Bhutan: The Chomolhari and Laya Trek

Join us for once-in-a-lifetime mountain adventure in the mystical Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan. Our challenging trek is one of the finest cultural and scenic routes in the Himalaya, bringing us to the magical village of Laya (12,610'), so remote it has its own traditional dress and culture, and to ethereal Lingshi, with its monastery clinging to the edge of a sheer hilltop. Along the way, we hike across two 16,000-foot passes and enjoy an immersion in a secluded Himalayan world of towering rhododendrons and serene Buddhist temples. The grand finale of our trek is the amazingly scenic spot called Jangothang (13,340'), the base camp right below Chomolhari (23,997'), the sacred peak that stands as a mighty sentinel on Bhutan’s snow-capped Tibetan frontier.

Itinerary at a Glance

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Days 1-3
Paro / Thimphu / Punakha Valley

After arriving in Paro, we explore Thimphu, Bhutan’s tiny capital city, then travel to the subtropical valley of Punakha, where we hike to charming monasteries and visit imposing 17th century fortress-dzongs set beside rushing rivers.

Days 4-8
On Trek / Laya

We begin our trek, winding through rolling hillsides with views of villages and fields, then climbing up through bamboo, juniper, and rhododendron forests past cascading rivers and waterfalls. At Laya (12,610'), we have an Exploration Day to meet the Layap (local villagers), semi-nomadic yak herders whose distinctive dress, including the women’s conical bamboo hats with a center spike, sets them apart from other Bhutanese.

Days 9-18
Limithang Valley / Lingshi / Jangothang / Paro

Trekking into the Limithang Valley, set beneath the huge peak called Gangchen Tak (22,291'), “the Great Tiger Mountain,” we share the trail with the people of Laya as they bring their yaks here to graze. Passing through remote villages, with warm Bhutanese hospitality greeting us all along the way, we come to Lingshi (13,196'), whose ancient dzong sits atop a high hill in the middle of a wide valley. We cross a 16,000-foot pass with soaring views of the massive rock and ice peaks of Chomolhari, Jichu Drake, and Tsering Kang en route to Jangothang (13,340'), the base camp for sacred Chomolhari, Bhutan’s second highest peak, a stunning backdrop for our camp. An Exploration Day here allows us to visit the nearby ruins of an old fortress, built to guard Bhutan against invasion from Tibet, or to hike to a series of high alpine lakes. Our route descends through forests of oak, rhododendron, and fern and past occasional farmhouses. Our last trek day bringing us along the Paro River through cultivated fields and past beautiful villages to the famous ruin of Drukgyel Dzong, once a defensive stronghold against Tibetan invaders. From here we drive to Paro.

Days 19-20
Paro / Taktsang Monastery

The most famous temple in all Bhutan is the striking retreat of Taktsang Monastery, the “Tiger’s Nest,” built into a sheer cliff face above the Paro Valley. Our day hike takes us through pine forests festooned with Spanish moss to a splendid viewpoint of this magnificent structure. Depart Paro on Day 20.

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 10,000 and 14,000 feet, with the crossing of two passes more than 16,000 feet, 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. Trails may not be well maintained and conditions can be rough.

There are dangers inherent in any expedition traveling to remote wilderness regions, especially when they involve travel to high altitude. These dangers include everything from rock falls to the possibility of a serious fall, accident, or sickness without access to means of rapid evacuation, availability of medical supplies, or adequate medical attention once provided. Our Trip Leaders and support crew are experienced veterans of trekking in the Himalaya, but it takes cooperation and flexibility from each participant to ensure a successful trek

Explanation of Trip Levels