Chomalhari Treking Vacation

Arrive Paro by Druk air BAe 146-100 series, the only national carrier. The flight offers you beautiful view of mountains and landscapes. On arrival and after visa formalities you will be received by Our members. Afternoon / evening time at leisure. Overnight at the hotel in Paro.

Morning visit to Ta Dzong, built in 17th century, as watch tower to defend Paro Dzong and valley. This fortress was later converted into the National Museum in 1967 and is filled with antique thangkha paintings, textiles, weapons and Bhutan's renowned postage stamps. Below Ta Dzong, is fascinating Rinpung Dzong meaning "fortress of the heap of jewels" which has interesting history. Afternoon, see Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest and most sacred shrines of Bhutan. Overnight at the hotel in Paro.

The trek starts from Drukgyel Dzong at 2580m with a short downhill walk on a wide train. The trail climbs gently traversing through well maintained rice terrace and fields of millet. The route later enters an area of apple orchards and forests. Soon the valley widens and you reach the army post of Gunyitsawa at 2810m. This is the last stop before Tibet. At 2870m, just beyond Sharma Zampa, there are several good camping places in meadows surrounded by trees

The trail again follows Pa Chu (Paro River), ascending and descending through pine, oak and spruce forests. Hot lunch will be served after crossing the bridge towards the left side of the river. After lunch follow the river climbing up through rhododendron forests and finally crossing the bridge again, reaching to the campsite at the altitude of 3.750m.

The path ascends for a while till you reach the army camp. Then follow the river above the tree line enjoying the stunning view of the surrounding peaks. Hot lunch will be served inside a yak herder's camp. A short walk into the valley will take you to the camp at Jangothang at an altitude of 4,040m. From here, the view of Mount. Chomolhari and Jichu Drake is superb.

The trail follows the stream for half an hour and crosses the bridge to the rightside. Start the climb upto the first ridge with a breathtaking view of Chomolhari, Jichu Drake and Tsrim Khang. Then walk towards the valley, almost flat for a while, until the climb to the Nyele la pass at an altitude of 4,700m. After the pass it's a gradual descent to the Lingshi camp, enjoying the panormic view of the peaks and Lingshi Dzong. Camp at the altitude of 4000m.

The Laya Gasa route leaves the Chomolhari trek here. The trek route climbs towards a small white chorten on a ridge above the camp, then turns south up tee deep Mo Chu valley. The trail stays on the west side of the largely treeless valley, climbing steadily a short distance above Mo Chu. In then crosses the river, and climbs steeply for two hours to Yeli la (4820m). From the pass, on a clear day, you can see Chomolhari, Ganghhenta, Tserim Khang and Masang Gang. Descend alongside a stream to a shelter, then further fownstream to a camp at Shodu (4,100m), a meadow with a chorten.

At this place, one comes back to treeline. The path follows Thimphu river, descending through rhododendron, juniper and other alpine forests. The view of the cliff facing rocks and waterfalls is stunning. Hot lunch will be served by the riverside. After lunch the trail gradually ascends to the ruins of Barshong Dzong, reaching the camp at the altitude of 3,600m.

The trail descends gently through a dense forest of rhododendron, birch and conifers, then drops steeply to meet Thimphu Chu. It says on river left, climbing over ridges and descending to side streams. Then traverses steep cliff to Dolam Kencho, a camp among pastureland at 3,600m

The trail goes in and out side valleys above Thimphu Chu, making a long ascent through a forest of conifers and high altitude broadleaf species to a pass at 3,510m. The trail then drops steeply to the river and follow it southward to the roadhead at Dodena, elevation 2600m where you will be picked up by Connecting Horizons Adventures transport to drive to Thimphu. Overnight at hotel in Thimphu.

Full day of sight seeing in Thimphu valley visiting Memorial Chorten, Tashichhodzong, National Library, Painting School, Traditional Medicine Institute, Handicrafts Emporium. Evening drive to Paro. Overnight at the hotel in Paro.

After breakfast, drive to Paro airport for flight to onward destination.