The Chomolahari Trek

After breakfast, drive for about 30 minutes to arrive at the road head from where the trail leads to the famous Taktsang Monastery.

The hike to Taktsang monastery is all the way uphill takes about 3 hours through villages and pine forests. The monastery which clings to a huge granite cliff 800 meters from the Paro valley was devastated by fire in 1998 but the Royal Government has taken immediate steps to restore the monastery to its original structure. It is believed that the great saint Padmasambhava came in the 7^th century on a flying tigress and meditated in a cave for 3 months.

The demons were subdued who were trying to stop the spread of Buddhism and converted the Paro valley into Buddhism. During the end of the 17 century a monastery was built on the spot where the saint mediated and it is a pilgrimage site for every Bhutanese or from the Buddhist world to visit once in their life time.

(Note: Lunch will be served at the cafeteria on the way back),

After lunch it’s about an hour back to meet the waiting vehicle and drive back to hotel.

              Overnight at hotel

After breakfast drive up to Drukyel Dzong (north of Paro) located at 2520 m where the motor-able road ends. Visit the ruined fortress of Drukyel Dzong which still attracts visitors due to the strategic location of the fort. The fort defended the Paro valley from the Tibetan invasion from the north in the early 17th century. On a clear day, Mount Chomolhari (7320 meters) can be seen towering over the dzong.

The trek to Shana starts along a dirt road for 1 hour through a wide, rich, cultivated valley, beneath forest-covered mountains, following the Paro Chu (river). The first small settlement encountered is Tsento Zampa, 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. The trek continues on the east side of the river, gently through the forests. Keep your eyes open for numerous birds and brightly colored butterflies.

After 2 ½ hours the big military camp at Gunitsawa is reached. The camp has a school and some shops, and your trekking permit will be checked at the camp entrance. After 20 minutes through forest, you will suddenly see the camp in a big open field at Shana, near the river. Looking back from camp you can see a big snowy peak, Jo Drakey. Trek Duration: 4 – 5 Hour

               Dinner and Overnight at camp

After breakfast follow the river upstream from the campsite as we pass old ruins Shana Bridge, destroyed by major flood caused by glacial lake outbursts in 1950’s. This bridge was used in the old days by travelers coming from or going to Phari in Tibet. The trail climbs steadily through a heavily forested area of oak, rhododendron, bamboo and ferns.

After crossing a small house, Shing Karap is reached. Not far after Shing Karap, we pass a junction en-route, where another path leads up the easy, forbidden pass of Tremo La and onwards to the city of Phari in Tibet. This used to be the old trading route. The trail makes a short steep climb and descent followed by a big bridge at 3250 meters; crossing to the east side of the river is Thongo Zam, where we stop for lunch.

After lunch the trek to Thangthangka continues through the forest consisting of birch, fir, larch, maple and blue pine. After a short climb we reach Seyende Zam where there is a big chorten (stupa). On clear weather we can see Mt. Chomolhari to the North. Further up about 20-30 minutes until we reach our camp in a meadow.

Trek Duration: 6 – 7 Hour

              Dinner and Overnight at Camp

After enjoying the view to Chomolhari and breakfast, the trail slowly leaves the forest line and gradually climbs into a beautiful valley, passing Tegethang, a winter home of yak herdsmen.

We continue until we arrive at Jangothang, Chomolhari base camp. This valley is wide and high with mountains like Chomolhari. Jichu Drake overlooks the camp which is visibly nearby are the ruins of an old fortress.

Trek Duration: 4 – 5 Hour

              Dinner and Overnight at camp

After breakfast we walk towards the east up to the twin lakes of Tsho Phu. From the lakes there is a spectacular view back to Chomolhari and Jichu Drake mountains. Watch out for a herd of Himalayan Blue Sheep in this valley.

Later return back to camp and rest of the day at leisure.

              Dinner and Overnight at camp

After breakfast a steep switchback trail starts climbing out of the valley into another that leads to the final climb and pass. It is a long climb about 3-4 hours to reach the first high and very windy pass of this trek, the Nyelela Pass “sleepy pass” (4890m). From Nyelela Pass one you can see far towards the east-northeast into the trekking area that we will be covering over the next couple of days. Mt. Takaphu dominates the view towards the north. Gangchen Ta “Tiger Mountain” is the main mountain to be seen looking east.

Less than 30 minutes down is a flat, more sheltered area where we shall stop for lunch.

