Possibly the nation’s most popular route, is Chomolhari Base Camp Trek, Bhutan’s tallest mountain. You must not think that is the ultimate destination of this trek.

Trip Facts

Physical Grading: Moderate

Accommodation: Hotel/Lodge/Teahouse/Tent

Meals: Full Board

Transportation: Private Vehicle/Flight

Trip Overview

If you want to do an adventure trek in Bhutan, and at the same time not miss any of its adventure destinations, this package is an ideal option. Possibly the nation’s most popular route, is Chomolhari Base Camp Trek, Bhutan’s tallest mountain. You must not think that is the ultimate destination of this trek. The trail meanders up and down through numerous mountains, mountain passes, and gorges. In the end, you feel you have soaked almost all the natural charm of the nation. While you enjoy up-close views of Chomolhari, Jichu Drake, and Tsherim Gang mountains from different vantage points. Its high passes like Nyele-La and Yale-La bring you the mountain vista as far as your eyes can see.

In all the up and down you do for days, you will also see firsthand the varying geography, varying flora, and fauna of the nation, ranging from the subtropical regions in the riverbeds to the treeless alpine climate. The trek also offers a kaleidoscopic experience of Bhutanese life. Discover its modernism and urbanity in Thimphu, and explore its rustic face in valleys and villages. Its simplicity and quietness, its deep devotion to religion, and its commitment to be nothing else but itself will be evident everywhere—be it in cities or far-flung villages. In alpine pastures, you will meet yak and sheepherders. A single, epic tour of the geography and life of Bhutan! Experience this amazing Chomolhari Base Camp Trek with Outdoor Himalayan Treks.

Essential Information

Fitness Level:

This trip requires you to be in good health and physically fit. So, we recommend thorough physical examination before you start the trek.

Skills:

Your familiarity with the mountainous terrain and previous trekking experience will be plus points.

Travel Insurance:

Make sure that you are insured against cancellations, accidents, health, emergency evacuation and loss, theft of, or damage to, baggage and personal effects.
In emergency situations, we will arrange for a helicopter rescue, medical treatment and after care for you. All these costs shall be borne by your travel insurance company.

Required Equipments/Gears:

Sleeping bag
Down jacket
LED headlight
Water bottle
First-aid kit
Water purification solution
Trekking poles
Raincoat
Sunglasses
Full fingers gloves
Socks
Thermal cap
Fleece
Sunscreen

Notes:

You can choose to bring these equipments yourself. However, we can help you get these things after you arrive here if you want to travel light.
We will arrange your pick-up/drop-off according to your flight schedule.
We can customize this itinerary according to your interests and preferences.

Documents required:

Visa
Scanned copies of passport sized photo and passport of each participant
Travel insurance

Detail Itinerary

Day 01 Fly from Kathmandu to Paro

We fly from Kathmandu to Paro over the spectacular mountain ranges with views of Mt Everest, Kanchenjunga, Jumolarhi, Jichu Drake, and others in Nepal and Bhutan. On your arrival at the airport, our guide will receive you and transfer you to your hotel. Get refreshed and visit Ta Dzong, a national museum of Bhutan. It is a spectacular vantage point in the hilltop. Then go to Kichu Lakhang, a very old temple of Bhutan.

Day 02 Paro Exploration

We explore Paro and its surroundings today. Especially memorable will be the visit to Taktsang monastery, one of the defining monuments of Bhutan. Located on a spectacular hilltop, legends put it that Guru Rinpoche had visited this monastery on a tigress’s back and meditated here for a long time.

Day 03 Drive from Paro to Drukgyel Dzong and Trek to Shana

We drive 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.

Day 04 Trek from Shana to Thangthangka

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.

Day 05 Trek from Thangthangka to Jangothang

Another day involving going up as far as the base camp of Chomolhari Mountain, Jangothang, located at an altitude of 4044 meters. At first, there are trees and then the treeless alpine region. Our destination is located in a broad valley at the base of towering, majestic mountains like Chomolhari and Jichu Drake.

Day 06 Rest and Acclimatization at Jangothang

It is worth spending a day here, considering the climb of coming day and the excellent short hikes around. Do not miss a pair of lakes in Tsho Phu, lying to the east of our base camp. The lakes are sparkling, calm and serene in themselves. Meanwhile, the lakeside is another vantage point to view Chomolhari and Jichu Drake mountains.

Day 07 Trek from Jangothang to Lingshi

Today we make the last leg of arduous ascent for about 4 hours, leading from our base camp all the way to Nyele La Pass (4890m). The pass provides the vista of Bhutanese mountain regions far and wide. Mt Takaphu and Gangchen Ta are two dominating mountains to be seen from here. We go down from the pass following a narrow gorge. And we spend our night by the side of a river.

Day 08 Trek from Lingshi to Shodu

Another day of climb today and another beautiful pass, Yale La (4950m). The pass offers commanding views of Lingshi and Bashingthang peaks. While the initial going up leads upwards from the side of Blue River (locally known as No Chhu), the final going down after the pass follows Jaradinthang River, which eventually becomes Thimpu River. Shodu is located at the side of this river, where we camp for the night.

Day 09 Trek from Shodu to Barshong

We follow the river today through a valley with limestone formations. The caves here were used by the monks in the past for meditation. Massive rocks and sparkling waterfalls link our senses with the ultimate beauty and wilderness of nature. We reach Barshong Dzong ruins and continue for about 2 hours to reach the campsite.

Day 10 Trek from Barshong to Dodina and then transport to Thimpu

We go down all the way from Barshong through the stony path to the level of Thimpu River. But it is not all a straightforward descent. It has several ascents and descents and several switchbacks. The last leg consists of climbing down a vertical cliff. From Donida, we board on our means of transport to transport to Thimpu.

Day 11 Thimpu Exploration and Drive from Thimpu to Paro.

We visit the major tourist destinations of Thimpu during the day and transfer to Paro in the evening.

Day 12 Fly from Paro to Kathmandu

At last you will fly from Paro to Kathmandu. After arriving here, you can choose varieties of packages to make the best time of your vacation.

Chomolhari Base Camp Trek 12 Days, Moderate