Nestled in the folds of the Eastern Himalayas, remaining in self-imposed isolation for centuries, Bhutan opened up to the world in a glacial pace. The population lived in close harmony with nature, evolving a unique identity, derived largely from a rich religious and cultural heritage.
This country of 700,000 people, roughly the size of Switzerland, is the world's only Mahayana Buddhist country. The Buddhist respect for all sentient beings helped Bhutan protect its pristine ecology and wildlife.
This self-sufficient population was never colonized and had limited contact to the outside world. Buddhism was established in the 8th century by the Indian saint Padmasambhava, popularly known in the Tantric tradition as Guru Rinpoche. Perhaps the most dynamic era in Bhutanese history came in the 17th century with the arrival, in 1616, of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the great leader of the Drukpa school of Mahayana Buddhism. He unified the country and established the foundations for national governance and the Bhutanese identity.
In 1907, a historic Assembly of the clergy, the official administration, and the people unanimously elected Gongsar Ugyen Wangchuck as the first hereditary King of Bhutan thus beginning the glorious era of the Wangchuck dynasty. In 2006, the fourth king of Bhutan, Jigme Singye Wangchuck announced that he would abdicate in favor of a constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary democracy. In 2008, the year that marked 100 years of the monarchy saw two important events; the first democratic elections and the coronation of the fifth king, Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck.
Facts and Figures
Chomolhari Trek Highlight
The Chomolhari Trek is one of Bhutan's most spectacular and challenging treks, offering breathtaking views of Mount Chomolhari (7,314m) and Jichu Drake (6,794m). This moderate to difficult trek takes you through pristine forests, alpine meadows, high mountain passes, and traditional Bhutanese villages, culminating in spectacular views of the sacred Chomolhari mountain.
Trek Duration
8 days (7 nights camping)
Difficulty Level
Moderate to Difficult
Max Altitude
4,820m (Yeli-la Pass)
Best Season
April-May & September-October
Trek Highlights: Spectacular views of Chomolhari and Jichu Drake, crossing high mountain passes, visiting remote villages, experiencing Bhutan's pristine wilderness, and camping under starry Himalayan skies.
Tour Itinerary
DAY 01: ARRIVE PARO BY AIR
The flight to Paro is one of the most spectacular in entire Himalayas. Whether flying along the Himalayan range from Kathmandu or over the foothills from Kolkata, the journey offers fascinating views and an exciting descent into the Kingdom. Bhutan's first gift to you as you disembark from the aircraft will be cool, clean fresh mountain air. After immigration formalities and baggage collection, you will be met by our guide & transfer to hotel for check-in.
Rest of the day is at leisure
Overnight at the hotel in Paro
DAY 02: PARO – SHANA (17 KMS / 05-06 HOURS WALK)
The Chomolhari trek starts from Drukgyel Dzong (2,580m) with a short downhill walk on a wide trail. The trail then climbs gently through well maintained rice terraces and fields of millet. Later on we come to apple orchards and forests. Soon the valley widens and we reach the army post of Gunyitsawa (2,810m). This is the last stop before Tibet. We continue upwards to just beyond Sharma Zampa (2,870m), where there are several good camping places in meadows surrounded by trees.
Overnight at camp in Shana
DAY 03: SHANA – SOI THANGTHANGKHA (20 KMS / 07-08 HOURS WALK)
The trail again follows the Pa Chhu (Paro river), ascending and descending through pine, oak and spruce forests. After crossing a bridge to the left bank of the river, we stop for a hot lunch. Then we continue along the river, climbing upwards through rhododendron forests and crossing the river once more before reaching our campsite (3,750m).
Overnight at camp in Soi Thangthangkha
DAY 04: SOI THANGTHANGKHA – JANGOTHANG (14 KMS / 05-06 HOURS WALK)
The path ascends for a while till you reach the army camp. We then follow the river above the tree line, enjoying the stunning views of the surrounding peaks. Hot lunch is served at a yak herder's camp. A short walk from here into the valley will takes us to our campsite at Jangothang (4,040m). From here, the views of Mount. Chomolhari and Jichu Drake are superb.
