The Chomolhari Trek

Degree of difficulty

• Trekking in Bhutan presents a substantial physical challenge. A good degree of physical fitness is required. 
• The Chomolhari Trek involves some high altitude hiking, acclimatisation is factored into the trip to assist with the demands of altitude hiking.
• Mental toughness and resilience are important, as treks in the Himalaya take both a physical and mental toll.
• Be prepared for trekking in the high mountains for five to seven hours, on consecutive days throughout the trek.
• Experience of multi-day hiking in mountainous terrain is of huge advantage to those taking on this challenge. 

Accommodation in Bhutan

• Hotels in Bhutan all have to be approved by the Tourism Council. The hotels used on this trip are all clean and comfortable, in quieter locations to help facilitate a good night's sleep.
• Whilst trekking, good quality spacious tents are provided. A three man tent is to be shared by two participants.
• Meals are taken in a separate mess tent, which offers a space to be used as a communal area in the evenings.

Eating and drinking

• The trip is presented on a full board basis. 
• Meals are provided at the pre and post trek hotels, and are usually offered in a buffet style, with Indian, Chinese and Bhutanese dishes.
• Bhutanese cuisine generally consists of steamed rice, with a choice of meat and vegetarian curries.
• Meals prepared whilst trekking will be healthy and nutritious, with fresh vegetables and meat offered at every meal. 
• Hot picnics are offered each day whilst trekking. 
• Drinking water is provided both on the trek, but also on cultural tours. It's recommended to bring a reusable bottle in addition to any hydration bladder.

Season

• Jan
• Feb
• Mar
• Apr
• May
• Jun
• Jul
• Aug
• Sep
• Oct
• Nov
• Dec

Meeting point

Paro International Airport - Bhutan
Paro
12001
Bhutan

Getting to Bhutan

• Fly to Paro International Airport in Bhutan.
• Two flights operators fly to Bhutan, Drukair and Bhutan Airlines. 
• Flights arrive from Bangkok, Dhaka, Delhi, Kolkata, Kathmandu, Doha, Kuala Lumpur and Singapore. 
• All these airports are well serviced from the UK and Europe.
• Visas can only be arranged by travel companies, and are issues on arrival. 
• Flights into Bhutan are likely to be on a separate ticket to the flight leaving the UK. Transit visas may need to be organised depending upon which country the connection is through. 

Itinerary

• Day 1 | Arrival in Bhutan

  Fly to Paro. Optional tour of the city in the afternoon. Pre-trek briefing with lead guide in the evening. 

• Day 2 | Taktshang Lhakhang

  Morning excursion to Tatshand Lhakhang, the Tiger's Nest Monastery, one of Bhutan's most famous monasteries, perched on a clifftop around 3100m high. After lunch, visit the 7th century Kyichu Lhakhang, a temple which marks the introduction of Buddhism to Bhutan.

• Day 3 | Trek to Thangthangka

  Start the day with a wonderful driver through rice terraces and apple orchards, before reaching Shana Zampa to start the trek. Follow a trail along the valley, with views of Chomolhari on a clear day. Upon reaching the army post of Gunyitsawa, the last stop before Tibet, the path follows the Pa Chhu river, entering the Jigme Dorje National Park, the largest protected area in Bhutan.

• Day 4 | Trek to Jangothang

  Leaving the forest behind, enter into the realm of the high mountains. Follow a river above the treeline, with superb panoramic views of Chomolhari and Jichu Drake. Take lunch at a yak herding camp, before a short walk to the campsite at Jangothang.

• Day 5 | Acclimatisation at Jangothang

  At 4040m, the campsite at Jangothang sits by an old ruined fortress, take the opportunity to acclimatise with a hike to around 4500m, to uncover some fantastic views of Mount Chomolhari and Jichu Drake..

• Day 6 | Trek to Lingshi via Nyele La

  The trail follows the stream before crossing a bridge to the right bank. Now the climb starts up to the first ridge, where you can enjoy breathtaking views of Mt Chomolhari, Mt Jichu Drake and Tsrim Khang. The trail then takes the group across a fairly level valley floor until the climb to the Nyele La Pass (4,850m). From the pass you descend gradually through rhododendron forest to the campsite at Lingshi, enjoying the panoramic view of the mountain peaks and Lingshi Dzong. The Dzong was built in 1668 to protect villages in this region from Tibetan invasion, and continues to be used as an administrative centre.

• Day 7 | Trek to Shodu via Yale La

  Today is the toughest day of the trek, as the group crosses the highest pass. Begin the trek with a climb up towards a small white chorten on a ridge, then turn south into the deep Mo Chhu valley. The trail stays on the west side of this largely treeless valley, climbing steeply. It then crosses the river, and continues to climb steeply for two hours to Yale La pass (4,950m). On a clear day, you can see Chomolhari, Gangchhenta, Tserim Khang and Masang Gang. Descend alongside a stream until reaching Shodu.

• Day 8 | Trek to Barshong

  Back below the tree line, the path follows the course of the Thimphu Chhu river, descending through rhododendron, juniper and mixed alpine forests. There are stunning views of rocky cliff faces and waterfalls along the way before descending a steep stone staircase to the river and stop at the riverside for lunch. Then the trail takes the group gradually upwards to the ruins of Barshong Dzong (3,710m), to camp for the night.

