Chomolhari Trek 11 days

Fly from Kathmandu to Paro by Druk Air flight. Drive to Ta Dzong (built in1656 and renovated in 1968), an ancient watchtower which now houses the National Museum. Below the museum is the Paro Rimpung Dzong (literally meaning “Heap of Jewels”, built in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the centre of civil and religious authority in this valley. Here you can see finest example of Bhutanese architecture..

Drive to see the Kichu Lhakhang, built in 659 A.D by the Tibetan king Srongsen Gampo. Visit the Drukgyal Dzong, built in 1647 by the Great Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, father and unifier of medieval Bhutan, the dzong was destroyed by accidental. Explore the ramparts and on a clear day experience an unforgettable view of Mt. Jhomolhari (7,314 m).

The iconic Taktsang monastery or Tiger’s nest is a must place in Bhutan. There is a legend associated with this monastery. In the 8th century, Guru Padmasambhava or the great spiritual master is said to be flown to this monastery on a back of a tigress from Tibet and meditated in a cave for 3 years 3 months 3 weeks 3 days and 3 hours. This is the most important monastery in Bhutan also. The main temple complex was first built in 1692 AD. Standing on a vertical cliff one will be amazed to the architecture of this monastery. This hike takes around 2.5 hrs from the base. There is only a single trail that goes through forest up to this monastery & the ascent is gradient. This hike is very much enjoyable as the trail goes through lush green forest. At the beginning of this hike one can see this monastery from the base. As climbing up the view of Paro valley from the top looks superb. Once reach at the final view point the jaw-dropping view of this monastery will surely make speechless to anyone.

We drive from Paro to the remains of Drukgyel Dzong with Mount Chomolhari making its spectacular backdrop. We trek to Shana via the bank of Paro river along a broad, fertile valley. There are typical Bhutanese rural houses on the way. We stop at our campsite at Shana, which offers the spectacular view of glistening mountains.

This is a long and demanding day involving a lot of altitude gain as well. We leave our campsite and ascend gradually through stone-strewn dirt track. There is the thick alpine forest with oak, rhododendron and other trees. The path leads upward until we reach the vicinity of Tremo La Pass, which in the past was used to reach Tibet. Then we go downwards again through thick alpine forest containing birch, fir, maple and other trees. Viewing Chomolhari mountain to the north, we reach our campsite located on a big grassland.

Soi Thangthangkha - Jangothang and the walking distance is 12 kilometers which takes 4/5 hours. The path ascends for a while till you reach a army camp. After a kilometer pass a village called Jampu towards the north. From here you will be above the tree line enjoying the stunning views of the rocky mountains. Occasionally pass by solitary houses of the yak herders before you finally reach the old ruins of the fort known as Jangothang at an altitude of 4050m with a community hall. This is also the Chomolhari base camp.

The trail follows the stream or half an hour and crosses the bridge to the right side. Start the climb up to the first ridge with a breathtaking view of Jumolhari, Jichu Drake and Tshering Gang. Then Walk towards the valley, almost flat for a while, until the climb to the Ngye La pass at an altitude of 4830m. After the pass, it is a gradual descent to the Lingshi camp, enjoying the panoramic view of the peaks and Lingshi Dzong.

Today is the most difficult day so start early. Begin walk opposite the dzong gradually through the valley until the stiff climb to Yale la pass at 4950 meters the highest point of the trip. The panoramic view of Mt.Chomolhari, Jichu Drake and Tshrim Gang is breathtaking. After the pass its a long descent to the camp at 3750 meters. Walking time 7/8 hours.

The path follows the Thimchu river descending through rhododendron, Juniper and pine forests. The view of the cliff facing rocks and water falls are stunning. The trail gradually ascends after 3/4 hours to the ruins of Barshong Dzong reaching the camp at 3500 meters. Walking time 5/6 hours.

The path descends for a while joining the Thimchu river and gradually ascending and descending through thick bamboo and pine forests. From Dolemkencho the trail descends all the way to Dodina where the Our coach will be waiting for your return. Walking time 7/8 hours. Drive 1 and half hour to Thimphu (capital city). Overnight at Hotel.

Proceed to visit National Library (Sat, Sun, Govt holiday closed), which holds a vast collection of ancient Buddhist texts and manuscripts, some dating back several hundred years, as well as modern academic books mainly on Himalayan culture and religion.

Also visit nearby Institute for Zorig Chusum (Sat afternoon, Sun & Govt holiday closed). Commonly known as Arts & Crafts School or Painting School, the Institute offers a six-year course on the 13 traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan. On a visit, one can see students learning the various skills taught at the school.

Drive towards city centre to visit Textile (Sat afternoon, Sun & Govt holiday closed) and Folk Heritage Museum. These museums, both of which opened in 2001, provide fascinating insights into Bhutanese material culture and way of life.

Conclude sightseeing with a visit of Trashichhodzong. This impressive fortress/monastery houses Secretariat building, the throne room of His Majesty, the King and various government offices. It is also the summer residence of Chief Abbot and central monk body.

After leisurely breakfast transfer to the airport for flight to onward destination.