak pastures on the way up and down the pass, possibly still some people in their yak tents depending on the time of the year that you are there. Great views of Lingshi Dzong as you come down into the Lingshi basin if the weather is clear. Tserim Kang and its descending glaciers lie at the north end of the valley. Camp is in a stone shelter that has inside fire pit and you can sleep on the wood floor or in a tent. Alt 4150 M. Distance 19 Kms, about 5-6 hours.

Lingshi-Halt. On the day halt at Lingshi is a day excursion to Tsokha (lake) i.e. Base camp of Jichu Drake can also be done. During the excursion hundreds of Blue sheep, mush deer can also be seen on the way. Alt 4500 M. Distance 15 Kms, about 3-4 hours.

Lingshi-Shodu. The trail ascends upto the Yalila pass (4820 M) from the pass Mount Chomolhari, Tserim Kang and Masagang can be seen on a clear day. There is actually considerable down on trail. Camp is in a stone shelter TAB has build for the trekkers. It has a fire pit inside. Alt. 3963 M, Distance 22 Kms about 7-8 hours.

Shodu-Barshong. Follow the Thim-Chu through the forest of Rhododendrons, water falls, it narrows and closes in and the trail winds up and down along drainage. Ascending up to the ruins of Barshong Dzong. Camp just below a ruined fortress with stone shelter that TAB has build for the trekkers. Alt. 3785 M, distance 13 Kms about 3-4 hours.

Barshong- Dolam Kencho. Descending down to meet Thim-Chu following gradually through the forest of thicker Rhododendrons, and ascending upto the pastureland. Camp in a meadow. Alt. 3628 M, Distance 11Kms, about 3 - 4 hours.

Dolam Kencho-Thimphu. Continue up-hill through the forest to a small pass. The trail winds up and down along the drainage. Wild animals like langours can be seen. We meet the transport at Dodina. Distance 14 Kms, about 4-5 hours. Overnight at Hotel.

Thimphu-Punakha/Wangdi/Back. Excursion with pack lunch to Punakha and Wangdi valley. Visit the Punakha Dzong if the Monks are in Thimphu. Drive back to Thimphu. Overnight at the hotel.

Thimphu-Sightseeing. A full day of sightseeing and shopping in Thimphu. Wander in the town, visit the handicrafts emporium. Visit the workshop where all the handicrafts are made if you like. Afternoon visit the Tashichho Dzong and National Memorial Chorten. Overnight at the Hotel.

Thimphu-Paro Airport. Drive to Paro International Airport for onward flight.

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