BTN TREK # 3: CHOMOLHARI TREK

DAY 01: Arrive Paro by Druk Air Flight:

During this flight, one will experience breathtaking views of Mount Everest, Kanchanjunga and other Himalayan Peaks including sacred Chomolhari and Mt. Jichu Drake in Bhutan. On arrival at Paro International Airport, you will be received by a representative of Ethos  Metho Tours & Trek Ltd. Then drive to Olathang Hotel through Paro valley is enchanting. After lunch you will be taken to Ta- Dzong (Museum). Overnight at Olathang Hotel.

 

DAY 02:Paro - Sightseeing:

Drive to winding road northwest up the Pa Chu to Druk Yel Dzong, the ruined Fort, which once defended this valley from the Tibetan invasion. This fortress, now a burned shell, was once strategic in the sacred summit, reaches skyward  beyond the Dozang. This can be viewed on a clear day. On the way back you visit a typical Bhutanese to stretch your legs for the excursion to Taktshang view point.

 

DAY 03: Paro -Shama:

Drive upto Drugyel Dzong where the road ends and the trek begins, following the  river gently uphill through an arrowing agricultural valley. Lots of homes, kids and dogs can be seen. Camp is just beyond an army post. Alt. 2800m, Distance - 17 kms about 5-6 hours.

 

DAY 04: Shana- Soi Thangthangkha:

Continue uphill through river valley. It narrows and closes in and the trail winds up And down along the drainage. There is actually considerable down on trail. Camp is in a meadow with stone shelter TAB has built for the trekkers. Distance is about

21 KM. 7/8 hours.

 

DAY 05: Soi Thangthangkha - Jangothang:

On up the Pa Chu Pass a small army post  where the valley begins to widen again. Now views of high ridges and then snow - capped peaks are all around. You begin to see Yaks and Yak herders camp. Lunch will be probably at one of these camp beneath a ruined fortress at the base of Chomolhari. Alt.4040m, Distance-19, about 5/6 hours.

 

DAY 06: Jangothang  Halt:

Take up to Tshophu for fishing on there are stupendous day-hike in 3 directions. Chomolhari and it's subsidiary are directly west. Jichu Drake to the north, unclimbed summits and ridges to the east.

 

DAY 07: Jangtohang - Lingshi:

Wide Yak pastures on the way up and down the pass, possibly still some people in their Yak tents depending on the time of the year you are there . Great views of Lingshi Dzong as you come down into the Lingshi basin if the weather is clear Tserim Kang and its descending glaciers at the north end of the valley. Camp is in a stone shelter TAB has built for the trekkers. It has an inside fire pit and you can sleep on a wood floor or in tent. Alt. 4150m, distance - 19KM about 5/6 hours.

 

DAY 08: Lingshi- Halt:

On the day halt at Lingshi is a day excursion to Tshokha (Lake) i.e. base camp of Jichu/drale can be done. During the excursion hundreds of Blue sheep, Musk deer can also be seen on the way. Alt. 4500m. Distance -15KMs about 3/4 hours.

 

DAY 09: Lingshi- Shodu:

The trail ascends up to the Yalila pass (4820) from the pass Mount Chomolhari.  Tsetim Kang and Masagang can be seen on a cleat day. There is actually considerable down on trail. Camp is in a stone shelter TAB has built for the trekkers. It has an inside fire pit. Alt.3963m distance 22KM about 7/8 hours.

 

DAY 10: Shodu - Barshong:

Follow the Thimphu-Chu through the forest of Rhododendrons water falls, it narrows  and closes in and the trail winds up and down along a drainage. Ascending up to the ruins of Barshong Dzong. Camp just below ruined fortress with stone shelter TAB has built for the trekkers. Alt. 3785m, distance- 13KM about 3/4 hours.

 

DAY 11: Barshong- Dolam Kencho:

Descending down to meet Thimphu -chu  following gradually through the forest of thicker Rhododendrons, and ascending up to pasture land. Camp in a meadow. Alt. 3628m, distance- 11KM about 3/4 hours.

 

DAY 12: Dolman Kencho -Thimphu:

Continue up hill through the forest to a small pass. The trail winds up and down along the drainage. The wild animal like Languor can be seen. Where at Dodina we meet the transportation. distance- 13KM about 4/5 hours. Overnight at Hotel.

 

DAY 13: Thimphu- Punakha / wangdi / Back:

Excursion with pack lunch to Punakha and Wangdi valley. Visit Pumakha Dzonng  when the Monks are in Thimphu. Drive back to Thimphu and overnight at the Hotel.

 

DAY 14: Thimphu- Sightseeing:

A full day of sightseeing and shopping in Thimphu. Wander in the town, visit the handicrafts emporium. Visit the workshop where all the handicrafts are produced if you like. Afternoon visit Tashichho - dzong and National Memorial Chorten. Overnight at the Hotel.

 

DAY 15: Thimphu - Paro Airport:

Drive to International Airport at pare for onward flight.

 

 

SEASON:  March - April - May - September - November

 

GROUP CONDITION:  Minimum 6

 

CLIMATE( GENERAL):

Day are normally warm. Nights can at times be very cool and  in winter even below the freezing point. Monsoon showers on summer (heaviest July & August) and sometimes even is Spring and Autumn.       

                       

WHAT TO BRING:

PERSONAL CLOTHING: 

Strong normal clothing (according to season ). Preferably cotton even for summer, woolen clothing for the evening and winter.

 

FOR TREKKING:

Strong comfortable trekking boots, sunglasses, headgear, raincoat & warm clothing for the evenings.A sleeping bag is a must. Medium heavy to heavy is advised. A torch  light will also be very handy.

 

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