Duration
12 Days
Activity
Trekking
Difficulty
Moderate
Max.Altitude
7314 M
Group
1-12 Per(s)
Best Season
Summer, Spring, Winter
Arrival/Route
Your Hotel in Kathmandu
Explore Bhutan's pristine trekking routes with the Chomolhari trek, a journey through remote farmland, blue pine forests, alpine pastures, and stunning mountain vistas. Bhutan's policy of limiting tourists ensures a serene trekking experience with minimal traffic. This trek offers a rich introduction to traditional Himalayan culture, featuring lush subtropical and subalpine landscapes as well as breathtaking alpine views. Follow the crystal-clear, trout-rich Para Chu river through verdant rhododendron forests and green alpine meadows. Marvel at Mt. Chomolhari, one of the Eastern Himalaya's most stunning peaks at 7,314 meters, with historic frontier forts and expansive yak pastures. The trek also includes explorations of historically significant places in Paro, Thimphu, and Punakha.
Overview Itinerary:
Day 01: - Arrive Paro and transfer to Hotel
Day 02: - Trek from paro to Shana (2870m), 5-6 hours
Day 03: - Trek from shana to Soi Thangthangkha (3800m), 6-7 hours
Day 04: - Trek from Thangthangkha to Jangothang (4040m), 6-7 hours
Day 05: - Rest day at Jangothang
Day 06: - Trek from Jangothang to Lingshi (4150m), 6-7 hours
Day 07: - Trek from Lingshi to Shodu (4110m), 7-8 hours
Day 08: - Trek from Shodu to Barshong (3785m), 4-5 hours
Day 09: - Trek from Barshong to DolamKencho (3290m), 4-5 hours
Day 10: - Trek to Dodina and Drive to Thimpu
Day 11: - Full Day Sightseeing in Thimpu (2350m)
Day 12: - Final Departure
Package plans (Itinerary)
Depending on your flight schedule to Paro, Bhutan, either in the morning or afternoon, our staff will transfer you to Kathmandu International Airport. After checking in and boarding the Bhutanese national carrier, Druk Air, you’ll embark on a scenic flight offering stunning views of high snow-capped peaks, including Mt. Everest, Makalu, and Kanchenjunga. Upon arrival at Paro International Airport, our representative will meet you and transfer you to your hotel. Depending on your arrival time, you can enjoy an afternoon of sightseeing in Paro. Visit the Ta Dzong Museum, which houses a collection of religious relics, artworks, and handicrafts, providing a comprehensive introduction to Bhutan’s historical, cultural, and religious heritage. Explore the Paro Rinpung Dzong, a historic fortress-monastery, and Kichu Lhakhang, the oldest temple in Bhutan. In the evening, take a leisurely stroll through Paro town, exploring its charming streets and browsing local shops. Spend the night at your hotel in Paro.
On the first day of our trek, we begin at Drukgyel Dzong and embark on a gentle downhill walk. The trail meanders through a fertile valley and forested mountains, following the Paro River upstream. As we ascend gradually through well-maintained rice terraces and fields of millet, we pass through charming villages. Here, you'll see local people living traditionally—herding yaks, drying herbs, making fresh cheese and butter, and weaving beautiful textiles. Beyond Shana Zampa, we find several excellent camping spots in meadows surrounded by trees. We’ll set up camp for the night at an altitude of 2,850 meters.
Today’s trek continues along the Pa Chhu (Paro River), taking us deeper into the stunning scenery near the Tibetan border. We follow the river through forests of pine, oak, and spruce. The path includes a short, steep climb and descent, followed by a crossing of a significant bridge at 3,250 meters. We’ll enjoy lunch by the riverside at Thongo Zam, before resuming our hike. The trail ascends through rhododendron forests and crosses the bridge once more, leading us to our campsite at Thangthangkha.
