Chomolhari Trekking

Chomolhari Trekking 16 Days

Trip Code : SR/T-01

Accomodation : Hotel/Tent

Trip Duration : 16 Days

Grading : Moderate

Maximum Altitude : 4820m

Activity : Hiking and Camping

Best Season : OCT-DEC and MAR-MAY

Overview

Chomolhari Trek in Bhutan is one of the most popular treks and one of the most beautiful and un-spoilt trekking areas in the entire Himalaya. Rich and varied vegetation from richly forested valley to high alpine pastureland where yak herders graze their animals, trout fishing in the sky blue lake, magnificent views of snowy mountains and the Himalayan blue sheep and snow leopard can be encountered on this trek. The Chomolhari trek beggin from the ruins of DrugyalDzong, follwoing a river, to an altitude of 4890 meters at Yalila Pass and it offers spectacular views of the Chomolhari (7314m), JechuDarkey (6989m) and Tsherim Gang (6789m). And this Treks leads passing through the Lingshi Village which is the highest settlement in the north and it offers a sampling of the diverse variety of the Bhutanese landscape and this Trekking end at the capital city of Bhutan.

Highlights

Explore the different Flora and Fauna enjoying the loneliness through the beautiful Landscape
Spectacular flight to Paro with stunning Mountain views crossing over the Himalayas
Camping Trek through the un-spoilt areas of Bhutan and visit the famous Tiger nest Monastery
Explore the Cultures, religions & Lifestyle of different Ethnic groups of Nepal and Bhutan
Sightseeing tour of Historical, Cultural, and religious UNESCO Heritages sites of Kathmandu city

Itinerary

Day 1: Welcome to Nepal and Namaste!

On arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, a representative from our office will greet you at the airport and escort you to your hotel and help you check in. You will then be briefed about your daily activities. In the evening, we have welcome dinner and we'll talk a little about Nepal and our program. (-/-/D)

Day 2: today is great Sightseeing through UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Kathmandu City:

Also known as Kantipur, the capital Kathmandu is the hub of Nepal's art and culture. It is a place for rest, relaxation and easy-day sightseeing of historic and artistic temples and monuments. Kathmandu Durbar Square with its arrays of temples and the ancient palaces of the former Nepali Royals enriches your experience of the centuries old civilization. Then afternoon we drive to holy place of Buddhist, Swayambhunath is said to be around 2000 years old, this Buddhist Stupa sits on top of the hill. The main stupa is composed of a solid hemisphere of brick and earth supporting a lofty conical spire crowned by a pinnacle of Copper gilt. Painted on the four sided base of the spire are the all-seeing eyes of Lord Buddha. The hill of Swayambhu is a mosaic of small Chaityas and Pagoda temples. We will get a scenic view of Kathmandu city from there.

Day 3: Arrive Paro (2250m)

hespectacular flight to Paro crossing the Himalayan Mountains, affording spectacular views of the awesome peaks, including the sacred Chomolhari and Jichu Drake peaks in Bhutan. Upon arrivaland after visa formalities you will be greeted by our representative and transferred to your hotel. In the afternoon you can visit the ParoDzong (fortress). Afterward you will visit KichuLhakhang, one of the oldest and the most sacred shrine in the country. Overnight at hotel in Paro.(B/L/D)

Day 4: Hike to Tiger's Nest Monastery (3180m)

After breakfast we walk to Taktsang monastery, Bhutan's most famous(Tiger's Nest) Monastery, which is built during the 17 century, where the great saint Padmasambhava came in the 8th century on a flying tigress and meditated in this cave. After exploring the monastery you descend back to Paro. In the evening you can explore the Paro.

Day 5: Paro to Shana (2850m. 5-6 hrs)

Drive to DrugyalDzong,The trail leads gently traversing through well-maintained rice terraces and fields of millet. The route later enters an area of apple orchards and forests, following the PaChhu (ParoRiver).You encounter first small settlement TsentoZampa, 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. Overnight at tent (B/L/D)

Day 6: Shana- SioThangthangkha (3750m, 7-8 hrs)

The trail again follows Pa Chhu (Paro River), ascending and descending through pine, oak and spruce forests. Hot lunch will be served near river. After lunch follow the river climbing up through rhododendron forests and finally crossing the bridge again, reaching to the campsite. Overnight at tent (B/L/D)

Day 7: SioThangthangkha - Jangothang(4040m. 7-8 hrs)

The Trail ascends for a while till you reach the army camp. Then follow the river above the tree line enjoying the stunning view of surrounding peaks. After Lunch a short walk into the valley will take you to the camp at Jangothang. It offers the view of Mt. Chomolhari(7320 m.) and Jichu Drake(6900 meters) are superb, which mountains are still virgin peaks. Overnight at Tent (B/L/D)

Day 8: Rest day at Jangothang.

