Chomolhari Base Camp Trek

Chomolhari Base Camp Trek 14 Days

From $3681 USD

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Overview

Highlights

Duration: 14 Days
Comfort: 66.6666666666667%
Language: English
Rating: 0%
Trip ID: 70263
Start Location: Paro, Bhutan
End Location: Paro, Bhutan

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Primary Activities: Trekking
Other Activities: museum, sightseeing, Camping, Local Culture, Monasteries
Activity Level: Intermediate

If you are short on time and crave remote wilderness coupled with a unique cultural experience, then the Chomolhari trek is the perfect choice. Beginning at Drugkyel Dzong in the picturesque Paro Valley we enter the stunning rhododendron forests and weave our way up the valley crossing and recrossing glistening glacial streams.

Eventually the landscape opens up to grassy meadows and leads us to Jangothang where we camp below the sacred peak of Chomolhari (7314m). Continuing toward the Nye La (4700m) we are treated to views of the startling Jichu Drake (6794m) and Tshrim Khang, before making the gradual crossing of the Pass with views of the Lingshi Dzong perched high on a hill top. The most difficult day of the trek sees us crossing the 4950m Yale Pass before descending to the Thimphu River and the Bhutanese capital of Thimphu

Itinerary

Day 1: Join Paro: After clearing customs and immigration you will meet your Bhutanese leader and drive a short distance via the main street of Paro to our accommodation at the Kichu Resort. At some stage of our visit, we have planned visits to the main part of town, and a visit to the National Museum. It will depend on our time of arrival into Paro, and when trek preparations are completed. The touring program will take in the grand Paro Dzong which dominates the valley and is the most important Dzong (fortress) in Bhutan. It is the model by which all other dzongs are constructed and is not open to visitors.

The watchtower above it, Ta Dzong, is also an impressive building that houses the National Museum that is very informative. Old costumes and battle dress, together with priceless jewelry and specimens of the kingdom’s unique flora and fauna are included within the museum. Downtown, there is a mixed collection of shops selling basic goods, and also handicrafts of wood, cloth and metal-ware. Archery is the national sport and practiced throughout the kingdom. Shooting ranges lined by willow trees can be seen during our travels, as well as some traditional style bridges.

In September 2011 a large earthquake in the area caused damage to the National Museum in Paro. Due to this damage the Museum has been closed in the interests of public safety. A reopening date is not yet known, if at the time of your tour the museum has not re-opened alternate sightseeing will be arranged.

Meals: L,D
Day 2: Paro Valley, Takstang Monastery (3100m) & National Museum: A really exciting and informative day as an introduction to this wonderful country (described in part above). The Paro valley is truly beautiful, being a location for various farming activities, including commercial quantities of asparagus, strawberries and shitake mushrooms for export, plus various grain and vegetable crops. It is a patchwork of colours delineated by well kept traditional design farm houses that are ornately decorated.

All of the slopes surrounding the valley are forested and the hint of mountains beyond is alluring. Simply driving through the willow lined streets is relaxing and uplifting – there is no clutter of people, or traffic or rubbish, (Plastic bags are banned). Our morning is spent exploring and appreciating the Tigers Nest Monastery or Taktsang, as it is known in Bhutan, a short drive from our resort. It takes us about one and a half hours to walk up the winding trail steeply through chir pine forest to a tea house and excellent vantage point.

Another half hour walk takes us almost directly opposite the cliffs where the monastery is set. The monastery is the divine resting place of the Guru Ringpoche, and although it was accidentally burnt down more than a year ago, reconstruction is almost finished, with only the finer decorating and refurbishment work to be done. We return back to our accommodation for lunch and then some touring in the afternoon.

Meals: B,L,D
Day 3: Drive to Drukyel Dzong (2580m) & commence trek to Shana (2860m) (16kms, approx 5/6 hrs): It is a short drive of approx 15 minutes up the Paro valley to the roadhead at Drukyel Dzong where our trek commences. Drukyel Dzong was originally built as a fortress in 1647 to guard against Tibetans invading the Paro Valley, although it was destroyed by fire in 1951. We also gain our first views of the summit of Chomolhari (7314m) at the head of the valley, while horseman organize their loads.

We get under way straight away and take a break for lunch where it suits us, as we are carrying a packed lunch. Initially the trail is wide and flat, passing through farm country made up of fields of rice, wheat, barley, mustard, potato, and radish as well as herds of cows. The traditional Bhutanese two storey, timber and stone houses form photogenic scenery for the beginning of our trek.

It is a reasonable day’s walk today, our first day’s trek, taking us past a couple of settlements including a military post where our permits will be checked. Our camp at Shana is in a grassy clearing among a forest of tall pines beside the river.

Meals: B,L,D
Day 4: Trek to Tsema Marpu (3300m) (approx 7-8hrs): We are now trekking within Jigme Dorje National Park, the largest protected area in the country (4350 sq kms.) which extends beyond Laya to Lunana in the east and all the territory to the south. Whilst it is a protected wilderness, the park management which is based at Gasa, has to cope with the needs of lowland farmers and semi-nomadic yak herders. There is an amazing variety of species of plants and animals in the park at both high and low altitudes.

The forests are tall and thick, comprising a variety of oaks, maple, birch, larch pine and allders that will be replaced by more and more rhododendron and pines as we trek higher. There are numerous different varieties of the former, and depending on the onset of warmer temperatures after winter, flowers will be in bloom, or past bloom, as the lower altitudes flower earliest. As we climb higher the rhododendron species change from the common rhododendron arboreum (Nepal’s national flower) to griffithianum and cinnabarinum. Our camp site is close by the river.