After breakfast, we set off from Jangothang and head through an army camp. Our path takes us up a picturesque river valley, where we hike alongside rushing streams and through dense forests of rhododendron, pine, and oak. Along the way, we'll encounter yak-herding families and have the chance to sample some of their dried yak cheese. As we approach Chomolhari Base Camp at 4,100 meters, we are rewarded with a full-frontal view of the majestic Chomolhari. We'll spend the night at Jangothang, soaking in the awe-inspiring scenery of this spectacular location.
Today, we take a rest day at Jangothang to acclimatize and explore the surrounding area. You have the opportunity to hike in the open spaces and enjoy the stunning vistas. Use the day to explore the nearby Tshophu Lake and take in close-up views of Chomolhari (7,314 meters) and Jichu Drake (6,974 meters). It's a perfect day to immerse yourself in the natural beauty and serenity of the region.
We start early in the morning, walking through a broad open landscape. The trek involves a long climb of approximately 3-4 hours to reach the first high and very windy pass of the journey, the Nyelela Pass (4,890 meters), also known as the "Sleepy Pass." From here, we climb up the ridge to take in stunning views of Chomolhari, Jichu Drake, and Tshrim Khang mountains. After enjoying the breathtaking vistas, we gradually descend from the pass to our campsite at Lingshi. Here, you can relish the panoramic views of the peaks and the Lingshi Dzong. We will stay overnight in camp.
Continuing our journey today, we follow the stream up towards the valley opposite the Dzong, gradually ascending for about four hours. The trail remains on the west side of this mostly treeless valley, climbing a short distance above the Mo Chu river. We then make our way up to the Yalla Pass at an altitude of 4,820 meters (15,810 feet). From here, you can enjoy panoramic views of the snow-capped mountains surrounding Lingshi and the Basingthang Peaks. We’ll set up camp at Shodu for the night.
Today, we follow the course of the Thimphu Chhu (river), trekking through vibrant rhododendron, juniper, and mixed alpine forests. Along the way, we’ll enjoy views of dramatic rocky cliff faces and cascading waterfalls. Upon reaching Barshong, we’ll set up camp and spend the night immersed in the serene surroundings.
On our final trekking day, we'll start by following the trail alongside the Thimphu River before ascending steeply to a ridge at 3,330 meters. As we walk through dense bamboo and pine forests, we'll reach a cliff face high above the Thimphu Chu. The trail then emerges onto pastureland known as Kencho, where we’ll set up camp for the night.
On the final day of our trek, we will start by descending from Dolemkencho to Dodina. The trail ascends to 3,450 meters, then drops down along a side stream with several switchbacks. Once we reach Dodina, our transport will be waiting to take us back to Thimphu. We’ll spend the night in Thimphu, concluding our trek.
Early in the morning, after breakfast, our guide will pick you up from your hotel to begin your Thimphu sightseeing. Start your day with a visit to the Memorial Chorten, a grand stupa built in honor of the third King, who reigned from 1952 to 1972. Next, explore the National Library, renowned for its vast collection of ancient Buddhist texts and manuscripts. Continue your journey with a visit to the Painting School, famous for its traditional thangka paintings. Afterward, head to the Handicrafts Emporium to admire and purchase local crafts. Enjoy lunch at a local hotel before visiting the Pangri Zampa Monastery, located beyond Dechencholing Palace. In the afternoon, visit the Tashichho Dzong, a beautiful fortress and the seat of Bhutan's government and the King’s Throne Room. Return to your hotel in Thimphu for an overnight stay.
After breakfast, our representative will drop you at Paro International Airport for your flight to your onward destinations.
Included
- Pickups and drops from hotels and airports
- All meals, tea and snacks
- Transportation in comfortable private vehicle
- English speaking, well trained and experienced guide
- Company services and all required Bhutanese government taxes
Excluded
- Airfare To/From Paro, Bhutan.
- Travel Insurance, Personal equipment, telephone calls, internet, laundry.
- Personal expenses such as a drink, beverages, tips, and gratitude.
Route Map
