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Mystic Bhutan - Chomolhari Trek
Come join us for an unforgettable adventure to the spiritual land of Bhutan, nestled high in the Himalayas. Experience Bhutanese culture, customs, monasteries, and landscape lush with rhododendrons and alpine forests. Breathtaking views of unclimbed summits, high ridges and deep river gorges will reward us.
Our 15-day tour of Bhutan starts in the town of Paro, located in a lush valley of rice terraces and white painted monasteries and temples that populate the hillside. We begin this adventure with a visit to one of the most famous monasteries in Bhutan, Takstang Gompa. Known as the "Tiger’s Nest," Takstang is perched on the side of a cliff 3,000 feet about the valley floor.
Our 10-day trek begins at Drukgyel Dzong where we follow the Paro Chhu Valley. Along the way the snow-capped peaks and spectacular views will captivate one. We will camp beneath the sacred mountain of Chomolhari (7314 meters or 23,930 feet). Our highpoint on the trek is going over the Yeli La at 16,130 feet (4930 meters). We will conclude our journey with a cultural tour of Thimphu Valley, and our final brush with the mystical east before departing for home.
Our 15-day tour of Bhutan starts in the town of Paro, located in a lush valley of rice terraces and white painted monasteries and temples that populate the hillside. We begin this adventure with a visit to one of the most famous monasteries in Bhutan, Takstang Gompa. Known as the "Tiger’s Nest," Takstang is perched on the side of a cliff 3,000 feet about the valley floor.
Our 10-day trek begins at Drukgyel Dzong where we follow the Paro Chhu Valley. Along the way the snow-capped peaks and spectacular views will captivate one. We will camp beneath the sacred mountain of Chomolhari (7314 meters or 23,930 feet). Our highpoint on the trek is going over the Yeli La at 16,130 feet (4930 meters). We will conclude our journey with a cultural tour of Thimphu Valley, and our final brush with the mystical east before departing for home.
DAYS
ACTIVITIES
1
Paro - 4,383 feet
Travel from your homeport through Bangkok to Paro. All flights departing the US cross the date line and consequently a day is lost. Arrive in Paro on Day 3, where a Mountain Madness guide meets you. After checking into your hotel we will have a chance to visit the Paro market and tour around town. D
Travel from your homeport through Bangkok to Paro. All flights departing the US cross the date line and consequently a day is lost. Arrive in Paro on Day 3, where a Mountain Madness guide meets you. After checking into your hotel we will have a chance to visit the Paro market and tour around town. D
2
Paro - 4,383 feet
Travel from your homeport through Bangkok to Paro. All flights departing the US cross the date line and consequently a day is lost. Arrive in Paro on Day 3, where a Mountain Madness guide meets you. After checking into your hotel we will have a chance to visit the Paro market and tour around town. D
Travel from your homeport through Bangkok to Paro. All flights departing the US cross the date line and consequently a day is lost. Arrive in Paro on Day 3, where a Mountain Madness guide meets you. After checking into your hotel we will have a chance to visit the Paro market and tour around town. D
3
Paro - 4,383 feet
Travel from your homeport through Bangkok to Paro. All flights departing the US cross the date line and consequently a day is lost. Arrive in Paro on Day 3, where a Mountain Madness guide meets you. After checking into your hotel we will have a chance to visit the Paro market and tour around town. D
Travel from your homeport through Bangkok to Paro. All flights departing the US cross the date line and consequently a day is lost. Arrive in Paro on Day 3, where a Mountain Madness guide meets you. After checking into your hotel we will have a chance to visit the Paro market and tour around town. D
4
Shana - 9,300 feet
We begin our trek from Drukgyel Dzong (2580 m), a small temple that overlooks the Paro Chhu valley. We descend slightly to the river and pass through a couple of small villages. The path then climbs through wheat, millet and rice fields. We eventually cross the Paro Chhu river and ascend uphill through a pine forest and apple orchards. We finally reach a meadow where we camp for the night. Hiking Time: 5-6 hours B, L, D
We begin our trek from Drukgyel Dzong (2580 m), a small temple that overlooks the Paro Chhu valley. We descend slightly to the river and pass through a couple of small villages. The path then climbs through wheat, millet and rice fields. We eventually cross the Paro Chhu river and ascend uphill through a pine forest and apple orchards. We finally reach a meadow where we camp for the night. Hiking Time: 5-6 hours B, L, D
5
Soi Thangthangkha -12,300 feet
We continue along the river through a conifer and rhododendron forest. Our camping site is situated in a cedar grove with Jhomolhari, looming at the head of the valley. Hiking Time: 7-8 hours B, L, D
