Chomolhari Base Camp Trekking Itinerary

Day 01: Arrive at Paro. 2250M.(B/L/D)

A flight to Paro is one of the most spectacular of all mountain flights. You will be received by our representative and escorted to the hotel. Afternoon visit to Ta-Dzong built in the 17th century, as watchtower to defend Paro Dzong below. This Ta-Dzong was converted into the National Museum in 1968, and it is filled with antique Thangka paintings, textiles, weapons and Armour. Driver to the Rinpung Dzong built in the 17th century to defend the valley against Tibetan invaders.

Day 02: Paro Sightseeing.(B/L/D)

In morning hike up to the Taktsang monastery (Tiger Nest). The climb up to the viewpoint will take around 3 hours. Enjoy the stunning view of the monastery where Guru Padmasambava landed on the back of a tigress in the 8th century, and meditated here for three months. And following Guru’s footsteps lot of great saints meditated here. The monastery was later built in this holy place in 1684. Overnight Paro.

Day 03: Begin Trek to Shana. (B/L/D)

 

Transfer to the trek's starting point near Drukgyel Dzong (2,580m), where our pack ponies are loaded up with all the gear for our trek. Accompanying us are crews comprising of a horseman, ponies, a Guide, a Cook and assistants. Your luggages are carried by the ponies or mules and all you have to carry is a day pack containing the requirements for your personal use during the day. You are walking around 09 Km and about 05 hours trekking overnight at tent.

Day 04: Trek to Soi Thangthanka (B/L/D)

Approx. 22km 7-8 hours trek, 770m ascent. 10m descent. Today is a longer and much tougher day, so start early! You are now entering Jigme Dorji National Park. We continue up through the Valley of Paro River, which gradually narrows as the trail leads higher, winding up and down through a thick, lush forest of oak, pine, and juniper. As we get closer to our camp for the night, we begin to see the snowcapped summit of Mt. Jomolhari. Camp at Soi Thangthangkha (3,610m) amidst the woods with one trekker’s hut used for eating and for a fire place.
Overnight in tent.

Day 05: Trek to Jangothang (Base Camp) (B/L/D)

Approx. 19km, 5 -6 trek. 480m ascent. We continue following Paro river as the valley begins to widen, opening to a spectacular area surrounded by high ridges and snowcapped peaks. A few yak-herding villages are based in this area, and we may be lucky to purchase some yak cheese from them or have lunch in one of their simple, traditional homes. Today is not a long day but because of an altitude gain, the pace is slower. Camp at Jangothang (4,080m) below a ruined fortress with Mt. Jomolhari seemingly nearby. There is a nice little trekker hut that provides fire place and dinning. Overnight in tent.

Day 06: Rest Day for Exploration (B/L/D)

Rest and acclimatization day in Base camp. Jangothang is one of the most spectacular camping places in the entire Himalayas. Depending on your interest, you can walk towards Jomolhari glaciers or walk part of the route heading north to Lingshi. You may also opt to stay at the camp, take in the views, visit a village, or rest for the challenging day ahead. You can also get some laundry or cleaning done this morning in a stream nearby.
Overnight in tent.

Day 07: Trek across Bhontela to Dumzo (Yaksa) (B/L/D)

Approx. 16km, 7 hours trek. 810m ascent and 1090m descent. The trek is now more serious today. Your trail starts with a steep hike to Tshopu (4,380m), one of the two trout-filled glacial lakes that we will pass on our way to Bhonte La. From here on, we often see blue sheep, fat marmots, and migrating Himalayan birds, as well as incredible views of Jichu Drake, a beautiful snowcapped peak alongside Jomolhari. The meadows are carpeted with flowers and there are usually some Yak herders in tents. Yak herders and their families will come to your camp as early as 6:00am with items to sell, such as cloth, yak tassels, ropes, jewelry and such. Campsite is at 3,800m.

Day 08: Trek to Thongbu Shong (B/L/D)

Approx 11km 5 hours trek. 720m ascent, 340m descent. Our hike starts with a very gentle uphill trail to the top of the eastern ridge of the Soi Yaksa valley. From here we can enjoy an incredible view of the amphitheater of mountains to the north. Gradually Jomolhari and Jichu Drake peaks reappear on the distant horizon as we approach our lunch spot. Cross Takhung La (4,520m). A short descent thereafter leads into wide and grassy Thangbu valleys (4,180m). This area is rich pastureland for yaks, and we'll usually see nomadic yak herders camped in their traditional woolen tents and stone huts.Overnight in tent.

Day 09: Trek to Shana (B/L/D)

Approx. 13km 5hr 200m ascent and 1650m descent. After a short, steep climb out of camp, we leave the remote mountain area by following a ridge to Thombu La (4,380m) From this vantage point we get a glimpse of the Paro Valley to the south and mountain views all around. Then start steep descent for most of the afternoon and rejoin our route at Shana (2,730m), where we had spent our first night of camping. (5-6 hours hiking.) Your campsite may differ tonight. We may cover more area and camp a bit further down. Overnight in tent.

Day 10: Trek end to Paro (B/L/D)

After trekking for 4 hours or less, we make it back to the Drugyel Dzong. Bid farewell to our trekking crew and transfer to your hotel. In the afternoon, tour Paro Valley and its attractions.Overnight stay at Paro.

Day 11: Final Departure for your onward destination.

Our representative will bid you a good-bye farewell at Paro International Airport.