The Chomolhari Trek

Days 1-2
Paro / Taktsang

We fly to Bhutan’s emerald-green Paro Valley, where graceful willow trees grow along the edge of the Paro River as it winds through fields and farmlands. Our warm-up hike brings us through pine forests and up to the famed monastic retreat of Taktsang, the “Tiger’s Nest,” built into a sheer cliff face 2,700 feet above the Paro Valley. Overnights are at the serene Zhiwa Ling Hotel, a deluxe tribute to Bhutan’s traditional architecture.

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, then head up into high country where herdsmen graze their yaks in lush alpine meadows. Reaching Jangothang (13,250') at the base of Chomolhari, the mighty ramparts of this sacred mountain seem almost close enough to touch, and we enjoy an exploration day to savor the Himalayan grandeur surrounding us. Sacred Chomolhari remains unclimbed from the Bhutanese side, off limits to mountaineers. Near it rises the sharp peak of Jichu Drake (22,700'), another Himalayan giant. On an optional day hike, we can hike up to a high viewpoint between two glaciers that flow from the Chomolhari massif. The ruins of a medieval fortress, built to guard Bhutan against invasion from Tibet, add to the mystique of the setting at Jangothang, and we may be able to spot wildlife including musk deer and blue sheep. Our return trek takes us over the 15,620-foot Bhongtela Pass and into valleys where yak herders roam. On Day 11, we head to our deluxe hotel in Thimphu, the Taj Tashi.

Days 12-13
Thimphu / Paro

In Bhutan’s bucolic capital, our explorations include the National Memorial Chorten, built in memory of the late King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk, the Folk Heritage Museum, and Bhutan’s school for traditional arts. At the Taj Tashi or Zhiwa Ling Hotel’s spa, we can try optional hot-stone baths, a Bhutanese tradition, to soothe our trekking muscles. Depart via Paro on Day 13.

This is the Itinerary-at-a-Glance. For the complete trip description, Download Full Trip Brochure

Note: Listed above are our signature accommodations for this trip. Although it is highly unlikely, we may make substitutions when necessary.