7 nights/8 days (alternative route 6 nights/7 days) including one day at Chomolhari base camp. This trek takes you to the base camp and then returns to Paro via the Bhonte-La pass (4,890m) along a more easterly route. A highlight is the section of the trek along a high ridge, overlooking two valleys and surrounded by high peaks. Alternatively, after reaching the base camp and spending two nights there, you retrace your steps to Paro following the river. Taking this route, the highest altitude reached is 4,000m at the base camp itself. This is still a decent hike but you can take your time and enjoy the scenery en route. It can be done by any reasonably fit person of any age.
Chomolhari Trek 2
9 nights/10 days, including one acclimatization dat at Jumolhari base camp and a day’s halt at Lingshi. This route takes you over the 4,890m Nyile-La and on to Lingshi Dzong (4,370) before turning in the direction of Thimphu via another high pass. This ia an excellent, challenging trek with great views of the high peaks. Depending on weather conditions, yaks take over from ponies for the journey beyond the base camp. The trek ends in a valley near Thimphu. Since the route between Shodu and Barshong is quite tough because of stony trails, the alternative Chomolhari trek is, perhaps, more frequently trekked.
Chomolhari Trek 1
Day 01Drukgyel Dzong, Paro – Shana
Altitude:2,500m/2,820m
Total Altitude Gain:320m
Duration:5 Hrs
Distance:15 Km
Level of Difficulty:Easy
Starting from Drukgyel Dzong, the fortress that once guarded the Paro valley against Tibetans invaders, the first day is a pleasant walk following the left side of the Pachu river. The farm road serves as the trek route and passes through a number of very small villages with traditional houses, rice and vegetable fields to the left and right of the trail.
After about an hour’s walk, the farm road ends at Mitisizampa. Crossing a bridge to the right side of the river, the trail climbs very gradually for another hour through the trees to Zakhapang (2,600m), where a nice lunch-break spot in an open and clean space is found. There is a small shop selling basic necessities for the locals.
After lunch the trek continues through blue pine forests, following the river closely. Gunyitsawa army outpost appears not long before the end of the first day’s trek. The campsite at Shana, just beyond, is situated at an altitude of 2,820m in a beautiful open space surrounded by blue pine forest. Two traditional houses on the other side of the wide, fast flowing river make up Shana valley.
Day 02Shana – Soi Thangthangka
Altitude: 2,820m/3,580m
Total Altitude Gain: 760m
Duration: 8Hrs
Distance: 16 Km
Level of Difficulty: Long but not difficult. Muddy and bumpy path.
This is the longest trekking day, taking eight hours to reach the campsite. The trail continues to follow the river gradually ascending through a mixed forest of blue pine and oak and, later in the afternoon, tall rhododendron trees, birch, fir and maple. Though the trail is rocky and bumpy, it is not strenuous but in rainy conditions it can be quite muddy. There are several simple wodden bridges to cross and sometimes the river reaches right up to the trail. The lunch break comesafter about 4 hours of walking through an ever-narrowing valley: Shing Karap or Thombuzam are popular stopping places at around 3,305m.
Several trails lead in other directions, such as the trail to Tremo La, which was the old salt-trading route to Tibet. Not long before reaching the campsite the trail leads you up into view. Finally, after an 8-hour walk, you reach the campsite.
The campsite is located in a spacious clearing and directly faces Mount Jumolhari. The view of the early morning sun striking the tip of Jumolhari is breathtaking. Mount Jumolhari, at 7326m, is among the world’s highest mountains.
Day 03Soi Thangthangka – Jangothang
Altitude: 3,580m/4,000m
Total Altitude Gain: 420m
Duration: 4 Hrs
Distance: 11 Km
Level of Difficulty: Short and easy
The third day’s trek is a short one so it is possible to set off a little later and progress at a leisurely pace. When you reach the army outpost you are required to stop and register your entry permits issued by the army headquarters in Thimphu. This matter will be taken care of by your guide.
The Pachu river is again to the right and the trail passes through some very small villages made up of two or three houses each: these are called Jomphu, Tegithang and, a little further on, Dotabithang. By now, at an altitude of 3,860m, the path has reached above the tree line.
In less than four hours it is possible reach Jangothang, the Jumolhari base camp, just in time for lunch. A small community hall has been built out of stone and wood to provide protection from the elements. The cooking can be done inside and all the trekking gear can be stored here.The altitude at the base camp is 4,000m and is a beautiful place to spend the night. The imposing, rounded bulk of the Chomolhari mountain fills the view to the Northeast and in the evening the profile of the ruined Jangothang Dzong , populated by huge ravens creates a mystical atmosphere.
