Chomolhari Trek – 10 days/ 9 nights

This 10 day/ 9 night trek offers a rare glimpse of the High Himalayan landscape.
Maximum elevation 4930m
Highest Camp 4080m.
Trek Rating – Moderate/Strenous (high altitude trek experience required)
Ideal season for this trek – March to June & October to November.

The Chomolhari trek andis a popular trek in Bhutan as it altitude varies from 2500m to 4930m and offers a wide range of landscapes flora & fauna and spectacular views of Mt Chomolhari. 

Day 01: Chomolhari Trek

Paro (Drukgyel Dzong) to Shana Zampa (distance – 17 km, time – 5/6 hours).

The trek starts from Paro valley (Drukgyel Dzong, 2580m), traverses through swaying paddy fields, village houses and small chhortens (stupas) along the route. The Pa Chhu (Paro River) snakes in the valley like a placid ribbon of silver. Its banks covered with cascade of wild pink and white roses in full bloom. Campsite is at an altitude of 2,870m on the outskirts of the rustic village of Shana Zampa located in spectacular meadow surrounded by trees.

Overnight Tented Campsite

Day 02: Chomolhari Trek

Shana Zampa to Soi Thangthangkha (distance – 22 km, time – 7/8 hours).

The trail continues gradual climb alongside the Pa Chhu (Paro River) through forests of oaks, rhododendrons and ferns amidst breathtaking vistas. Today you enter the Jigme Dorji National Park  & the valley finally narrows to a small path which descends to a meadow where you will camp for the night. Weather permitting you will have your first great view of Mt Chomolhari from the campsite (3,610m).

Overnight Tented Campsite

Day 03: Chomolhari Trek

Soi Thangthangkha to Jangothang (distance – 19 km, time – 6/7 hours).

This mornings trek begins with beautiful landscape all round and summer pastures of yaks. Yaks and herds homes become a regular feature of the landscape. Passing villages of Soe, Takethang, and Dangochang. The herdsmen would gladly offer cheese, butter, meat and thick waterproof hair for making tents, caps and blankets. The approach to Jangothang (4,090m) campsite is heralded by prayer walls, chhortens, prayer flags fluttering in the wind and a spectacular view of Mount. Chomolhari (7,314m).

Overnight Tented Campsite

Day 04: Chomolhari Trek

Exploring Jangothang.

The day in Jangothang provides plenty of possibilities for hikes with great views of lakes and the snow capped mountains of Chomolhari & Jichu Drake. Keep on the look out today as blue sheep can be spotted in the upper slopes of this region. Your hiking option today can be an expedition to Tshophu, a high altitude lake rich in spotted trout. Landscape all round is breathtaking and offers splendid opportunities for nature spotting and photography.

Overnight Tented Campsite

Day 05: Chomolhari Trek

Jangothang to Lingshi (distance – 18 km, time – 6/7 hours).

Jangothang is the last settlement in the valley. A mere ten minutes walk from it presents spectacular views of Mount. Jichu Drake (6,989m) and further ahead Mount Tserim Kang (6,789m). Enroute is Nyile la pass (4,890m) at about 4 hours travel from Jangothang. The trail ascends along a tributary of Mo Chhu River and gradually descends to the altitude of 4,010m, to the site of Lingshi camp. There is an alternate excursion from Lingshi to base camp of Mount Tserim Kang where they can enjoy fishing or may encounter enroute blue sheep and musk deer, if lucky enough.

Overnight Tented Campsite

Day 06: Chomolhari Trek

Lingshi Halt. Spend the day with an excursion to Tsokha, the base camp of Mount Jichu Drake.

Overnight Tented Campsite

Day 07: Chomolhari Trek

Lingshi to Sodhu (distance – 22 km, time – 8/9 hours).

The trek trails across Yele la pass (4,820m) leading to fascinating views of Mount Chomolhari (7,314m), Gangchhenta (6,840m), Tserim Kang (6,789m) and Masang Gang (7,165m). Campsites located near a stream in a meadow at an altitude of 4,110m, too offers dramatic mountain scene all around.

Overnight Tented Campsite.

Day 08: Chomolhari Trek

Shodu to Barshong (distance – 16 km, time – 5/6 hours).

The trek winds up and down along the Thimphu Chhu River through a steep-walled canyon with cliffs to the north and rich cypress forest to the south. One of the interesting aspects of the day is crossing Thimphu River as many as six times before reaching the campsite located at Barshong (3,680m).

Overnight Tented Campsite.

Day 09: Chomolhari Trek

Barshong to Dolam Kencho (distance – 15 km, time – 5/6 hours).

The trail descends gently through dense forest of rhododendron, birch and conifers and latter on drops steeply to meet Thimphu Chhu (river). After traversing a steep cliff it finally reaches to Dolam Kencho, the camp among pasture land at 3,430m amid a beautiful meadow.

Overnight Tented Campsite.

Day 10: Chomolhari Trek

Dolam Kencho to Dodena – Thimphu (distance – 8 km, time – 3 hours).

Initially ascending through conifer and high altitude broadleaf forests to a pass at 3,510m and then drops steeply to Thimphu River, following it southward till Dodena (2,600m), the terminating point of the ten day trek.

On completion of trek you will be transferred by road to your overnight accommodation.