After lunch we continue to descend passing a narrow gorge with a small river crossing. The trail leads to a viewing point from which Lingshi Dzong can be seen. Our campsite is located next to a river.  Trek Duration: 6 – 7 Hour

              Dinner and Overnight at camp

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). Below flows the No chhu (Blue river). The climb rises to an altitude of 4450 m and crossing the main river into the side of the valley. The last part of the climb is through an area with large boulders and several switch backs. After 4-5 hours (after leaving camp) we reach the big cairn on the top of the Yale La Pass (4,950m), with views of the snowy mountains around Lingshi and the Basingthang Peaks. The descent joins the Jaradinthang Chhu, which becomes the Thimphu River. Following the river until the camp Shodu.

Trek Duration: 6 – 7 Hour

              Dinner and Overnight at camp

After breakfast, pass a deserted military camp which follows the trail to the river through the limestone valley. Monks used the caves in the rocks in the old days for meditation. Cross the bridges over the main river, this offers good views of the giant rock faces and waterfalls. The trail gradually ascends 130 meters to the Barshong Dzong ruins. The Park rangers recorded a tiger and a snow leopard moving in this same area for the first time.  Trek Duration: 6 – 7 Hour

 Dinner and Overnight at camp

A steep descent on a rocky trail ending at the Thimpu Chhu River. There are several ups and downs until Dolam Kencho 3290 m. 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 Dodena. Descending through bamboo forests, following the mule trail high above the river. From here board the waiting vehicle and drive to Thimpu.

Upon arrival check into Hotel.   Trek Duration: 7 – 8 Hour.

                     Dinner at a local restaurant and overnight at the hotel

Thimpu, perhaps the most unusual capital city in the world, is a bustling town on the banks of its own river and set gloriously in the hills of its own valley. A regal town, Thimpu is home to the revered Bhutanese Royal family and to several foreign missions and development projects. The capital city has a population of 45,000, five miles from the Thimpu stands the Simthokha Dzong on a lofty ridge and is the first Dzong built by the Shabdrung in 1629.

After breakfast, Motithang mini zoo to see the rare ”Takin” national animal of Bhutan.

Then proceed for the sightseeing tour of Thimpu visiting the Memorial Chorten of the Late King and The Handicraft Emporium as well as a tour of the ”Textile Museum”; Bhutan’s textiles are unique for their diversity and sophistication; the Textile Museum explores this dynamic craft. Embroidered and appliqué splendid fabric for sacred and ceremonial use is displayed, as well as several exquisite thangkas and altar coverings. Upstairs gallery highlights the diversity of Bhutan’s textile arts and skills featuring masterpieces from the Royal Family of Bhutan. If books are a passion, a stop to tour Bhutan’s National Library to view hundreds of ancient manuscripts and ancients scrolls is well worth a visit.

Lunch at the hotel OR a local restaurant.

After lunch set out to visit The Tashichhodzong, the main secretariat building which houses the throne room of His Majesty the king of Bhutan and it is the country administrative headquarters and houses of the legislative body. The National Assembly lies deep in the valley in all its grandeur.

In the late afternoon, drive up to the hill to see the largest Buddha statue of Bhutan. It overlooks the Thimpu Valley and from here, there is panoramic view of the whole of the Thimpu valley.

Later return to the Hotel

Dinner and Overnight at the Hotel.

After breakfast, set out to visit the Punakha valley, the former capital of Bhutan via the Dochula pass located at 10,000 feet at the place of 108 Chortens. From here (weather permitting) there is spectacular view of the Himalayas.

Upon arrival check into the Hotel and await the tour group’s arrival to Punakha.

After lunch, visit the Punakha Dzong, built in 1637 and the winter residence of the monk body. This remarkable fortress is built between two rivers the Pho-chu (male) and the Mo- chu (female) and has survived many glacial floods and fire.

The Punakha Dzong has been restored to its full glory after about 12 years of restoration work and is replete with detailed traditional carvings and colourful paintings in perfect condition. It also houses many sacred temples. Every year during the month of February a procession known as the Punakha Serda takes place to commemorate the victory over the Tibetans.

Later visit the Chimey Lhakhang by making a short hike through fields. This “Temple of Fertility” are a popular temple visited mostly by childless couples who come to pray and ask for a boon.

After the sightseeing tour, return to the Hotel.

Dinner and Overnight at the Hotel

After a leisurely breakfast, set out for the famous Dochula pass. Though a short ride, the climatic variations within a short span from agricultural countryside to mountain landscape is quite interesting. From the Dochu La Pass (10,000 Ft) the vi=ews of the Himalayas are breathtaking (weather permitting).

It is worth spending time at the Dochula Pass for a much deserved lunch break amidst scenic mountain scenery and also to walk around and explore the108 Chortens that mark the pass.

After lunch, descend to Paro by way of Thimpu and check into the Hotel.

Rest of the day is FREE.

 Dinner and overnight at the Hotel.

Early morning wake up for the 45 minute drive to Paro for the Final departure transfer to the airport for onward flight.