The Chomolhari Trek

Chomolhari (23,997'), sacred abode of the goddess Chomo, stands as a mighty sentinel on Bhutan’s frontier with Tibet, reigning over deep forests where snow leopards and Himalayan blue sheep roam. Our fantastic 9-day trek brings us through traditional hamlets, wild rhododendron forests, and into a grand alpine realm 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 protective of their natural heritage, and their mountains are truly pristine, preserving a wealth of flora and fauna unrivaled in the Himalaya. With Wilderness Travel’s famous full-service camping, this is a chance to experience superb Himalayan trekking in a magical realm.

Itinerary at a Glance

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Days 1-2
Paro / Taktsang

We arrive in 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. We also explore Paro Dzong, the religious and secular center of the Paro Valley and an architectural wonder.

Days 3-11
Chomolhari Trek / Jangothang / Yaksa Valley

Few travelers ever have the privilege of 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 ascend 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 16,039-foot Bhongte La Pass and into valleys where we can visit the yak herding families that reside in this incredibly remote enclave. Our last morning of hiking brings us to the ruins of Drukgyel Dzong, where we bid farewell to our camp staff and head to Thimphu, Bhutan’s bucolic capital.

Days 12-13
Thimphu / Paro

Our explorations in Thimphu include the National Memorial Chorten, the Folk Heritage Museum, and Bhutan’s School for Arts, where children are trained in traditional Bhutanese painting, sculpture, and woodcarving. Depart from Paro on Day 13.

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What the Trip is Like

This trek is Level 6, Very Strenuous. The rating takes into account the distances hiked each day and the fact that on several days, trail conditions can be very muddy, with rocky pitches that make progress difficult. In addition, most hiking is between 8,000 and 14,000 feet, with the crossing of Bhongtela Pass at 16,039 feet on Day 7, which adds to the strenuous nature of the hiking. For the most part, you can hike at your own speed; the group will spread out along the trail during the day to cover about 6 to 10 miles per day (4-8 hours of hiking). There are significant elevation gains and losses each day, often 2,000 to 3,000 feet, as our trail contours up and down steep hillsides. Trip members carry only a daypack for jacket, water bottle, camera, and whatever you like to have with you on the trail. Pack animals carry our camping equipment, and a camp cook prepares all meals. On trek, we use Mountain Hardware Trango 3.1 tents.

Explanation of Trip Levels