Overnight at camp in Jangothang
DAY 05: JANGOTHANG – LINGSHI (18 KMS / 07-08 HOURS WALK)
The trail follows the stream for half an hour and crosses the bridge to the right bank. We now start our climb up to the first ridge, enjoying breathtaking view of Mt. Chomolhari, Jichu Drake and Tsrim Khang. The trail then takes us across a fairly level valley floor until the climb to the Nyele-la (4,700m). We descend gradually from the pass to our campsite at Lingshi (4,000m), enjoying the panoramic view of the mountain peaks and Lingshi Dzong as we walk.
Overnight at camp in Lingshi
DAY 06: LINGSHI – SHODU (22 KMS / 08-09 HOURS WALK)
The Laya - Gasa route leaves the Chomolhari trek route here. Our trail climbs up towards a small white Chorten on a ridge above the camp, then turns south up the deep Mo Chu valley. The trail stays on the west side of this largely treeless valley, climbing steeply a short distance above the Mo Chu. It then crosses the river, and climbs steeply for two hours to Yeli-la pass (4,820m). On a clear day, you can see Mt. Chomolhari, Gangchhenta, Tserim Khang and Masang Gang from this pass. Descend alongside a stream to a rock shelter in the cliff face, and then continue on downstream till reaching Shodu (4,100m), where we will camp in a meadow with a Chorten in it.
Overnight at camp in Shodu
DAY 07: SHODU – BARSHONG (16 KMS / 06-07 HOURS WALK)
We are now back at the tree line, and our path follows the course of the Thimphu Chu (river), descending through rhododendron, juniper and mixed alpine forests. There are stunning views of rocky cliff faces and waterfalls along the way is stunning. We stop at the riverside for a hot lunch. Then the trail takes us gradually upwards to the ruins of Barshong Dzong (3,600m), near which we camp for the night.
Overnight at camp in Barshong
DAY 08: BARSHONG – DOLAM KENCHO (15 KMS / 05-06 HOURS WALK)
The trail descends gently through a dense forest of rhododendron, birch and conifers, then drops steeply to meet Thimphu Chh (river). The trail runs along the left bank of the river, climbing over ridges and descending into gullies where side streams runs down into the river. The final stage of the trail climbs around a cliff face high above the Thimphu Chu river, coming out onto pastureland where we camp for the night at 3,600m.
Overnight at camp in Dolam Kencho
DAY 09: DOLAMKENCHO – DODENA – PARO (08 KMS / 03 HOURS WALK)
The trail winds in and out of side valleys above Thimphu Chhu, 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 following it southward to the road head at Dodena (2,600m). The transport meets us here, and we drive back to Paro.
On arrival in Paro, check into the hotel. Rest of the day is at leisure.
Overnight at the hotel in Paro.
DAY 10: PARO
After breakfast, excursion to Taktshang Monastery or Tiger's Nest (approx. 5 hours walk): It is one of the most famous of Bhutan's monasteries, perched on the side of a cliff 900m above the Paro valley floor. It is said that Guru Rinpoche arrived here on the back of a tigress and meditated at this monastery and hence it is called 'Tiger's Nest'. This site has been recognised as a most sacred place and visited by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1646 and now visited by all Bhutanese at least once in their lifetime. On 19 April, 1998, a fire severely damaged the main structure of building but now this Bhutanese jewel has been restored to its original splendour.
Evening, visit the 7th century Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the 108 temples built in the Himalayas by Tibetan King, Songtsen Gampo. The building of this temple marks the introduction of Buddhism in Bhutan.
Overnight at the hotel in Paro.
DAY 11: DEPART PARO BY AIR
After early breakfast at the hotel, drive to the airport for flight to your onward destination. Our guide will help you with exit formalities and then bid you farewell.
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