The Chomolhari Trek

Chomolhari (23,997'), sacred abode of the goddess Chomo, is a mighty sentinel on Bhutan’s frontier with Tibet, reigning over countless icy summits and magical forests where snow leopards and Himalayan blue sheep roam. Our fantastic 9-day circuit trek 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 through the remote Yaksa Valley (“Valley of Yaks”). The Bhutanese fiercely guard 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 an enchanting realm.

Itinerary at a Glance

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Days 1-2
Paro / Taktsang

After flying to Bhutan’s emerald-green Paro Valley, we take a warm-up hike through pine forests to the famed monastic retreat of Taktsang Monastery, 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

Ascending a beautiful river valley, we 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. Nearby rises the sharp peak of Jichu Drake (22,700'), another Himalayan giant. An optional day hike brings us up to a viewpoint at 17,205 feet 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 blue sheep. Our return trek takes us over the 15,617-foot Bontey La 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. Depart via Paro on Day 13.

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What the Trip is Like

This trek is rated 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. We recommend that you get in top physical shape for the trip. Daily brisk walking, regular hiking, or using a stair-climbing machine at your gym are excellent preparatory exercises. 

Explanation of Trip Levels