Chomolhari Trek with Paro and Thimphu Tour

A very special day, with an excursion, to view the spectacular Taktsang (Tiger's Nest) monastery - After early breakfast, a short drive takes us to Satsam Chorten, The trail climbs through beautiful pine forest, many of the trees festooned with Spanish moss, and an occasional grove of fluttering prayer flags. We stop for a rest and light refreshments at the Taktsang Jakhang (cafeteria) and then walk a short distance until we see, clearly and seemingly within reach, Taktsang monastery. The primary Lhakhang was built around Guru Rimpoche's meditation cave in the 1684by the Penlop of Paro Gyaltse Tenzin Rabgay, this incredible monastery clings to the edge of a sheer rock cliff that plunges 900 meters into the valley below. Legend has it that Guru Padmasambhava, the tantric mystic who brought Buddhism to Bhutan, flew here on the back of a flying tiger, Dorji Drolo, said to be his favorite consort. After having explored the monastery, we hike down to the valley floor.

Drive up to Drukyel Dzong (north of Paro) where the motorable road ends. The ruins of Drukgyel Dzong with Mount Chomolhari behind – a wonderful vista for the start of our trek. The trek to Shana starts along a dirt road for 1 hour through a wide, rich, cultivated valley, beneath forest-covered mountains, following the Paro Chu (river). Beware of the sun, which can be very fierce at this altitude. The first small settlement encountered is Tsento Zampa, where the traditional Bhutanese farmhouses with bright red chilies drying on their roofs in season. Farmers in this upper valley mostly grow red rice, potatoes and wheat. The trek continues on the east side of the river, gently through the forests alive with numerous birds and brightly colored butterflies. After 2.5 hrs the big military camp at Gunitsawa is reached. The camp has a school and some shops, and our trekking permit will be checked at the camp entrance. After 20 minutes through the forest, we will suddenly see the camp in a big open field at Shana, near the river. Looking back from camp we can see a big snowy peak, Jo Drakey. Overnight at tented camps.

Today is a hard day, with a lot of distance to cover. The altitude gain is also above the limit. The trail after lunch is rough and stony with many rises and drops.

We will be following the trail following the Pachhu (Paro River). We will be ascending and descending through pine, oak and spruce forests. We will reach at Shingkharap after 2 hours of hiking and crossing several streams. This is a stone house at 3110m. We will then cross the bridge towards the left side of the river where we will be served a hot lunch. A little walk ahead is the trail junction. The left road is an old trade route to Tibet and the right route leads to the wooden bridge. We will be taking the latter route. After climbing through rhododendron forests and finally cross another bridge and reach our campsite at an altitude of 3,750m. This is amidst beautiful meadow.

Today is not a long trekking day but it will involve a significant gain in altitude as our trail goes above the tree line. As we take the path that ascends from our camp we will be brought to an army camp. Then we will follow the river above the tree line as well as enjoying the spectacular view of the surrounding mountain peaks. After walking through a very muddy section and passing a Mani wall we will enter yak country. Inside a yak herder’ camp we will be served a hot filling lunch. After lunch, we walk past yak herder settlements of Soe and Takethang. Some common crops that people grow here are barley, potatoes and turnips. After our lunch, we will walk across a plateau and up a stream bed. We will pass Dangochang village to the beautiful campsite of Jangothang at an altitude of 4,040m. From here, the views of Mount Jumolhari and Jichu Drake will take our breath away.

Today, we rest and acclimatize for the next day's trek. After breakfast, we will do a four hours long acclimatization hike to the north of our camp. There isn’t really a trail but we will climb on an open and endless slope till we see the view of Mt Jichu Drake (6989m). We can hike further up to 4895m (higher than Mount Blanc) to see the amazing view of Mount Jumolhari. If we are lucky we may even encounter rare blue sheep, Himalayan rhubarb, griffon vultures, golden eagles and the national flower of Bhutan – the blue poppy. In the foreground below the colossal Mount Jumolhari and its neighboring mountain, Jichu Drake is the Jangothang base. It is flat grassy land with the ruins of an old fortress on a hillock. It is highly recommended for all trekkers to halt here as most people show signs of mountain sickness at this altitude. We will have the option to hike or simply rest in camp. Both ways, it will be a very memorable day.

Today’s trail follows the stream for half an hour and crosses the bridge to the right side. We will then start to climb up to the first ridge where we will be greeted by a breathtaking view of Jumolhari (7314m), Jichu Drake (6989m) and Tshering Gang (6789m). We will then be walking on an almost flat track for some time towards the valley and then we will have to climb to Ngye La pass at 4,700m. After the pass, it is a gradual descent to the camp. Where we will get to enjoy the spectacular panoramic view of the peaks and the Lingshi Dzong. If time permits, we can take a detour to this tiny fortress that sits on a hilltop overlooking Lingzhi village. For centuries, Lingzhi Dzong was a way station for weary Buddhist pilgrims and was a defense fort against Tibetan and Mongol invaders. We will camp today at an altitude of 4010m.

An early start as we have a long and hard day to cross another beautiful pass. The Laya Gasa route leaves the Chomolhari trek here. Instead, the route climbs towards a small white Chorten on a ridge above the camp, then turns south up the deep Mo Chhu valley. The trail stays on the west side of the largely treeless valley, climbing steadily a short distance above Mo Chhu. It then crosses the river and climbs steeply for two hours to Yeli La pass (4,820m/15,810ft). From the pass, we see Chomolhari, Gangchen Ta, Tshering Gang and Masang Gang. We then descend alongside a stream to a shelter, and then further downstream to camp at Shodu (4,100m).

In the morning we pass a deserted military camp that follows the trail to the river through the limestone valley. Monks used the caves in the rocks in the old days for meditation. Cross the bridges over the main river, which offer good views of the giant rock faces and waterfalls. The trail gradually ascends 130m to the Barshong Dzong ruins. The Park Rangers recorded a tiger and a snow leopard moving in this same area for the first time. You could opt to carry on for 1.5 hrs to a better campsite. Overnight at tented camp.

A steep descent on a rocky trail ending at the Thimphu Chhu river. There are several ups and downs until Dolam Kencho 3,290m. The trail continues up to 3450m and descends to a side stream and several switchbacks to descend a vertical cliff finally reaching the last stretch to Dodina. Descending through bamboo forests, following the mule trail high above the river until it finally meets it again at Dodina, where our transport will be waiting to take us to Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan. 

Sightseeing of Thimphu valley includes the National Library, Traditional Medicine Institute, Arts & Crafts School, Textile and Folk Heritage Museum, National Memorial Chorten, Zilukha Nunnery, Traditional paper factory, Takin mini Zoo, Handicrafts Emporium, local shops. Finally, visit Tashichho Dzong which houses most of the Government office and King’s Throne room. The evening departs to Paro. 

After our lots of fun, adventure and excitement during the journey. The day has arrived to bid farewell to the Himalayan Kingdom. After taking breakfast in the morning, we will be taken to the Paro airport for the final departure.