Today is a rest and acclimatization for the next day, pass over Nyile La (4870m). After breakfast explore the surrounding areas like Tshophu lake, visit Yakherders or you will take for 3-4 hours excursion up the ridge to the north of the camp. The ridge is endless, but after walking for hour there is a view of Jichu Drakye.There are chances to watch out for a herd of Himalayan Blue Sheep in this valley. Overnight at tent (B/L/D)

Day 9: Jangothang - Lingshi (4000m 7-8 hrs)

After breakfast you follow the stream or half an hour and cross the bridge to the right side. Start the climb up to the first ridge with a breathtaking view of Chomolhari, Jichu Drake and TsheringGang. Than you walk through the wide open valley. The climb up to the Nyele la pass 4700 meters is not too difficult and the view is breathtaking.After the pass, it is a gradual descent to the Lingshi camp, enjoying the panoramic view of the peaks and LingshiDzong. Overnight at Tent (B/L/D)

Day 10: Lingshi - Shodu (4100m. 8 hrs)

An early start as we have a long and a hard day to cross another beautiful pass. We travel through the rhododendron forest on the ridge above camp towards a small chorten (stupa), walking along the Mo Chhu valley and then cross the river and climbs steeply for two hours to Yeli La pass (4,820). From the pass, on a clear day, you can see Chomolhari, Gangchen Ta, Tshering Gang and Masang Gang. Descend alongside a stream to a shelter, and then further downstream to a camp at Shodu(B/L/D)

Day 11: Shodu-Barshong - (3600m, 6-7 hrs)

Today you come back to the tree line and follow the Thimchu River descending through rhododendron, Juniper and pine forests.The view of the cliff facing rocks and waterfalls is stunning. After lunch the trail gradually ascends to the ruins of Barshong Dzong, reaching the camp at tent. (B/L/D)

Day 12: Barshong-Dodina-Thimpo (2600m 7-8hrs)

he trail descends gently through a dense forest of rhododendron, birch and conifers, and then drops steeply to meet Thimphu River. And gradually ascending and descending through thick bamboo and pine forests.The trail continues up to 3450 m and descends to a side stream and several switchbacks to descend a vertical cliff finally reaching the last stretch to Dodina.Where yours transport will be waiting to take you to Thimphu the Capital city of Bhutan. Overnight at Hotel.(B/L/D)

Day 13: Drive Thimphu-Paro (Distance 54Km, Time 45 minutes)

In the morning time sightseeing of Thimpu valley and town and absorb the life style of the people and afternoon we drive to Paro. Once again visit the Paro and overnight at Hotel. (B/L/D)

Day 14: Transfer to Paro airport and flight to Kathmandu (1340m.)

Transfer to airport for departure and fly to Kathmanducrossing the Himalayan Mountains, affording spectacular views of the many beautiful Mountain and arrive in Kathmandu than after drive to Hotel. Overnight at Hotel (B/L/D)

Day 15: Sightseeing tour through the UNESCO world heritage site;

First of all we visit the Hindu temple Pashupatinath, which is one of the oldest Hindu Temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is for the Hindus what Mecca is for the Muslims. Situated on the bank of the sacred Bagmati River, the temple was built in Pagoda Style with gilded roof and richly carved silver doors. Pashupatinath is the center of annual pilgrimage on the day of Shivaratri which falls in the month of February or March. We will also be able to see cremation grounds that lie on the bank of Bagmati behind the temple. Then we drive to the holiest place of Buddhist, Boudhanath Stupa, one of the oldest and the biggest Buddhist monuments ever built in Nepal; Boudhanath is one of the holiest structures imposing a height of 37 meters with three massive level Mandala style platforms. It is surrounded by colorful buildings housing families creating a friendly enclosure. The Stupa is visited every year by tens of thousands of pilgrims from all over the world. Then afternoon we visit Patan City, Located about 5 km south of Kathmandu, Patan is one of 3 royal cities in the valley. A destination for connoisseurs of fine arts, Patan is filled with wood and stone carvings, metal statues, ornate architecture, including dozens of Buddhist and Hindu temples, and over 1200 monuments.

Day 16: Departure

Departure from Nepal and arrival in home Land.

What's Include

All airport/hotel transfers in Nepal and Bhutan
Accommodation in Kathmandu (3 stars hotel)
All meal Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner in Nepal and Bhutan
Sightseeing tour in Kathmandu valley including tour guide and entrance fees as per Itinerary
Transport for sightseeing in private vehicle
Airfare Kathmandu to Paro and Paro to Kathmandu
Standard government approved accommodation (in twin share rooms) for the duration of tour.
Trekking equipmentâ€™s like 2-men sleeping tents, dining tents, kitchen tents, toilet tents, and sleeping mats
Government royalty in Bhutan
Private transport and driver within Bhutan.
Bhutan visa fees and visa processing assistance
Government license holder English speaking Bhutanese tour guide
Route permits & monument access permits
Luggage will be transport by horses, mules or yaks at higher elevations.
Alpine Himalaya Friendship Treks lugage (yours to keep)
Government taxes and office service charge in Nepal

What's not Include

Nepal Visa fee (bring accurate US $ 40 cash and two passport photographs)
International airfare to and from Kathmandu
Travel and rescue insurance
All bar bills like Alcohol, cold drink and hot drinks, on the way
Cost differences in the case of early return from the Trekking than the scheduled itinerary
Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu, if early arrival, late departure, and early return from the Trekking (due to any reason) than the scheduled itinerary
Personal expenses (phone calls, laundry, extra porters,etc)
Tips for guides, support crew and porters