Chomolhari Base Camp Trek

Bhutan

Chomolhari Base Camp Trek

Map

Watch: Bhutan Journey

This trek offers you a wonderful variety of Bhutanese landscapes and is without doubt one of the most beautiful and unspoiled trekking areas in the entire Himalayas. The trek begins at Drugyel Dzong passing through beautiful villages, scattered hamlets and farmland. Vegetation zones differ from richly forested valleys to high alpine pastureland where Yak herders graze their animals. Trout fishing in the sky blue lake with magnificent views of three majestic peaks are some activities which can be done on a rest day. You will also encounter rare species like the blue sheep, and with any luck, possibly even the snow leopard!

Kevin Grange has written a wonderful book chronicling this trip which is the first part of the Snowman Trek:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1GMD71fcwIA

Detailed Itinerary

Arrive Paro Bhutan by Druk Air

Arrive Paro by Druk Air Airbus 319 jet, the national carrier. The flight offers you beautiful views of mountains on your approach. On arrival and after visa formalities you will be received by our representatives and transferred to your very comfortable hotel. In the afternoon you will have the opportunity to explore Paro town a little and visit Paro Dzong. A Dzong is part fortress, part castle, part monastery and part administration building. Paro Dzong is one of Bhutan’s most impressive and well-known dzongs, and the finest example of Bhutanese architecture we’ll see. The inward-sloping walls form a massive structure that towers over the town and is visible as a great white monolith from vantage points throughout the valley. Paro is at 2280 metres (7500 ft).

Day Hike To Taktsang Monastery

Day hike to Taktsang monastery, the famous "Tiger's Nest". Horses can be arranged for an extra $5 usd. The hike which is all up hill takes about 2 /3 hours through villages and pine forests. The monastery which clings to a huge granite cliff 800 meters above the Paro valley was devastated by fire in 1998 but the Royal Government has taken immediate steps to restore the monastery to its original structure. It is believed that the Buddhist saint Padmasambhava came in the 7th century on a flying tigress and meditated in a cave for 3 months. The demons were subdued who were trying to stop the spread of Buddhism and converted the Paro valley to Buddhism. During the end of the 17 century, a monastery was built on the spot where the saint meditated and it is a pilgrimage site for every Bhutanese to visit once in their life time. Stroll back to hotel.

Drive To Army Camp and Trek To Pine Camp

Drive to Drugyel Dzong where the trek used to begin, and continue on up the extended rough road beyond Army Camp to the bridge at Shana. The trek begins here so we're not walking up the new road that is always in flux, and then continues upstream along the Paro Chuu river valley through forest stopping briefly for a packed-lunch en route, gradually ascending to about 3000m/9850ft at Pine camp or a nearby campsite. From Pine Camp there is a local hike option to a nearby village with its community school and where we see excellent examples of typical Bhutanese farmhouses. This hike to the village is done when we make good time to the camp as road conditions are unpredictable. Walk is approximately 4 hours depending on road drop-off point.

Trek From Pine Camp To Soi Thanthangkha

Pine Camp to Soi Thangthangkha. The trail again follows the Pachu river ascending through pine, oak and spruce forest. Hot picnic lunch will be served along the trail. The camp is at an altitude of 3800 meters near a stone shelter. Walking time: 6-7 hours.

Trek From Thangthangkha To Jangothang

Soi Thangthangkha to Jangothang. Climb slowly for a while till you reach an army camp. Then follow the river above tree line with stunning views of the surrounding peaks. Hot lunch will be served inside a Yak herders camp. A easy walk will reach you to Jangothang at an altitude of 4050 meters. The view of Chomolhari (7320 meters) and Jichu Drake (6900 meters) is superb. Both the mountains are still virgin peaks. Walking time 4/5 hours.

A Rest Day At Jangothang (Chomolhari Base Camp)

Acclimatization day at Jangothang. Explore the surrounding areas like Tshophu lake, visit Yak herders, or simply relax.

Trek From Jangothang To Lingshi

Jangothang to Lingshi. The trail follows the stream for half hour and crosses the bridge to the right side. Climb up the ridge and enjoy stunning views of Chomolhari, Jichu Drake and Tshrim Khang mountains. Than walk through the wide open valley sometimes coming across herds of blue sheep. The climb up to the Nyele la pass 4800 meters is not too difficult and the view is breathtaking. After the pass its a gradual descent through the valley with beautiful views all around. Nearing the camp you will see the Lingshi Dzong perched atop a hill with commanding views of the valley. Arrive camp at 4100 meters near a stone shelter. Walking time 6/7 hours.

Trek From Lingshi To Shodu

Lingshi to Shodu. Today is the most difficult day so you start early. Begin walk opposite the dzong gradually through the valley until the stiff climb to Yale la pass at 4950 meters the highest point of the trip. The panoramic view of Mt.Chomolhari, Jichu Drake and Tshrim Gang is fantastic. After the pass it's a long descent to the camp at 3750 meters. Walking time 7/8 hours.

Trek From Shodu To Barshong

Shodu to Barshong. The path follows the Thimchu river descending through rhododendron, juniper and pine forests. The view of the huge cliffs and water falls are stunning. The trail gradually ascends after 3/4 hours to the ruins of Barshong Dzong reaching the camp at 3500 meters. Walking time 5/6 hours.

Trek From Barshong To Dolam Kencho And Drive To Thimphu

Barshong to Dolam Kencho. The path descends for a while joining the Thimchu river and gradually ascending and descending through thick bamboo and pine forests. From Dolem Kencho the trail goes on for a further 45 minutes to where our bus will be waiting for your return. Walking time 5/6 hours. Drive 1.5 hours to Thimphu (capital city). Overnight at a comfortable hotel.

Sightseeing In Thimphu And Drive To Paro

AM stroll around the market and drive 2 hours to Paro. PM Paro sightseeing. Overnight at a comfortable hotel.

Transfer To Airport For Departure

Transfer to the airport for departure to your onward destination.

A Chomolhari Base Camp Trekker's Photo Book: Chomolhari Base Camp Trek

PLEASE NOTE: On adventure trips of this type, weather, local politics, transport or a multitude of other factors beyond our control can result in a change of itinerary. It is, however, very unlikely that the itinerary would be substantially altered; if alterations are necessary, the leader will decide what is the best alternative taking into consideration the best interests of the whole group. Where a change does occur, we do everything we can to minimize its effect, but we cannot be responsible for the results of changes or delays.

Synopsis

Trip Grading:

Length: 12 days.

Max. Altitude: 4950m / 16,235ft

Begins/Ends in Paro, Bhutan

Land Cost: from $5140 USD (Based on min. 2 participants sharing. Limited space / Druk Air seats)

International Airfare: Apx. $1900 USD from most cities.

Sep 11 - Sep 22 ‘23
Sep 25 - Oct 06 ‘23
Oct 02 - Oct 13 ‘23
Oct 16 – Oct 27 ’23
Apr 08 - Apr 19 '24
Apr 15 - Apr 26 '24

Apr 29 - May 10 '24
Sep 15 - Sep 26 '24*
Sep 30 - Oct 11 '24
Oct 07 - Oct 18 '24
Oct 21 - Nov 01 '24
*Thimphu Tshechu

You can also contact Canadian Himalayan Expeditions directly for more information.