Journey to Bhutan’s Divine Mountain

The Chomolhari Trek

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"A most excellent experience of Bhutan, its landscape and its people. Challenging physically, but worth the effort every step!" Alix Browne, New York NY

Mount Chomolhari (23,997'), sacred abode of the goddess Chomo, stands as a mighty sentinel on Bhutan’s Tibetan frontier, reigning over countless icy summits and deep, magical forests where snow leopards and Himalayan blue sheep roam. Our fantastic 9-day route brings us through traditional hamlets, wild rhododendron forests, and alpine meadows carpeted with wildflowers to Jangothang (13,250'), right at the base of Chomolhari, with a return route through the remote Yaksa Valley (“Valley of Yaks”). The Bhutanese are fiercely conservative of their natural heritage, and their mountains are truly pristine, preserving a wealth of flora and fauna unrivaled in the Himalayas. With Wilderness Travel’s famous full-service camping, this is a chance to experience superb Himalayan trekking in a magical realm.

Below is an Itinerary-in-Brief. To view a complete Detailed Itinerary, Download Full Itinerary or Email our Area Specialist

Itinerary-in-Brief

Days 1-2
Paro / Taktsang

We fly to Bhutan’s emerald-green Paro Valley, where shrines dot the landscape and graceful willow trees grow along the edge of the Paro River as it winds through fields and farmlands. We warm up for our trek with a hike up to the striking monastic retreat of Taktsang, the “Tiger’s Nest,” built into a sheer cliff face above the Paro Valley.

Days 3-11
Chomolhari Trek / Jangothang / Yaksa Valley

Few travelers ever have the privilege of even visiting Bhutan, let alone trekking in its pure mountain realm. With our Bhutanese camp staff and horsemen, we ascend a beautiful river valley and hike along rushing streams through deep forests of rhododendron, pine, and oak. We continue above the treeline, heading up into high country where herdsmen graze their yaks in lush alpine meadows. Reaching Jangothang (13,250') at the base of Chomolhari, we enjoy an exploration day to savor the Himalayan grandeur all around us. At Jangothang, the ruins of a medieval fortress, built to guard Bhutan against invasion from Tibet, add to the mystique of the setting, and we may be able to spot wildlife including musk deer and blue sheep. The mighty ramparts of Chomolhari, Bhutan’s second highest mountain, seem almost close enough to touch here. This sacred mountain remains unclimbed, off limits to mountaineers. Near it rises majestic Jichu Drake (22,700'), also unclimbed. Departing base camp, we continue our trek by hiking over 16,000-foot Bhongtela Pass and descend into remote Yaksa (the “Valley of Yaks”). On Day 11, we reach the spectacular ruins of Drukgyal Dzong and head to Thimphu.

Days 12-14
Thimphu

In Bhutan’s bucolic capital, nestled in a fertile valley at 7,600 feet, our explorations include the National Memorial Chorten, built in memory of the late King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk, as well as the national school of traditional arts. Depart via Paro on Day 14.

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Tour Costs $4895 (13-16 members) $5095 (10-12 members) Single supplement: $650 Internal airfare: $820 (subject to change) *Prices are for 2008 dates only **Airfare is not included in Tour Cost unless indicated

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