Chomolhari
Trek
Duration:
11 Nights /
12 Days
Places to Visit:
(Paro - Shana - Soi Thangthangkha -
Jangothang - Lingshi - Shodu - Barshong - Dolam Kencho - Dodena - Thimphu -
Paro)
Starting
at Drukgyel Dzong, Paro this trek passes through scattered hamlets and formland,
into a deep and richly forested valleys, which leads to a high alpine pastureland
where yak headers graze their animals. The trek offers a taste of great variety
of Bhutanese landscape.
Season: The ideal time for this trek is April to June and
September to November. Day 01 Meeting and assistance
on arrival and transfer to the hotel. Evening visit to Paro market and town.
Overnight at the hotel in Paro
Day 02 Morning visit
to Ta Dzong, built in 17th 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 renowned 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 03 The trek starts from Drukgyel Dzong at 2580m with a
short downhill walk on a wide train. The trail climbs gently traversing
through well maintained rice terrace and fields of millet. The route later
enters an area of apple orchards and forests. Soon the valley widens and you
reach the army post of Gunyitsawa at 2810m. This is the last stop before
Tibet. At 2870m, just beyond Sharma Zampa, there are several good camping
places in meadows surrounded by trees.
Day 04 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 3.750m.
Day
05 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 4,040m. From here, the view of Mount. Chomolhari and Jichu Drake
is superb.
Day 06 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
Tsrim Khang. Then walk towards the valley, almost flat for a while, until
the climb to the Nyele la pass at an altitude of 4,700m. After the pass it's
a gradual descent to the Lingshi camp, enjoying the panormic view of the
peaks and Lingshi Dzong. Camp at the altitude of 4000m.
Day
07 The Laya Gasa route leaves the Chomolhari trek here. The trek
route climbs towards a small white chorten on a ridge above the camp, then
turns south up tee deep Mo Chu valley. The trail stays on the west side of
the largely treeless valley, climbing steadily a short distance above Mo
Chu. In then crosses the river, and climbs steeply for two hours to Yeli la
(4820m). From the pass, on a clear day, you can see Chomolhari, Ganghhenta,
Tserim Khang and Masang Gang. Descend alongside a stream to a shelter, then
further fownstream to a camp at Shodu (4,100m), a meadow with a chorten.
Day
08
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 3,600m.
Day 09 The trail descends
gently through a dense forest of rhododendron, birch and conifers, then
drops steeply to meet Thimphu Chu. It says on river left, climbing over
ridges and descending to side streams. Then traverses steep cliff to Dolam
Kencho, a camp among pastureland at 3,600m.
Day 10
The trail goes in and out side valleys above Thimphu Chu, making a long
ascent through a forest of conifers and high altitude broadleaf species to a
pass at 3,510m. The trail then drops steeply to the river and follow it
southward to the roadhead at Dodena, elevation 2600m where you will be
picked up by Holiday Moods Adventures transport to drive to Thimphu.
Overnight at hotel in Thimphu.
Day 11 Full day of
sight seeing 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 After breakfast, drive to Paro airport for flight to
onward destination.
| CHOMOLHARI
TREK, 12 DAYS NETT COST PER PERSON |
GROUP SIZE
1 PAX
2 PAX
3 - 4 PAX
5 & Above
|
USD
2200
2090 1
980
1870 |
SURCHARGE
+ 40 %
+ 30 % |
Cost Includes » Twin sharing accommodation in
the best available accommodation mode (hotel or tourist cottage) on tour
» Full board meals
» Ground transfers
»
Sightseeing as per itinerary with English speaking Guide
»
Entrance fees and permits. During trek
» ccommodation in Tents
» Freshly cooked meals Dining / Toilet tents
» Ponies,
and riding horses (on request) backed by skillful and experienced crew.
Cost Excludes » Air fare
» Bhutan Visa
fee (US$ 20 payable upon arrival at the airport)
» Nepal re-entry
visa fee
» Travel Insurance and expenses of personal nature.