Apparently a proud king once ruled this area from the Dzong. Myth has it that the king had instructed his subjects to raze one of the mountains to the ground because it was blocking the sunlight. In a meeting to discuss how this Herculean task was to be achieved, an old lady suggested that it would be simpler to chop off the head of the king rather than the top of the mountain. Thus, the deed was carried out.
This area is rich in bird life. Birds sighted en route include the Fire-tailed Sunbird, Ibisbill, White-throated Dipper, Yellow-billed Chough, Rosy Pipit, Snow Pigeon, Blue-fronted Redstart, Plumbeous Water Redstart, Blood Pheasant, Snow Partridge and many more.
Day 04Jangothang- Halt
Today is a day to rest and acclimatize to the altitude.
The body also needs time to adjust to the falling temperatures, especially during the night. There is an opportunity to explore the valley and enjoy wonderful views of the mountains. A one-hour trek a little further up the valley to the right of the campsite takes you to a point from where you can view the majestic, cone-shaped Jichu Drakey piercing the clear blue sky. Jichu Drakey cannot fail to remind you of the Matterhorn from this perspective. It is a sight to behold! Many rank this as the most beautiful mountain in Bhutan. An hour’s leisurely trek will take you to the twin lake of Tshophu. For those taking the Lingshi variation of the trek, this day trek is important.
An alternative 4 ½ hour excursion for the fitter trekker is to the viewpoint at 5,244m, a climb of more than 1,000metres. This viewpoint, located between the two glacier tongues of the Chomolharimassif affords spectacular views of the Jumolhari and the Kungphu peak (6,789) in the north, as well as Masang-Gang (7,194) and other peaks all over 5,000 metre to the East.
This is the furthest point reached by those opting for the shortest Jumolhari trekking route. From Day 05 to Day 07 they will retrace their steps to Drukgyel Dzong in Paro, staying at the same campsite or at other optional stopping points on the same route.
The route taken by Trek 1 and Trek 2 also diverge from this point. We will first cover the shortest route taken on Trek 1, via Dhumzo to Paro and then look at the other option to go on, via Lingshi, to Thimphu in Trek 2.
Day 05Jangothang – Dhumzo/Soi Yaktsa
Altitude: 4,000m/3,730m
Total Altitude loss: 270m
Duration: 7 Hrs
Distance: 16 Km
Level of Difficulty: Strenuous
The day’s hike is the most difficult on this shorter version of the trek. It starts by having to make a continuous one-hour climb to the twin lakes ofTshophu located at an altitude of 4,310m. These two beautiful lakes are surrounded on both sides by rocky cliffs and they reflect the two peaks of Jumolhari to the left and the beautiful Jichu Drakey to the right. The sight is breath-taking. From this point on you can expect to see the black yak’s hair tents belonging to the nomadic yak-herders that live in this area.
Following the left side of the lakes, the steep climb continues, taking the trekker up to the top of the ridge. Ruddy Shelducks and common Mergansers are sure to be sighted swimming and wading along the shores of the lakes in which huge trout are said to be abundant. This is also the territory of Blue Sheep with massive horns who graze in large groups of 70 or more. Many sightings of the elusive Snow Leopard have been reported from this area.
Almost four hours of steady climbing brings you to the top of Bontey-La at an altitude of 4,760m. This is the highest point on this trek route and the view is breathtaking. One more hour of downhill trekking brings you to Laptsa, a good place to stop for lunch.
From here the trek is downhill all the way with beautiful mountain scenery to enjoy. The rocky face of the cliffs that rise almost 1,000 metres would make for great rock-climbing.
Seven hours after the trek began you will arrive at the campsite which is located just beyond the delightful village of Soi Yaktsa at an altitude of 3,730m. The ladies from the village come in the evening to sell local handicraft items, milk, dried yak’s meat and a variety of vegetables.
Day 06Dhumzo/SoiYaktsa-Thombu Shong
Altitude:3,730m/4,070m
Total Altitude Gain : 340m
Duration:6 Hrs
Distance: 11 Km
Level of Difficulty: Difficult
The route today is through a nice wodden area. For a while, only a gentle ascent is made through alpine meadows. Once the climb to the Thombu – La begins, the climb begins to get more strenuous. The pass is reached about 5 hours later. The altitude here is 4,410m. Lunch is often taken just before reaching the top of the pass, at an altitude of 4,240m, where there is a cosy yak-herder’s camp to provide shelter from the chill outside.
One hour downhill from the Thombu-La is the campsite at Thombu Shong (4,070m). The campsite is situated in a beautiful valley where you will see two yak herder’s dwellings built out of stone, with a wodden shingle roof. You can still see the Thombu-La peak to the rear of the camp.