We continue along the river through a conifer and rhododendron forest. Our camping site is situated in a cedar grove with Jhomolhari, looming at the head of the valley. Hiking Time: 7-8 hours B, L, D
6
Jangothang - 13,200 feet
Today our route follows the river above the treeline. Along the way there will be opportunities for birdwatching with a variety of birds to be seen. We enjoy stunning views of the surrounding peaks with magnificent views of sheer rock faces across the valley. Soon we enter wide-open pastures where Bhutanese allow their yaks to graze. We come to a small settlement of Takethang. After lunch it’s a short distance to our camp along a quaint river stream. Hiking Time: 5-6 hours B, L, D
Today our route follows the river above the treeline. Along the way there will be opportunities for birdwatching with a variety of birds to be seen. We enjoy stunning views of the surrounding peaks with magnificent views of sheer rock faces across the valley. Soon we enter wide-open pastures where Bhutanese allow their yaks to graze. We come to a small settlement of Takethang. After lunch it’s a short distance to our camp along a quaint river stream. Hiking Time: 5-6 hours B, L, D
7
Jangothang - 13,200 feet
Today is an exploration and acclimatization day. There will be several options for either a short hike today to the surroundings area or a fishing expedition to Tsophu Lake. B, L, D
Today is an exploration and acclimatization day. There will be several options for either a short hike today to the surroundings area or a fishing expedition to Tsophu Lake. B, L, D
8
Lingzhi - 13,100 feet
From Jangothang, we leave the last of the settlements. There is a spectacular view of Jichu Drake that towers above the valley. After crossing a log bridge at 13,600 feet, we follow the river with views of the snow covered peaks above us. Soon the terrain becomes more alpine before crossing the Nyele-La pass at 15,400 feet. As we descend we have views of mountain peaks and Lingzhi Dzong. We pass through stands of rhododendrons and birch before coming to our campsite at 13,100 feet. Hiking Time: 7-8 hours B, L, D
From Jangothang, we leave the last of the settlements. There is a spectacular view of Jichu Drake that towers above the valley. After crossing a log bridge at 13,600 feet, we follow the river with views of the snow covered peaks above us. Soon the terrain becomes more alpine before crossing the Nyele-La pass at 15,400 feet. As we descend we have views of mountain peaks and Lingzhi Dzong. We pass through stands of rhododendrons and birch before coming to our campsite at 13,100 feet. Hiking Time: 7-8 hours B, L, D
9
Lingzhi - 13,100 feet
Lingzhi Dzong stands impressively on an isolated promontory. It is is the adminstrative center of the region and as important as it had been in the past when it served as a fortress protecting the main trading route between western Bhutan and old Tibet. Along with exploring Lingzhi, we will also have an optional excursion to Tsokha, base camp for Jichu Drake. If we are lucky we will have the opportunity to see large herds of blue sheep and musk deer. B, L, D
Lingzhi Dzong stands impressively on an isolated promontory. It is is the adminstrative center of the region and as important as it had been in the past when it served as a fortress protecting the main trading route between western Bhutan and old Tibet. Along with exploring Lingzhi, we will also have an optional excursion to Tsokha, base camp for Jichu Drake. If we are lucky we will have the opportunity to see large herds of blue sheep and musk deer. B, L, D
10
Shodu - 13,300 feet
After an early breakfast we begin climbing toward a small white chorten on a ridge above the camp. The trail ascends the ridge to Mo Chhu valley and eventually reaching the Yeli La pass at 15,800 feet. We are rewarded with breathtaking views of Chomolhari, Gangchenta, Tserimgang and Masagang. We descend back down the other side reaching a small alpine lake. The route then follows a river descending into another huge valley and another pristine alpine lake at 15,400 feet and continuing on to our campsite at 13,300 feet. Hiking Time: 8-9 hours B, L, D
After an early breakfast we begin climbing toward a small white chorten on a ridge above the camp. The trail ascends the ridge to Mo Chhu valley and eventually reaching the Yeli La pass at 15,800 feet. We are rewarded with breathtaking views of Chomolhari, Gangchenta, Tserimgang and Masagang. We descend back down the other side reaching a small alpine lake. The route then follows a river descending into another huge valley and another pristine alpine lake at 15,400 feet and continuing on to our campsite at 13,300 feet. Hiking Time: 8-9 hours B, L, D
11
Barshong - 11,800 feet
From Shodu, the trail traverses under steep yellow rock cliffs with a few meditation caves carved into them. Our path descends a stone staircase and through rhododendron, juniper and mixed alpine forests. There are stunning views of the rocky cliffs and beautiful waterfalls along the way. After lunch the trail continues upward to the ruins of Barshon Dzong and where we camp for the night. Hiking Time: 6-7 hours B, L, D
