Chomolhari Trek

Today will be your very 1st day in the Kingdom of Bhutan. Your journey to the Chomolhari trek starts with the flight from Kathmandu to Paro International Airport. The flight offers you the stunning scenario of the Himalayas and the landscapes. Our airport representative will pick you up from the Airport and transfer you to the 3-star hotel in Paro. After arriving at the hotel, to make things easy and clear for you we will hold a pre-trek meeting where we will be giving you a short briefing about the preparation for the trek. We will then introduce you to your guides and porters. After some procedure, you can either spend your remaining time exploring the places in Paro or rest in the hotel. Overnight at Hotel in Paro.

The second day of the trek is going to be real fun. Early in the morning after breakfast, we will drive from Paro to Drukgyel Dzong. It was built in 1649 to celebrate Bhutan’s victory over the Tibetian armies. After 1951 the Dzong caught fire and the roofing was fabricated in 1985. And now the place is just an empty shell. From there, we will ascend following the Pachhu( Paro River) passing through the forested ridges, meadows, paddy fields, and magnificent farmlands. After nearly 4 hours of trekking, we will arrive at the army post at Gubutsawa village where the trek permit will be checked and countersigned. Overnight at the camp by the small outpost near the forest.

Today,  we will be starting our trek as early as we can as we will be covering a bit long-distance Apparently, the distance covered by this trek is 22km which takes about 8-9 hours. Thus, this is a long, hard day trek with lots of short uphills and some downfalls. The trail begins from Shana followingPachhu (the Paro river) and the road gradually narrows as we reach higher winding up through the lush forest of pine, oak, spruce, and Juniper.  Following the muddy and rocky trail, we will arrive at the Jigme Dorji Wildlife Sanctuary. It is the largest protected area in Bhutan where several endangered species such as the Takin, snow leopard, blue sheep, tiger, Himalayan bear, and red panda are protected. Besides, it is also home to 300 species of birds.

We will enjoy our lunch on the left side of the river. After lunch, we will ascend through the forest of Rhododendron, cross another bridge, and reach our campsite at an altitude of 3800m.  Finally, the campsite rewards us with the stunning view of Mt. Chomolhari. Overnight at the Hotel.

The trek today is towards the base camp trek. Early morning after breakfast we will climb along with Pa chu and ascend gradually towards the army post. After reaching the camp follow the Paroo river with the stunning views of the Bhutanese landscapes along with the snow-capped peaks. Likewise, you will be able to visit Yak-Herding families and try some of their dried yak cheese. You will have your lunch inside the Yak herders camp. After lunch, we will have a short and easy trek and reach today’s destination at Jangothang (4050m).  In addition, You will be able to see the spectacular panorama of Chomolhari (7320m) and Jichu Drake (6900m) from Jangothang. They are believed to be the sacred peaks and the peaks that are still unclimbed. Overnight at Jangothang.

One of the most popular camping places in Bhutan is Jangothang. So today, we will spend our day at Jangothang as there are several places to explore in Jangothang. You can either explore the surrounding area in Jangothang or watch the gazing blue sheep- bharal. You can even get to see the Himalayan blue poppy during summertime. Jangothang offers you the spectacular scenario of chains of snow peaks from the eastern side of the Paroo River. Besides, you can visit yak herders and trout-filled lakes, this is completely optional. However, if you want to hike you can walk to the glaciers of Chomolhari, or towards Tshophu Lake. From there,  the view of the surrounding area is fresh and refreshing. Moreover, if you are interested in knowing the people, you can even go and visit the nomad’s village in Bhutan. Overnight at Jangothang.

Bidding a farewell to Jangothang we will set our journey to Yaksa. The trek starts with a short walk from the camp ascending gradually to the camp in the Yak pasture. From here, you can observe herds of blue sheep grazing on the mountain slopes. However, if the weather is clear you might also be able to spot the stunning view of Mt. Chomolhari, Jichu Drake, Tsherimkang. Furthermore, continue to hike towards beautiful lake TshoPhu as the road becomes much broader. It is one of the many lakes where the Bhutanese Government has stocked brown Trout Since the 1980s. We will ascend towards Bongtoe La at an elevation of 4849m. It takes about an hour to reach the meadow and another 50 minutes to reach the top.

From the top, we will descend downhill to the basement of Yaksha Village. In the evening you can either explore the Yaksa village or rest in the camp. Overnight at Yaksa Village.

Our journey today will be from Yaksha to another village, Thongbu. Early morning after breakfast we will start our trek with the gradual climb above the treeline, passing through the hillside that is covered with Rhododendron and azalea. After a certain climb, we will come across Yak Herder’s camp where we can see the yak grazing in the field. Besides, from the camp, we will cross through a small stream and the trail continues to ascend up to Takalung la( wind-Horse pass) at 4540m. One can enjoy the spectacular landscapes of Bhutan from this arena. However, our journey descends to a large grassy meadow where we can see the yaks grazing in the summer. Overnight at Thongbu.

The trek today is easier than that of any other day. As the trek is just a half-day walk through terrace farming, meadow grassland, and rhododendron forest. The trial today offers you the stunning scenery of grassy land and the village life of Bhutanese people. Finally, the trail ends at Drukgyel Dzong from where our transport will be waiting to take you to Thimphu-the capital of Bhutan. In Fact, the ride will be comfortable and pleasurable with several stops to enjoy nature. Situated in the western central part of Bhutan, Thimphu is the political and economic center of Bhutan.  Therefore, Thimphu is the rush town which is even popular for its monasteries and Gompas. In the evening you can visit an authentic craft bazaar in Thimphu. Overnight at a hotel in Thimphu.

Today is another most beautiful journey from Thimphu to Punakha. Early morning after breakfast, enjoy the scenic drive to Punakha. After a half, an hour drive to Punakha ascends up to the Mt road at Dochula La at an altitude of 3140m.  There are 108 memorial shortens known as Druk Wangyal Chortens which was built by Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuk. In particular, there is Druk Wangyal Lhakhang built in honor of the fourth Druk Gyalpo, Jigme Singye Wangchuk. From Dochula you can get a clear view of the eastern Himalayas in case of clear weather. From the pass, the road descends through the rhododendron forest reaching the highly cultivated valley of Punakha.

Punakha is another beautiful place to visit as a short hike ahead will take you to Chimmi Lakhang. The temple is dedicated to Drukpa Kuenley also known as Divine Madman. This temple is a pilgrimage site for a childless couple. Similarly,  the next destination that awaits us in Punakha is  Punakha Dzong, situated in between the meeting point of Pho-chu (male river) and Mo-Chu (female river). In the evening drive towards Thimphu. Overnight at Thimphu again.

Today is the day to visit one of the famous monasteries in Bhutan that is -Taktsang Monastery. Early morning, drive towards Paro and further to the base camp of Taktsang. From the base camp start the hike to Taktsang monastery. It is a temple located at the cliffside of the upper Paro valley. Taktsang Monastery was first built in 1692. In addition, it is believed that Guru Padmasambhava came to Taktsang on the back of the tiger to meditate in the cave in the 18th century. Previously, this place has become a cultural icon for Buddhism. From Taktsang, hike back to the road and drive to Kyichu Lhakhang in Paro and  Ringpong Dzong. however, you can explore the market in Paro in the evening. Overnight at a hotel in Paro

Today is your last day in Bhutan. Early morning after breakfast our airport representative will drop you off to the Paro International Airport. Soon you will be bidding farewell to the legendary dragon Kingdom Bhutan. We wish you a happy and safe journey.