Yaks graze in this valley that stretches endlessly into the mountains beyond the campsite. The Jho Drakey mountain is located to the left and can be seen if you trek up the mountain ridge to the left and right side of the campsite.
Day 07Thombu Shong – Shana/Zakhapang
Altitude:4,070m/2,600m
Total Altitude Loss: 1,470m
Duration: 7Hrs
Distance: 12 Km
Level of Difficulty: Difficult
Other than a short 45- minute climb at the beginning, the day’s trek is downhill all the way. The trail follows a ridge affording great views of the valleys on either side and a wonderful view of Jho Drakey. A steep descent of 2-3 hours then follows.
The trek route reaches full circle at the army outpost of Gunyitsawa. It is reached about 5 – 6 hours after setting out in the morning. At 2,800m, the day’s walk sees a dramatic drop of 1,270 metres. Trekkers can camp again at the same campsite as the first night in Shana or continue a little further downstream. A short two-hour walk brings you to another possible camp site called Zakhapang, at an altitude of 2,600m. Trekking as far as here would make the final day’s walk a short one.
Day 08Shana/Zakhapang – Drukgyel Dzong, Paro
Altitude: 2,600m/2,500m
Total Altitude Loss : 100m
Duration: 2 ½– 3 Hrs
Distance: 10 Km
Level of Difficulty: Easy
One the final day you will trace your footsteps back from Shana or Zakhapang along the Pachu river to Drukgyel Dzong.
Paro to Thimphu(1 ½ hours)
Over night in Thimphu.
Day 09
Visit National Library, School of Traditional Arts, National Memorial Chorten, Textile Museum, Folk Heritage Museum and the Thimphu Dzong.
Overnight in Thimphu.
Day 10
Morning drive to Punakha (2 hours). Visit the magnificent Punakha Dzong. After the Dzong, enjoy a short drive in the lush upper Punakha valley and hike for 45 minutes to the beautiful chorten temple of Khamsum Yuley on a hill. Overnight in Punakha.
Day 11
Visit Chimme Lhakhang (temple of the divine mad man) near Punakha before driving back to Paro with a lunch stop in Thimphu.
Overview
The Trekking Route Options
Detailed Itinerary
Chomolhari Trek 1
7 nights/8 days (alternative route 6 nights/7 days) including one day at Chomolhari base camp. This trek takes you to the base camp and then returns to Paro via the Bhonte-La pass (4,890m) along a more easterly route. A highlight is the section of the trek along a high ridge, overlooking two valleys and surrounded by high peaks. Alternatively, after reaching the base camp and spending two nights there, you retrace your steps to Paro following the river. Taking this route, the highest altitude reached is 4,000m at the base camp itself. This is still a decent hike but you can take your time and enjoy the scenery en route. It can be done by any reasonably fit person of any age.
Chomolhari Trek 2
9 nights/10 days, including one acclimatization dat at Jumolhari base camp and a day’s halt at Lingshi. This route takes you over the 4,890m Nyile-La and on to Lingshi Dzong (4,370) before turning in the direction of Thimphu via another high pass. This ia an excellent, challenging trek with great views of the high peaks. Depending on weather conditions, yaks take over from ponies for the journey beyond the base camp. The trek ends in a valley near Thimphu. Since the route between Shodu and Barshong is quite tough because of stony trails, the alternative Chomolhari trek is, perhaps, more frequently trekked.
Chomolhari Trek 1
Day 01 Drukgyel Dzong, Paro – Shana
Altitude : 2,500m/2,820m
Total Altitude Gain : 320m
Duration : 5 Hrs
Distance : 15 Km
Level of Difficulty : Easy
Starting from Drukgyel Dzong, the fortress that once guarded the Paro valley against Tibetans invaders, the first day is a pleasant walk following the left side of the Pachu river. The farm road serves as the trek route and passes through a number of very small villages with traditional houses, rice and vegetable fields to the left and right of the trail.
After about an hour’s walk, the farm road ends at Mitisizampa. Crossing a bridge to the right side of the river, the trail climbs very gradually for another hour through the trees to Zakhapang (2,600m), where a nice lunch-break spot in an open and clean space is found. There is a small shop selling basic necessities for the locals.
After lunch the trek continues through blue pine forests, following the river closely. Gunyitsawa army outpost appears not long before the end of the first day’s trek. The campsite at Shana, just beyond, is situated at an altitude of 2,820m in a beautiful open space surrounded by blue pine forest. Two traditional houses on the other side of the wide, fast flowing river make up Shana valley.
