chomolhari bhutan hiking trekking tour

Chomolhari, Bhutan’s Sacred Mountain

The mighty ramparts of Chomolhari (23,997’), Bhutan’s second highest mountain, rise above the hikers’ base camp at Jangothang. Our spectacular trek leads to Jangothang for incredible views of this sacred peak.

Photo by Bobby Model

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The Chomolhari Trek

Journey to Bhutan’s Divine Mountain
Repertory Trip: Next Offered April 22-May 4, 2014

The Chomolhari Trek route-map

Trip Details at-a-Glance

Cost From: $5295   see pricing
Length: 13 days
Arrive: Paro, Bhutan
Depart: Paro, Bhutan
Lodging: 4 nights in hotels, 8 nights full-service camping describe
Meals: All meals included
Activity: Hiking / Trekking, Cultural Adventures
Trip Level: 9-day trek on steep trails, 5-8 hours a day, altitudes between 8,500-16,039 feet
6 explain

Highlights

  • Trek to Chomolhari, Bhutan’s “Divine Mountain”
  • Meet yak herding families who roam this wild mountain realm
  • Explore the Paro Valley and hike to Taktsang, the cliffside monastery
  • Discover Bhutan’s capital, Thimphu, with its school for the arts and cultural museums


Fantastic trip with rigorous hikes, beautiful campsites, and lots of exposure to the culture, which added a nice dimension.Anne K.—New York

Choosing the Right Trip

We work hard to help you choose the right trip for you, paying attention to your individual interests, abilities, and needs. If you have questions about the level of comfort or any of the activities described in this itinerary, please contact us.
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References

We are proud to have an exceptionally high rate of repeat travelers. For more information, we would be happy to put you in touch with a client who has traveled with us.

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Departure Notes

Once you have signed up on the trip, we send a complete packing list, relevant health information, and required travel documents.

Resources

Repertory Trip

This is one of our special Repertory Trips offered every two to five years.  It will be several years before this journey is offered again. Now is the time to go!

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

For a more complete description, Download Full Detailed Itinerary

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.

For a more complete description, Download Full Detailed Itinerary

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

 

Departures

This is one of our special Repertory Trips offered only every two to five years. This journey will not be offered again for several years. Now is the Time to Go!

Apr 22-May 4, 2014
Oct 21-Nov 2, 2014

Trip Cost

Prices are for 2013
$5295 (4-15 members)
Single supplement: $1275
Forced single supplement: $1025
Internal airfare: $995 (subject to change)
more on pricing

Trip Cost Includes:

  • Expert leadership of a Wilderness Travel Trip Leader and local guides
  • Accommodations, with top quality tents on trek and deluxe hotels in Paro and Thimphu
  • All meals included
  • Government taxes and trekking fees
  • Land transportation, airport transfers for passengers as noted
  • Camp staff, cooks, and group camping and cooking equipment including dining tent, sleeping tents, sleeping pads, toilet tent (with toilet seat), and shower tent (for occasional shower, if there is time and availability of water). Sleeping bags for the trek are not included.

Trip Cost Does Not Include:

International airfare, any meals not specified after each itinerary day in the Full Trip Brochure, hotels in Bangkok, sleeping bags, airport transfers for individual arrival or departure, airport departure taxes, optional tipping or gratuities to leaders or staff, additional hotel nights that may be necessary due to airline schedule changes or other factors, pre-trip expenses of medical immunizations (if any), travel insurance, or passports and visas; and other expenses of a personal nature (alcoholic beverages, laundry, etc.).

Trip Payment Schedule

At time of reservation: $500
120 days prior to departure: 20%
60 days prior to departure: Balance

Cancellation and Transfer Fee Schedule

Minimum fee: None
46-90 days prior to departure: 25% of trip cost
45 days or less: 100% of trip cost

Zhiwa Ling Hotel

Zhiwa Ling Hotel

Days 1 to 2 (2 nights),
Day 12 (1 night), Paro, Bhutan

Located on 10 acres in a serene setting in the green Paro Valley, the deluxe Zhiwa Ling is a wonderful example of traditional Bhutanese ...
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Chomolhari Trek Camps

Chomolhari Trek Camps

Days 3 to 10 (8 nights), Himalayas, Bhutan

We make hiking and camping in Bhutan as comfortable as it can get! On the trail, you are accompanied by our experienced team of trail guides, and ...
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Taj Tashi Hotel

Taj Tashi Hotel

Day 11 (1 night), Thimphu, Bhutan

Part of the venerable Taj group of hotels in India, this 66-room hotel has all the conveniences of a luxury hotel, while at the same time reflects ...
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Note: Listed above are our signature accommodations for this trip. Although it is highly unlikely, we may make substitutions when necessary.

Client Comments

Fantastic trip with rigorous hikes, beautiful campsites, and lots of exposure to the culture, which added a nice dimension. Anne K., New York A most excellent introduction to Bhutan, its landscape, and its people. Challenging physically, but very worth the effort every step! Alix B., New York, NY Unforgettable trek and very emotional for me, as I had imagined myself there for so long. SUPER! Anita C., Indianola, WA Our Trip Leader was absolutely awesome. His knowledge of all things Bhutanese and his easy way of sharing his knowledge absolutely made the trip for me. Pam G., Boulder, CO
The trip was wonderful overall. Incredible scenery, great staff and interaction with local people in both the cities and the countryside. The food quality and variety in camp was surprising and delightful. Rob C., Concord, MA Outstanding trip. I feel so lucky to have done it. Superbly organized but still with plenty of adventure. The camp staff was great too. Inge K., Concord, MA