Chomolhari Base Camp Trek - Itinerary & Route Details
Day 1:
Fly to Paro. Resolve immigration permits. Local Sightseeing
Brief day's plan: Today we take a picturesque drive on the swirls of the Highway to one of the most peaceful towns in the lap of the Himalayas - Paro We then wander around the city for local sigthseeing.
The National Museum:
It used to be the watch tower for the Dzong below and the design is believed to be conch like, one will be able to notice how the corridors spiral down to the other entrance/ exit. However, there was a major earthquake which caused quite a bit of damage to the structure and the artifacts have been shifted to a newer building just above. The artifacts include a range of items which represent the history of Bhutan.
Paro Rinpung Dzong:
The name means Fortress of a heap of Jewels is now the center for District Administrations’ and Religious activities’. The structure itself dates back to the 17th century and is quite an imposing building watching over the valley of Paro. The annual festival (Tsechu) starts from this place and the dances take place in the courtyard outside.
A Short Bridge-Hike:
A hike down the moderate slope to the cantilever bridge, one of the finest specimens in Bhutan with its shingle roof and two guard-houses at each end.
Accommodation: Hotel, Paro
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Day 2:
Paro (2300m) to Tiger's Nest ( over-the-cliff-hanging Taktshang Monastery, 2580m ), 5 - 7 hrs.
Brief day's plan: Today we drive till the base of the Taktshang Monastery, a village names Taktshang. We then start our beautiful hike upto the monastery. As the monastery reveals itself hanging on a cliff, the hike become easier. All through the scenery is magnificent. After we reach the monastery, we visit it. It has deep rooted history and impact on present day Bhutan. After spending some good time there, we head back to the base which takes us a little less than 2 hours hike. We then drive back to Paro and spend the rest of the day.
We will start our trek tomorrow, so we also take care of the preparations for the trek.
Accommodation: Hotel, Paro
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Day 3:
Drive to Drugyel Dzong and Up to Army Camp at Gunitsawa. Trek up to Pine Camp at Shana (2, 950m), 4 - 5 hrs
After checking our trekking permits at Gunitsawa, we start our trek from the road head and climb up gradually through the tall trees to our campsite on the other side of the Pac Chu (river)
Accommodation: Tents
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner with Evening snacks and hot drinks
Day 4:
Shana to Soi Thangthanka (3,510m), 20 km, 6 - 7 hrs
Our trail is almost similar climbing up following the Pa Chu as we enter in the Jigme Dorje National Park. After sometime we reach a opening in the forest where we camp for the night. We get first glimpse of Chomolhari here.
Accommodation: Tents
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner with Evening snacks and hot drinks
Day 5:
Soi Thangthanka to Jangothang (4,080m), 19 km, 6 - 7 hrs.
Today we cross the tree line following the Pa Chu. We come across few villages and yak herdsmen before reaching our campsite marked with prayer flags. Grand views of Chomolhari and Jichu Drake rewards us for the hard day.
Accommodation: Tents
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner with Evening snacks and hot drinks
Day 6:
Acclimatisation and Exploration day at Jangothang (4,080m)
Enjoy the day to the fullest, as it not just gives us good views but also helps us acclimatize. We may chose to hike up to Tshophu, a high altitude lake with trouts, or wander around with your camera nearby. Stunning views all round. Jichu Drake (6,989m), Tserim Kang (6,789m) and Chomolhari (7314m) surrounds you
Accommodation: Tents
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner with Evening snacks and hot drinks
Day 7:
Jangothang to Lingshi (4,150m) via Nyile La (4,890m), 18 km, 6 - 7 hrs.
Our route climbs gently up to the top of the pass. Spend some good time here to enjoy the surrounding views of the peaks. Descend down to our campsite
Accommodation: Tents
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner with Evening snacks and hot drinks
Day 8:
Lingshi to Sho du (3,962m),via Yele La (4820m) 22 km, 7 - 8 hrs.
Today we negotiate the Yele La. The top of the pass offers great views of Chomolhari (7,314m), Gangchhenta (6,840m), Tserim Kang (6,789m) and Masang Gang (7,165m). We the descend down to our campsite at Sho Du
Accommodation: Tents
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner with Evening snacks and hot drinks
Day 9:
Sho du to Barshong ( 3650m), 16 km, 6 - 7 hrs
We follow the Thimphu Chu today with several ascends and descends and cross it multiple times to reach Barshong.
Accommodation: Tents
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner with Evening snacks and hot drinks
Day 10:
Barshong to Dolamkoincho (3400m), 15 km, 5 - 6 hrs
With several ascends and descends and some steep descends, we meet the Thimphu Chu. After a while, we reach our campsite in a flat pasture land.
Accommodation: Tents
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner with Evening snacks and hot drinks
Day 11:
Trek to Dodena (road head) then drive to Thimphu. 3 hours
Today we end our trek after some 3 hours of trek. We then drive to Thimphu
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner with Evening snacks and hot drinks
Day 12:
Drive back to Paro. Fly back to your city
Brief Day's Plan: Today is the last day of our trip. We start early so that we can boad our flight on time. If we have early morning flight, we may well had driven to Paro yesterday itself.
Accommodation: none
Meals: Breakfast.