Chomolhari Trekking Itinerary
Outline Itinerary
Day 01: Arrive in Thimphu
Upon your arrival in Thipmhu, Global Adventure Trekking trip leader will receive you and escort you to hotel. Overnight in hotel.
Day 02: Sightseeing in Thimphu
Enjoy full day sightseeing in Thimphu. Visit Zangdopelri temple, Dupthop Lhakhang, Memorial Chorten, Ta Dzong, Paro Rimpung Dzong and the famous Tatksang Monastery. History has it that Guru Rimpoche, the founder of Buddhism in Bhutan, landed at the monastery on a flying Tiger, hence the name. If time permits you can go to Changlimithang to see the sports of archery. Overnight in Thimphu.
Day 03: Drive from Thimphu to Punakha
Day 04: Drive back to Thimpu. Sightseeing in Thimphu.
Have a warm breakfast and drive back to Thimphu which takes about 3-4 hrs. In the afternoon, after lunch, you can join sightseeing tour of Thimphu. Places you will visit include National Institute of Traditional Medicine, Museum of Herbal Remedies, Institute of Zorig Chusum, Memorial Chorten, National Library, and Painting School. Overnight in Thimphu.
Day 05: Drive to Paro river valley and then trek to Shana Camp (2870m)
Today the trekking begins after a short drive to Paro river valley. While on the way you will encounter first impressive landmark of 17th century Drugyel Dzong. On a clear day the Dzong offers great view of Mt. Chomolhari or Jomolhari (7326m). The trek begins from the edge of Paro river, as you pass through pine and rhododendron forests, with few traditional farmhouses sprinkled here and there. The Buddhist chortens and prayer flags will captivate any trekker. You will arrive at Shana after 6hrs. Overnight in tented camp.
Day 06: Trek from hana Camp to Soi Thangthangkha (3660m)
Have a warm breakfast and then get on with the trek. It takes 6 hrs to reach Soi Thangthangkha. The trail goes through Jigme Dorji National Park which features forests of oak and rhododendron. En route you will pass by Paro Chu and cross a few streams. Overnight in a tented camp.
Day 07: Trek from Soi Thangthangkha to Chomolhari Base Camp (4050m)
The trail quickly ascends from Soi Thangthangkha. The goal today is to reach Chomolhari base camp situated at an impressive height of 4050m. The trail is through high mountain terrain that are mostly used as yak pastures. By midway you will be greeted by beautiful views of Mt. Chomlohari (7300m) and Mt. Jitchu Drake (6800m). Overnight in a tented camp at Chomolhari Base Camp.
Day 08: Acclimatization Day
Today is the rest day as you will spend time acclimatizing with climate and altitude. You can go on a short hike to nearby hills or village enjoying spectacular Himalayan landscape and scenery. Overnight in a tented camp.
Day 09: Trek from Chomolhari Base Camp to Bonte la (4900m) and then descend to Dumzo (3800m)
After early morning breakfast, you continued your ascend beyond Chomolhari Pass. You will go to Bonte La (4900m), the highest point of the trek. The trail crosses the sacred Tsophu Lakes situated within Paro Chu valley. Located at an altitude of 4330m, Tsophu Lakes offers manificent views of Chomolhari, Chomolhari II and Jitchu Drake mountains. Once you reach Bonte La, decorated with mane wall and prayer flags, you will be rewarded with views of more beautiful peaks such as Basingthang and Chatarake. After taking in the scenery you will descend to Dumzo. Overnight in tented camp.
Day 10: Trek from Dumzo to Thombu Shong (4100m)
The trail continues on the mountain terrain and goes over Takang La pass at 4500m. The pass is a strategic vantage point to catch the panorama of Kanchenjunga (8530m) and Makalu (8410m) mountains. It will take at least 5 hours to reach Thombu Shong. Overnight in a tented camp.
Day 11: Trek from Thombu Shong to Punakha
It takes 6 hrs to go from Thombu Shong to Punakha. En route you will pass the final Himalayan pass called Thombu La (4230m). The trail climbs up a ridge which gives great glimpse of Himalayan mountains that are home to lammergeyers or bearded vultures. The final stretch is a straing descent. Overnight in a tented camp.
Day 12: Trek from Punakha to Drugyel Dzong and drive back to Paro
You will have an easy and shortest trek today. The trail from Punakha to Drugyel Dzong, which takes about 4 hrs, crosses green valleys and farm fields. In no time you will reach the 17th century Drugyel Dzong, our rest spot for the night. The Dzong build Shabdrung Nawang Namgyel, the spiritual leader of Bhutan. From here you take a car/jeep to Paro. Overnight in Hotel.
Day 13: Hike to Taktsang Monastery
Spend your day today by hiking up to the most popular Taktsang Monastery. But to reach there you need to drive to Satsam Choeten and then take a 2 hrs trek from there to the monastery. It was in this monastery that the founder of Buddhism in Tibet, Guru Rimpoche landed on a flying tiger. The monastery is best for views of Mt. Chomolhari and surrounding valley. You will also visit Ta Dzong, Paro Rimpung Dzong, Drukgyel Dzong and Kyichu Lhakhang. Overnight in hotel
Day 14: Final Departure
You will be transferred to Paro international airport for your flight back home.