From Shodu, the trail traverses under steep yellow rock cliffs with a few meditation caves carved into them. Our path descends a stone staircase and through rhododendron, juniper and mixed alpine forests. There are stunning views of the rocky cliffs and beautiful waterfalls along the way. After lunch the trail continues upward to the ruins of Barshon Dzong and where we camp for the night. Hiking Time: 6-7 hours B, L, D
12
Dolam Kencho - 11,900 feet
Today we descend through a dense forest of rhododendron, birch and conifers before dropping down to the mighty Wang Chhu river. We climb over a few ridges before reaching our camp in a pleasant meadow at 11,900 feet. Hiking Time: 5-6 hours B, L, D
Today we descend through a dense forest of rhododendron, birch and conifers before dropping down to the mighty Wang Chhu river. We climb over a few ridges before reaching our camp in a pleasant meadow at 11,900 feet. Hiking Time: 5-6 hours B, L, D
13
Thimpu - 8,600 feet
Our final day of the trek leads us up a hill to a small pass at 10, 200 feet before descending through a bamboo forest and back to the Wang Chhu. We then continue to the village of Dodina where we meet our transportation. We drive to the capital of Bhutan, the town of Thimphu. Thimphu is a wooded community that lies above the Wang Chhu river. Hiking Time: 6-7 hours B, L, D
Our final day of the trek leads us up a hill to a small pass at 10, 200 feet before descending through a bamboo forest and back to the Wang Chhu. We then continue to the village of Dodina where we meet our transportation. We drive to the capital of Bhutan, the town of Thimphu. Thimphu is a wooded community that lies above the Wang Chhu river. Hiking Time: 6-7 hours B, L, D
14
Thimpu / Wangdi- 8,600 feet
If time permits we will explore the Thimphu valley including Memorial Chorten, the most prominent religious structures in Thimphu, the Painting School, and the National Library with many ancient Dzongkha and Tibetan text. Tonight we will stay in Wangdi. B, L, D
If time permits we will explore the Thimphu valley including Memorial Chorten, the most prominent religious structures in Thimphu, the Painting School, and the National Library with many ancient Dzongkha and Tibetan text. Tonight we will stay in Wangdi. B, L, D
15
Wangdi Festival
Today we are treated to the onging Wangdi Festival, which is held every year in honor of Guru Rimpochey. Here you will see the finest Bhutanese jewlery and mask dances. The dances are performed by both monks and laymen. After enjoying the festival we will drive to Punakha, where we will stay for the night.
Today we are treated to the onging Wangdi Festival, which is held every year in honor of Guru Rimpochey. Here you will see the finest Bhutanese jewlery and mask dances. The dances are performed by both monks and laymen. After enjoying the festival we will drive to Punakha, where we will stay for the night.
16
Punakha - Paro - 4,383 feet
After breakfast we visit the Wangdi Dzong that sits atop a high ridge between Punak Chhu and Dang Chhu and Punakha Dzong, which is the winter home of Central Monk Body, Je Khenpo. In the afternoon we drive to Punakha Wangdi and cross the Dochula pass at 3050 meters. We will have one last view of the beautiful views of the Eastern Himalayan range before returning to Paro. B, L, D
After breakfast we visit the Wangdi Dzong that sits atop a high ridge between Punak Chhu and Dang Chhu and Punakha Dzong, which is the winter home of Central Monk Body, Je Khenpo. In the afternoon we drive to Punakha Wangdi and cross the Dochula pass at 3050 meters. We will have one last view of the beautiful views of the Eastern Himalayan range before returning to Paro. B, L, D
17
Paro - 4,383 feet
In the morning we will take a short hike to Taktshang Gompa, considered one of the most famous of Bhutan’s monasteries, perched on the side of a cliff 3,000 feet above the valley floor. The name means “tiger’s nest.” After lunch we will visit Kyichu Lhakhang. This temple was built in 659 by King Songtsen Gampo of Tibet. Tonight we conclude our journey with a final celebration dinner! Overnight in Paro. B, L
In the morning we will take a short hike to Taktshang Gompa, considered one of the most famous of Bhutan’s monasteries, perched on the side of a cliff 3,000 feet above the valley floor. The name means “tiger’s nest.” After lunch we will visit Kyichu Lhakhang. This temple was built in 659 by King Songtsen Gampo of Tibet. Tonight we conclude our journey with a final celebration dinner! Overnight in Paro. B, L
18
Depart
Depart Paro and fly home.
Depart Paro and fly home.
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Trip
Facts
Facts
Trip Name
Mystic Bhutan - Chomolhari Trek
Duration
17 Nights / 18 Days
Country
Activities
Treks
Grade
Challanging
Best Season
October - November
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