Meals: B,L,D
Day 5: Trek to Soi Thangthangkha (3600m) (approx 45mins), and rest day: Today is a short day to benefit acclimatization to the higher altitudes. We make a short walk to Soi Thangthangkha through the forest. Many of the camps we stop at are not settlements as might be implied by them having a place name. Most are merely clearings beside a water source that is suitable for seasonal yak herders. On this rest day there is the option of a side walk to Soi Yaksa village, which is approximately a 6 hour return trip. Activities this day will depend on the groups acclimatization and some members may prefer to rest in camp.

Meals: B,L,D
Day 6: Trek to Jangothang (4100m) (12kms, approx 4/5 hours): We continue higher to the camp at the base of Chomolhari, a superb alpine setting. Jichu Drake (6794m) rises to our right, with a fine, elegant ridge running down toward the pass that we will cross on our next trekking day. We camp in the vicinity of yak herders from the Paro Valley, who, like their counterparts in Southern Tibet, live in woven yak wool tents throughout the summer months. By now we are above the treeline and the area is characterized by low tundra of juniper and rhododendron setosum, while blue sheep have also been spotted in the higher rocky outcrops.

Meals: B,L,D
Day 7: At Jangothang (reserve day): At Jangothang. A reserve day for acclimatization. A side trip up the small valley towards Chomolhari takes us to a dramatic viewpoint and onto the glacier beneath. Alternatively we may make a scenic excursion up to Sopu lake set adjacent to Nye La pass, both will be worthy photo excursions.

As far as mountaineering is concerned, these two peaks, like the rest of Bhutan, have seen little expedition activity from outsiders. Doug Scott successfully climbed Jichu Drake in 1988 on his third attempt, demonstrating that conditions are not so easy on this far east location of the Himalaya being first in line geographically for monsoonal influences.

Meals: B,L,D
Day 8: Cross Nye La (4870m) to Lingshi village (4025m) (18kms, approx 6/7 hrs): From camp we commence our ascent over rolling slopes of grassland and small brush to the Nye La (4850 metres). This stage is not unduly demanding and if this is your first Himalayan pass just take your time, particularly on the final steeper stages just below the pass, where grasses give way to scree and sand.

The views enroute to Jichu Drake will inspire you.From the Nye La we leave Chomolhari and Jichu Drake behind and make a steep descent through stands of pure rhododendron to Lingshi village. Of particular note is the Lingshi Dzong, built to protect this and the other outlying villages of Bhutan from the periodic raids from Tibet.

Meals: B,L,D
Days 9-10: Cross Yale La and trek to Shodu (3750m) (Walk approx 7/8 hrs) & rest day: Today is the most difficult day so an early start is essential. We begin our walk opposite the dzong and ascend gradually through the valley until the stiff climb to Yale la pass at 4950 metres the highest point of the trip. The panoramic view of Mt.Chomolhari (7314m), Jichu Drake (6794m) and Tshrim Gang is breathtaking.

After the pass it is a long descent to our camp at Shodu (3750m). We have scheduled 2 nights at this camp for the purposes of a contingency day in the case of inclement weather holding us up on the pass crossings.

Meals: B,L,D
Day 11: To Barshong (3500m) (Walk approx. 5/6hrs): The path follows the Thimchu River descending through rhododendron, Juniper and pine forests. The view of the cliff facing rocks and water falls are stunning. The trail gradually ascends after 3 to 4 hours to the ruins of Barshong Dzong and our camp for the night.

Meals: B,L,D
Day 12: Complete trek at Dodina (Walk approx. 7/8hrs). Transfer to Thimphu (approx.1-2hrs): The path descends for a while joining the Thimchu river and gradually ascending and descending through thick bamboo and pine forests. From Dolemkencho the trail descends all the way to Dodina, and the end of our trek. Transfer to Thimphu. Overnight hotel.

Meals: B,L,D
Day 13: In Thimphu, transfer to Paro (approx. 2hrs.): This morning there is ample time to get a feel for the country’s capital or do some shopping in the bazaar.The main Secretariat building, the Tashichho Dzong is the most prominent building consisting of the main Secretariat, the National Assembly Hall, the Office of the King and the Throne Room. Its remarkable construction is in traditional Bhutanese style completed without the use of nails or metal of any kind.

There is a large Stupa dedicated to the late King HM. Jigme Dorji Wangchuk, regarded as the founder of modern day Bhutan. Then there is the Handicraft Emporium with famous weaving, woodcarvings and paintings and also the Post Office - Bhutan’s exquisite stamps are world-renowned.Our last night in Bhutan is spent at the comfortable and relaxing environs of Kichu resort.

Meals: B,L,D
Day 14: Trip concludes in Paro.: Trip concludes after breakfast with a transfer to the airport.

Meals: B

Nuts & Bolts

Trip Includes

11 breakfasts, 11 lunches, 11 dinners
Airport transfers on Day 1 and Day 12
Expert bilingual guide
Goup medical kit
Good quality accommodation in Paro
Gear pack including kit bag, sleeping bag, down or fibre filled jacket and insulated sleeping mat
All group camping equipment
Private transportation
All park entrance fees and trekking permits
Porters/animals to carry 20kgs personal equipment
Sightseeing and site entry fees as listed

Trip Excludes

International flights
Bottled water
Aerated & alcoholic drinks
Items of a personal nature such as phone calls, laundry etc
Tips
Airport & departure taxes
Travel insurance

Trip ID#: 70263

CANCELLATIONS: 20% cancellation fee applied if cancelled 60 days prior to departure. Cancellations within 60 days are 100% non-cancelable

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