Day 02 Shana – Soi Thangthangka
Altitude : 2,820m/3,580m
Total Altitude Gain : 760m
Duration : 8Hrs
Distance : 16 Km
Level of Difficulty : Long but not difficult. Muddy and bumpy path.
This is the longest trekking day, taking eight hours to reach the campsite. The trail continues to follow the river gradually ascending through a mixed forest of blue pine and oak and, later in the afternoon, tall rhododendron trees, birch, fir and maple. Though the trail is rocky and bumpy, it is not strenuous but in rainy conditions it can be quite muddy. There are several simple wodden bridges to cross and sometimes the river reaches right up to the trail. The lunch break comes after about 4 hours of walking through an ever-narrowing valley: Shing Karap or Thombuzam are popular stopping places at around 3,305m.
Several trails lead in other directions, such as the trail to Tremo La, which was the old salt-trading route to Tibet. Not long before reaching the campsite the trail leads you up into view. Finally, after an 8-hour walk, you reach the campsite.
The campsite is located in a spacious clearing and directly faces Mount Jumolhari. The view of the early morning sun striking the tip of Jumolhari is breathtaking. Mount Jumolhari, at 7326m, is among the world’s highest mountains.
Day 03 Soi Thangthangka – Jangothang
Altitude : 3,580m/4,000m
Total Altitude Gain : 420m
Duration : 4 Hrs
Distance : 11 Km
Level of Difficulty : Short and easy
The third day’s trek is a short one so it is possible to set off a little later and progress at a leisurely pace. When you reach the army outpost you are required to stop and register your entry permits issued by the army headquarters in Thimphu. This matter will be taken care of by your guide.
The Pachu river is again to the right and the trail passes through some very small villages made up of two or three houses each: these are called Jomphu, Tegithang and, a little further on, Dotabithang. By now, at an altitude of 3,860m, the path has reached above the tree line.
In less than four hours it is possible reach Jangothang, the Jumolhari base camp, just in time for lunch. A small community hall has been built out of stone and wood to provide protection from the elements. The cooking can be done inside and all the trekking gear can be stored here. The altitude at the base camp is 4,000m and is a beautiful place to spend the night. The imposing, rounded bulk of the Chomolhari mountain fills the view to the Northeast and in the evening the profile of the ruined Jangothang Dzong , populated by huge ravens creates a mystical atmosphere.
Apparently a proud king once ruled this area from the Dzong. Myth has it that the king had instructed his subjects to raze one of the mountains to the ground because it was blocking the sunlight. In a meeting to discuss how this Herculean task was to be achieved, an old lady suggested that it would be simpler to chop off the head of the king rather than the top of the mountain. Thus, the deed was carried out.
This area is rich in bird life. Birds sighted en route include the Fire-tailed Sunbird, Ibisbill, White-throated Dipper, Yellow-billed Chough, Rosy Pipit, Snow Pigeon, Blue-fronted Redstart, Plumbeous Water Redstart, Blood Pheasant, Snow Partridge and many more.
Day 04 Jangothang - Halt
Today is a day to rest and acclimatize to the altitude.
The body also needs time to adjust to the falling temperatures, especially during the night. There is an opportunity to explore the valley and enjoy wonderful views of the mountains. A one-hour trek a little further up the valley to the right of the campsite takes you to a point from where you can view the majestic, cone-shaped Jichu Drakey piercing the clear blue sky. Jichu Drakey cannot fail to remind you of the Matterhorn from this perspective. It is a sight to behold! Many rank this as the most beautiful mountain in Bhutan. An hour’s leisurely trek will take you to the twin lake of Tshophu. For those taking the Lingshi variation of the trek, this day trek is important.
An alternative 4 ½ hour excursion for the fitter trekker is to the viewpoint at 5,244m, a climb of more than 1,000metres. This viewpoint, located between the two glacier tongues of the Chomolhari massif affords spectacular views of the Jumolhari and the Kungphu peak (6,789) in the north, as well as Masang-Gang (7,194) and other peaks all over 5,000 metre to the East.
This is the furthest point reached by those opting for the shortest Jumolhari trekking route. From Day 05 to Day 07 they will retrace their steps to Drukgyel Dzong in Paro, staying at the same campsite or at other optional stopping points on the same route.
The route taken by Trek 1 and Trek 2 also diverge from this point. We will first cover the shortest route taken on Trek 1, via Dhumzo to Paro and then look at the other option to go on, via Lingshi, to Thimphu in Trek 2.
