Chomolhari Base Camp ( Mountain Goddess) -
15 days |
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Mount Chomolhari (also spelt as Jhomolhari), ( 23,
996ft/ 7, 316 m) means the Goddess of Mountain that
reigns in glory and its five sister peaks are the
sources of Paro Chu (River), that nourishes the lush
rice fields, apple and peach orchards of Paro Valley.
The sacred mountain is a great object of respect and
veneration to Bhutanese people and has one of the most
popular trekking routes in the eastern Himalayas .
The trail begins at the Drugyel Dzong and follows the
ancient caravan route, heading towards the base camp of
Mount Chomolhari , passing through scattered hamlets and
farmland, into deep and richly forested valleys, which
leads to a high alpine pastureland where yak herders
graze their animals. The trek offers a taste of great
variety of Bhutanese landscape.
Despite being one of the high altitude treks, this trek
is moderate graded and requires no previous experience
but a strong pairs of legs with determination and a
spirit of adventures. We cover remote highlands of the
Lingshi, witnessing the nomadic lifestyles of these high
altitude gypsies. Sights of Yaks and the wild blue sheep
on the mountains are awesome. Himalayan poppies ,
primulas , gentianas and the spectacular rheum nobile
fill the mountain side in the summer. We follow the
trial to Thimpu along Wanchu River and through
rhododendron and pine forest and the ruins of Barshong
Fortress before reaching the upper Thimpu valley at
Dodena
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Itinerary in Details |
Days 01 : |
Arrive Paro International Airport
During the flight to Paro, one will
experience breath taking views of Mount
Everest, Kanchenjunga and other famous
Himalayan peaks, including the sacred
Chomolhari and Mount Jichu Drake in Bhutan.
On arrival at Paro International Airport,
you will be received by representatives of
our tout operator, who will escort you to
the Hotel where arrangements have been made
for two nights halt. |
Days 02 : |
Paro - Sightseeing
Drive to Drugyel Dzong (a ruined fortress -
16 Kms. away from Paro Town). Although in
ruins, this Dzong is of great historical
importance. It was here that the Bhutanese
finally defeated the invading Tibetans and
drove them back. From here , the peak of
Chomolhari "Mountain of the Goddess" (Alt.
7,329 m / 24,029 ft.). On the way back you
visit a typical Bhutanese farmhouse. After
lunch, at the hotel, take a leisurely stroll
around the compound. Overnight in Hotel |
Days 03 : |
Paro - Shana
Distance 17 Kms. About 5 - 6 hours journey.
Altitude of Shana 2,800 m. Drive up to
Drugyel Dzong where the road ends and the
trek begins. The trail follows the river
through beautiful meadows and paddy fields.
The night’s camp is just beyond an army
outpost. |
Days 04 : |
Shana - Soi Thangthangkha
The trail continues uphill through the river
valley. The valley gradually narrows to a
mere path which descends to a meadow where a
camp will be set up. |
Days 05 : |
Soi Thangthangkha - Jangothang
Distance - 19 Kms. About 5 - 6 hours
journey. Altitude of Jangothang 4040 m.
The trek starts up the Pa Chu. Cross an army
outpost along the way. The valley begins to
widen here with a spectacular view of high
mountain ridges and snow-capped peaks. Yaks
and the herders' winter homes become a
regular feature of the landscape. Camp for
the night beneath a ruined fortress at the
base of Mt. Chomolhari. |
Days 06 : |
Jangothang - Halt
Trek up to Tosoh or hike around the area.
There are good short hiking trails in three
directions. Chomolhari and it subsidiary
mountain chains lie directly west, Jichu
Drake to the north and a number of unscaled
peaks to the east. Overnight halt in camp |
Days 07 : |
Jangothang - Lingshi
Distance - 19 Kms. About 5 - 6 hours
journey. Altitude of Lingshi 4150 m. Trek
through wide yak pastures and up and down
passes. As you come down into the Lingshi
basin, you get a wonderful view of Lingshi
Dzong on a clear day. Tsarim Kang and its
glaciers rise up at the north end of the
valley. Night halt is a choice between a
stone hut or the tent. |
Days 08 : |
Lingshi - Halt
A day excursion to Tsokha (Lake), which is
the base camp for Jichu Drâke, can be
organized. Blue sheep and musk deer are
plentiful along the trek route. Distance 15
Kms. About 3 - 4 hours journey. Altitude of
Tsokha 4500 m. |
Days 09 : |
Lingshi - Shodu
Distance - 22 Kms. About 7 - 8 hours
journey. Altitude of Shodu 3963m.
The trail climbs up to the Yalila Pass at an
altitude of 4820 m. From the pass, you can
get an excellent view of Chomolhari, Tserim
Gang and Masagang on a clear day. The trek
from the pass to camp site at Shodu is steep
down hill. Camp can be made in a stone
shelter or in tent. |
Days 10 : |
Shodu - Barshong
Distance - 13 Kms. About 3 - 4 hours
journey. Altitude of Barshong 3785m.
The trail follows the Thim - Chu river
through rhododendron forests. Waterfalls can
be seen along the way. The valley narrows
till the path takes to the slopes and
gradually ascends to reach the ruins of
Barshong Dzong. Camp can made in stone
shelter or tent. |
Days 11 : |
Barshong - Dolam Kencho
Distance - 11 Kms. About 3 - 4 hours
journey. Altitude of Dolam Kencho 3628m.
The trail descends through thick
rhododendron forest to meet the Thim-Chu and
then ascends to pasture lands. Camp is in a
meadow. |
Days 12 : |
Dolam Kencho - Thimphu
Distance - 14 Kms. About 4 - 5 hours. The
trail continues through forested areas
winding up and down and through a small
pass. Langurs (monkeys) can be seen along
the way. Overnight halt in Hotel. |
Days 13 : |
Thimphu - Day excursion to
Punakha and Wangdi
Drive to Punakha and Wangdi for a day’s
excursion. Visit Punakha Dzong. Packed lunch
will be arranged. Return to Thimphu.
Overnight halt in Hotel. |
Days 14 : |
Thimphu - Sightseeing
Visit Tashichho Dzong, the main Government
Secretariat building, where the government
ministries, the Office of His Majesty the
King and the Throne Room , and the offices
and living quarters of the monk body and the
Chief Abbot are housed.
Explore the town, visit shops and the
Handicrafts Emporium, where Bhutanese
textiles and other handicrafts are
available. Visit the workshop where the
handicrafts are made.
Visit the painting and woodcraft schools
where traditional painting and other crafts
are still practiced.
Visit the National Library and see the
ancient manuscripts preserved there.
Visit the Simtokha Dzong (6 Kms. from
Thimphu), the oldest Dzong in Bhutan built
by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyel in 1629 A..D.
The Simtokha Dzong houses the largest
monastic school in the country.
Evening: Relax in Thimphu's modern health
club and beauty parlour "Sakten Health Club
& Salon." Sakten offers sauna, steam and
gymnasium facilities, as well as full beauty
treatment, including hair dressing, skin
care (pure herbal products) and body massage
services.
For guests our, the Health Club facilities
are free; Salon and beauty services are
available for confessional rates. |
Days 15 : |
Thimphu - Paro International Airport
Drive to Paro International Airport. Seen
off by representatives of our tour operator
or your guide. |
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NOTE : Designed itinerary is a sample itinerary intended
to give you a general idea of trip to Bhutan. We can
create an itinerary to suit as your needs and interest
one you give your interest and travel timeframe |
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