• Day 9 | Trek to Dolamkencho

  The trail descends gently through a dense forest of rhododendron, birch and conifers, then drops steeply to meet the Thimphu Chhu river. The trail runs along the left bank of the river, climbing over ridges and descending into gullies where streams run down into the river. The final stage of the trail climbs around a cliff face high above the Thimphu Chhu river, coming out onto pastureland at Dolamkencho at 3,320m. The transport will meet the group here and then drive to Thimphu, which takes about 1 hour. Your hotel will be a welcome sight!

• Day 10 | Drive to Paro 

  Start this morning in Bhutan’s capital city with a visit to the National Library, which holds a vast collection of ancient Buddhist texts and manuscripts. Also visit the nearby Institute for Zorig Chusum, the Textile Museum, and finally Simply Bhutan, a living Museum and Studio encapsulating the cultural heritage of the Bhutanese people. After lunch the group will leave Thimphu and drive up a series of zigzags to Dochu-La Pass (3,088m) stopping briefly here to take in the view and admire the chorten, mani wall, and prayer flags which decorate the highest point on the road. After crossing the pass, the road descends into the Paro Valley, where the group will spend the night in a hotel.

• Day 11 | Departure

  Take a transfer from the hotel to the airport to start the journey home.

Included

• Your hotel stay for the 2 nights before and 2 nights after the trek on a full board basis
• All airport transfers
• Entry visa to Bhutan
• Government royalty fee
• A fully supported trek with a qualified mountain guide
• All food and drinking water on the trek
• Monument and monastery entrance fees

Not Included

• Flights
• Visas
• Tips for your guides and porters
• Personal items
• Travel insurance (you must be insured, and specifically for treks up to 5000m)
• Your personal trekking gear
• Your personal medicines or prescriptions
• Beverages (alcoholic and non-alcoholic)

This trip takes responsibility seriously and ‘goes the extra mile’ to ensure that your presence in this country is entirely positive.

Central to this

• Caring for the crew
• Caring for the local environment
• Caring for the local communities

All guides and partners are hand picked to ensure that every aspect of your trip operates to the highest standard and reflect the strong values, ethics and joy of travel.

This commitment to Responsible Travel is mutually beneficial without compromising the countries and communities touched or the depth and uniqueness of your adventure.

Key values of this trip

• Leave nothing behind
• We’re the visitors, let’s be respectful at all times
• Deliver a breathtaking experience
• Let’s benefit local communities and environments

Let’s help keep these wonderful places precious.

Porters and crew

All crew are paid proper wages and are treated with respect and dignity. This trip with IMEC, IPPG and KPAP, all not-for-profit organisations that focus on improving the working conditions of porters.

Friends of Conservation

Travellers are given the opportunity to mitigate some of the environmental impacts of flying by supporting community and conservation initiatives.

Travellers Against Plastic

This trip is a proud supporter of the Leave No Trace and Travellers Against Plastic campaigns, which help educate travellers on the impact of travel and provide practical guidance for enjoying the outdoors responsibly.

Costs

Rated 4.9/5 on Trustpilot based on 1,090 reviews.

This was our first high altitude trek and despite diligent training I wondered if I could do it. Our guides, Tandin, Sonam, and Jigme, provided positive and kind guidance and support. Our crew kept us well nourished and sheltered. Our group was full of good energy and humor. Overall, a great adventure. Sue

The trip to Bhutan was an experience of life time. The crew in Bhutan was exceptional, they were very friendly, and polite and organised everything without a glitch. I was fortunate to see the last day Paro festival (dressed in kiri) and the beautiful Thongdrol that was on display until late morning. My guide Kingama and driver Karma took me to a number of monasteries, dzongs and sites in Paro, Thimpu and Punakha filling me with a lot of knowledge about Buddhism, the culture, food and the country. We also went for the Jhomolhari base camp trek for which six horses, a cook - Dorjee, assistant cook - Chaddo and Horseman Namgay joined us. They were the friendliest people and fed me the best food ... three-course hot meals all six days. After spending two nights at basecamp we couldn't go past the passes due to unexpected snow. However, at the last minute guide decided to arrange an alternative and we went on a day trek to a very remote temple on the other side of Jhomolhari where we stayed for two nights. It was the best experience of my life to meet the Llama who is residing there. It is a very calming, serene and spiritual place, very humbling. We went to a number of holy sites - caves, lakes and relics around the monastery on the second day, with Llama guiding us and explaining everything on the way. I will never forget those two days, it was the highlight of my trip. In a way being snowed under turned out to be a blessing for me. The last day of the trek was bonfire night with a lot of singing and dancing by the crew. This was an awesome trek where all five of us were a real team, I did not feel lonely at any point. 10 days felt very short and I have returned with memories of a lifetime. I feel very fortunate to have the best people from Kandoo to make it unforgettable. Priya

The team organised our Bhutan trek extremely well. Very efficient with very good trekking team, excellent camp food and priority care for us guests. Neil P

Excellent experience in Bhutan. What a country and what a team to make us experience both the mountains and urban life in Bhutan. It was exceptional. The Druk Path hike was exceptional too and the guide and support team extremely kind and patient. I’m leaving Bhutan with unforgettable experiences all thanks to the Kandoo team. Nishant Anand

Best food ever in a trek. Great team, nice nature and mounting views. Great experience. Kerstin Söderberg