Chomolhari Trek

^{12 Days / 11 Nights}

Starting at Drukgyel Dzong, Paro this trek passes through scattered hamlets and farmland, into a deep and richly forested valleys, which leads to a high alpine pastureland where yak herders graze their animals. The trek offers a taste of great variety of Bhutanese landscape.

Itinerary (Paro - Thimphu - Shana - Soi Thangthangkha - Jangothang - Lingshi - Shodu - Barshong - Dolamkencho - Dodena - Thimphu - Paro)

Day 1 : Arrive Paro
Meeting & assistance on arrival and transfer to the hotel. Evening visit to Paro market and town. Overnight at the hotel in Paro.

Day 2 : Paro
Morning visit to Ta Dzong, built in 17^th century, as watch tower to defend Paro Dzong and valley. This fortress was later converted into the National Museum in 1967 and is filled with antique thangkha paintings, textiles, weapons and Bhutan’s renowede postage stamps. Below Ta Dzong, is fascinating Rinpung Dzong meaning “fortress of the heap of jewels” which has interesting history. Afternoon see, Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest and most sacred shrines of Bhutan. Overnight at the hotel in Paro.

Day 3 : Paro - Shana
Drive to Drukgyel Dzong, at th end of valley. Trek begins from this place, it goes upstream of Paro river, through villages, gradually ascending to 2,580 m at Shana camp. Walking time 5/6 hours

Day 4 : Shana - Soi Thangthangkha
The trail again follows Pa Chu (Paro river), ascending and descending through pine, oak and spruce forests. Hot lunch will be served after crossing the bridge towards the left side of the river. After lunch follow the river climbing up through rhododendron forests and finally crossing the bridge again, reaching to the campsite at the altitude of 3,750 m. Walking time 9 / 10 hours.

Day 5 : Soi Thangthangkha - Jangothang
The path ascends for a while till you reach the army camp. Then follow the river above the tree line enjoying the stunning view of the surrounding peaks. Hot lunch will be served inside a yak herder’s camp. A short walk into the valley will take you to the camp at Jangothang at an altitude of 4,040 m. From here, the view of Mount. Chomolhari and Jichu Drake is superb.

Day 6 : Jangothang - Lingshi
The trail follows the stream for half an hour and crosses the bridge to the rightside. Start the climb upto the first ridge with a breathtaking view of Chomolhari, Jichu Drake and TsrimKhang. Then walk towards the valley, almost flat for a while, until the climb to the Nyele la pass at an altitude of 4,700 m. After the pass it’s gradual descent to the Lingshi camp, enjoying the panormic view of the peaks and Lingshi Dzong.
Camp at the altitude of 4000 m. Walking time 7/8 hours.

Day 7 : Lingshi - Shodu
The path follows the stream up towards the valley opposite the Dzong, gradually ascending through the valley for about four hours until the stiff climb at the pass. After the pass it is a long and gradual descent to the Shodu camp at an altitude of 3,750 m. Walking time 9/10 hours.

Day 8 : Shodu - Barshong
At this place, one comes back to treeline. The path follows Thimphu river, descending through rhododendron, juniper and other alpine forests. The view of the cliff facing rocks and waterfalls is stunning. Hot lunch will be served by the riverside. After lunch the trail gradually ascends to the ruins of Barshong Dzong, reaching the camp at the altitude of 3,600 m. Walking time6/7 hours.

Day 9 : Barshong - Dolamkencho
The route descends through alpine forests and once again join Thimphu river for a while. After lunch climb up to Dolamkencho camp at the altitude of 3,600 m. Walking time 5/6 hours.

Day 10 : Dolamkencho - Dodena - Thimphu
The path descends through bamboo forests all the way to Dolamkencho, finally joining Thimphu river again. Arrive at Dodena where you will be picked up by Etho Metho transport to drive to Thimphu. Overnight at hotel in Thimphu.

Day 11 : Thimphu - Paro
Full day of sightseeing in Thimphu valley visiting ; Memorial Chorten, Tashichhodzong, National Library, Painting School, Traditional Medicine Institute, Handicrafts Emporium. Evening drive to Paro. Overnight at the hotel in Paro.

Day 12 : Paro Depart
After breakfast, drive to Paro airport for flight to onward destination.