Chomolhari Trek

In the morning we will hike to Takshang Gompa, one of Bhutan’s most famous and picturesque monasteries, perched on the side of a cliff 3,000 feet above the valley floor. The name means “tiger’s nest.” After lunch we will visit Kyichu Lhakhang, built in 659 AD by King Songtsen Gampo of Tibet. 

We start our trek from Drukgyel Dzong (2580 m), a small temple that overlooks the Paro Chhu valley. We descend slightly to the river and pass through a couple of small villages. The path then climbs through wheat, millet and rice fields. We eventually cross the Paro Chhu river and ascend uphill through a pine forest and apple orchards. We finally reach a meadow where we camp for the night. Hiking 5-6 hours.

We continue along the river through a conifer and rhododendron forest. After lunch we continue along the river, climbing through rhododendron forests, and crossing the river once more. Our camping site is situated in a cedar grove with Jhomolhari, looming at the head of the valley. Hiking 7-8 hours.

Today our route follows the river above the tree line. Along the way there will be opportunities for bird watching with a variety of birds to be seen. We enjoy stunning views of the surrounding peaks with magnificent views of sheer rock faces across the valley. Soon we enter wide-open pastures where Bhutanese allow their yaks to graze. We come to a small settlement of Takethang. After lunch it’s a short distance to our camp along a quaint river stream. Hiking 5-6 hours. 

Today is an exploration and acclimatization day. With a short hike in the surroundings area or to Tsophu Lake. 

From Jangothang, we leave the last of the settlements. There is a spectacular view of Jichu Drake that towers above the valley. After crossing a log bridge at 13,600 feet, we follow the river with views of the snow covered peaks above us. Soon the terrain becomes more alpine before crossing the Nyele-La pass at 15,400 feet. As we descend we have views of mountain peaks and Lingzhi Dzong, once a monastery-fortress protecting the trade route between western Bhutan and old Tibet. We pass through stands of rhododendrons and birch before coming to our campsite at 13,100 feet. Hiking 7-8 hours. 

After an early breakfast we begin climbing toward a small white chorten on a ridge above the camp. The trail ascends the ridge to Mo Chhu valley and eventually reaching the Yeli La pass at 15,800 feet. We are rewarded with breathtaking views of Chomolhari, Gangchenta, Tserimgang and Masagang. We descend back down the other side reaching a small alpine lake. The route then follows a river descending into another huge valley and another pristine alpine lake at 15,400 feet and continuing on to our campsite at 13,300 feet. Hiking 8-9 hours. 

From Shodu, the trail traverses under steep yellow rock cliffs with a few meditation caves carved into them. Our path descends a stone staircase and through rhododendron, juniper and mixed alpine forests. There are stunning views of the rocky cliffs and beautiful waterfalls along the way. After lunch the trail continues upward to the ruins of Barshon Dzong. Dropping back down through dense forest towards the river, we find our campsite for the night. Hiking 7-9 hours. 

Our final day of the trek leads us uphill to a small pass before descending through a bamboo forest and back to the Wang Chhu. We then continue to the village of Dodina where we meet our transportation. We drive to the capital of Bhutan, the town of Thimphu. Hiking 7-8 hours. 

Visit a traditional paper factory, and do some last-minute shopping. After lunch, we drive to Paro for a final celebratory dinner! Driving 4-5 hours.

Morning transfers to airport for flight back to home via Kathmandu or Bangkok.