Day 05 Jangothang – Dhumzo/Soi Yaktsa
Altitude : 4,000m/3,730m
Total Altitude loss : 270m
Duration : 7 Hrs
Distance : 16 Km
Level of Difficulty : Strenuous
The day’s hike is the most difficult on this shorter version of the trek. It starts by having to make a continuous one-hour climb to the twin lakes of Tshophu located at an altitude of 4,310m. These two beautiful lakes are surrounded on both sides by rocky cliffs and they reflect the two peaks of Jumolhari to the left and the beautiful Jichu Drakey to the right. The sight is breath-taking. From this point on you can expect to see the black yak’s hair tents belonging to the nomadic yak-herders that live in this area.
Following the left side of the lakes, the steep climb continues, taking the trekker up to the top of the ridge. Ruddy Shelducks and common Mergansers are sure to be sighted swimming and wading along the shores of the lakes in which huge trout are said to be abundant. This is also the territory of Blue Sheep with massive horns who graze in large groups of 70 or more. Many sightings of the elusive Snow Leopard have been reported from this area.
Almost four hours of steady climbing brings you to the top of Bontey-La at an altitude of 4,760m. This is the highest point on this trek route and the view is breathtaking. One more hour of downhill trekking brings you to Laptsa, a good place to stop for lunch.
From here the trek is downhill all the way with beautiful mountain scenery to enjoy. The rocky face of the cliffs that rise almost 1,000 metres would make for great rock-climbing.
Seven hours after the trek began you will arrive at the campsite which is located just beyond the delightful village of Soi Yaktsa at an altitude of 3,730m. The ladies from the village come in the evening to sell local handicraft items, milk, dried yak’s meat and a variety of vegetables.
Day 06 Dhumzo/Soi Yaktsa - Thombu Shong
Altitude : 3,730m/4,070m
Total Altitude Gain : 340m
Duration : 6 Hrs
Distance : 11 Km
Level of Difficulty : Difficult
The route today is through a nice wodden area. For a while, only a gentle ascent is made through alpine meadows. Once the climb to the Thombu – La begins, the climb begins to get more strenuous. The pass is reached about 5 hours later. The altitude here is 4,410m. Lunch is often taken just before reaching the top of the pass, at an altitude of 4,240m, where there is a cosy yak-herder’s camp to provide shelter from the chill outside.
One hour downhill from the Thombu-La is the campsite at Thombu Shong (4,070m). The campsite is situated in a beautiful valley where you will see two yak herder’s dwellings built out of stone, with a wodden shingle roof. You can still see the Thombu-La peak to the rear of the camp.
Yaks graze in this valley that stretches endlessly into the mountains beyond the campsite. The Jho Drakey mountain is located to the left and can be seen if you trek up the mountain ridge to the left and right side of the campsite.
Day 07 Thombu Shong – Shana/Zakhapang
Altitude : 4,070m/2,600m
Total Altitude Loss : 1,470m
Duration : 7Hrs
Distance : 12 Km
Level of Difficulty : Difficult
Other than a short 45- minute climb at the beginning, the day’s trek is downhill all the way. The trail follows a ridge affording great views of the valleys on either side and a wonderful view of Jho Drakey. A steep descent of 2-3 hours then follows.
The trek route reaches full circle at the army outpost of Gunyitsawa. It is reached about 5 – 6 hours after setting out in the morning. At 2,800m, the day’s walk sees a dramatic drop of 1,270 metres. Trekkers can camp again at the same campsite as the first night in Shana or continue a little further downstream. A short two-hour walk brings you to another possible camp site called Zakhapang, at an altitude of 2,600m. Trekking as far as here would make the final day’s walk a short one.
Day 08 Shana/Zakhapang – Drukgyel Dzong, Paro
Altitude : 2,600m/2,500m
Total Altitude Loss : 100m
Duration : 2 ½ – 3 Hrs
Distance : 10 Km
Level of Difficulty : Easy
One the final day you will trace your footsteps back from Shana or Zakhapang along the Pachu river to Drukgyel Dzong.
Paro to Thimphu(1 ½ hours)
Over night in Thimphu.
Day 09
Visit National Library, School of Traditional Arts, National Memorial Chorten, Textile Museum, Folk Heritage Museum and the Thimphu Dzong.
Overnight in Thimphu.
Day 10
Morning drive to Punakha (2 hours). Visit the magnificent Punakha Dzong. After the Dzong, enjoy a short drive in the lush upper Punakha valley and hike for 45 minutes to the beautiful chorten temple of Khamsum Yuley on a hill. Overnight in Punakha.
Day 11
Visit Chimme Lhakhang (temple of the divine mad man) near Punakha before driving back to Paro with a lunch stop in Thimphu.
Overnight in Paro.
Day 12
Early morning departure flight from Paro airport.