CHOMOLHARI TREK - 11 NIGHTS/12 DAYS

Highlights:
Mount Chomolhari (also spelt as Jhomolhari), ( 23, 996ft/ 7, 316 m) means the Goddess of Mountain that reigns in glory and its five sister peaks are the sources of Paro Chu (River), that nourishes the lush rice fields, apple and peach orchards of Paro Valley. The sacred mountain is a great object of respect and veneration to Bhutanese people and has most beautiful and unspoiled trekking areas in the entire Himalayas

The trail begins at the Drugyel Dzong and follows the ancient caravan route, heading towards the base camp of Mount Chomolhari, passing through scattered hamlets and farmland, into deep and richly forested valleys, which leads to a high alpine pastureland where yak herders graze their animals. Trout fishing in the sky blue lake with magnificent view of three majestic peaks is the activity which you can enjoy on a rest day. You will also encounter rare species of blue sheep & snow leopard.

Despite being one of the high altitude treks, this trek is graded moderate and requires no previous experience but strong pair of legs with determination and spirit of adventure. We cover remote highlands of the Lingshi, witnessing the nomadic lifestyles of these high altitude gypsies. Himalayan poppies, primulas, gentianas and the spectacular rheum nobile fill the mountain side in the summer. We follow the trail to Thimpu along Wanchu River and through rhododendron and pine forests viewing the ruins of Barshong Fortress before reaching the upper Thimpu valley at Dodena

Itinerary in Details

Day 01	:	On arrival at Paro Airport and after visa formalities you will be received by ITT members. Afternoon and evening time at leisure with overnight at Kichu Resort
Day 02	:	In the morning 2 to 3 hours hike to Taktsang monastery through villages and pine forests. The monastery clings to a huge granite cliff 800 meters from the Paro valley. It is believed that great saint Padmasambhava came in the 7th century on a flying tigress and meditated in a cave for 3 months. The demons who were trying to stop the spread of Buddhism were subdued and converted the Paro valley into Buddhism. During the end of the 17th century a monastery was built on the spot where the saint meditated and became a pilgrimage site for every Bhutanese to visit once in their life time. Stroll back to Resort.
Day 03	:	Drive to Drugyel Dzong from where the trek begins. The path goes upstream of the Pachu River through villages gradually ascending to 2800 meters at Shana camp. Walking time 5/6 hours
Day 04	:	Trek from Shana to Soi Thangthangkha. The trail again follows the Pachu River ascending through pine, oak and spruce forest. Lunch will be served near a wooden bridge. The camp is situated at an altitude of 3800 meters near a stone shelter. Walking time 7/8 hours
Day 05	:	Trek from Soi to Jangothang, a slow climb to reach the army camp. Then follow the river above tree line with stunning views of the surrounding peaks. Hot lunch will be served inside a Yak herder’s camp. An easy walk will reach you to Jangothang at an altitude of 4050 meters. The view of Chomolhari (7320 meters) and Jichu Drake (6900 meters) from here is superb as both the mountains are still virgin peaks. Walking time 4/5 hours
Day 06	:	Acclimatization day at Jangothang providing opportunity for you to explore the surrounding area like Tshophu Lake, visiting Yak herders or simply relax
Day 07	:	Trek from Jangothang to Lingshi - The trail follows the stream for half hour crossing the bridge to the right. Climb up the ridge and enjoy stunning views of Chomolhari, Jichu Drake and Tshrim Khang mountains. Then walk through the wide open valley where if fortunate you may come across herds of blue sheep. The climb up to the Nyele la pass 4700 meters is not too difficult and the view is breathtaking. After the pass it is a gradual descend through the valley with beautiful views on all side. Nearing the camp you will see the Lingshi Dzong perched on top of a hill with commanding view of the valley. The camp sits at 4100 meters near a stone shelter. Walking time 6to 7 hours
Day 08	:	Trek from Lingshi to Shodu - Today is the most difficult day of your trek which starts early morning. The walk begins opposite the dzong gradually via the valley reaching the stiff climb to Yale la pass at 4950 meters at the highest point of the trip. The panoramic view of Mt.Chomolhari, Jichu Drake and Tshrim Gang is breathtaking. After crossing the pass it is a long descent to the camp at 3750 meters. Walking time 7/8 hours
Day 09	:	Trek from Shodu to Barshong - The path follows the Thimchu River descending through rhododendron, Juniper and pine forests. The view of the cliff facing rocks and water falls are stunning. The trail gradually ascends after 3 to 4 hours into the ruins of Barshong Dzong reaching the camp at 3500 meters. Walking time 5/6 hours
Day 10	:	Trek from Barshong to Dodena - The path descends for a while joining the Thimchu river and gradually ascending and descending through thick bamboo and pine forests. From Dolemkencho the trail descends all the way to Dodena where the ITT coach will be waiting for your return. Walking time 7 to 8 hours. Later One and half hour drive to Thimphu (capital city). Overnight at Hotel
Day 11	:	Morning time to stroll around the market and later 2 hours drive to Paro. At evening sightseeing in Paro and Overnight stay at Kichu resort
Day 12	:	Transfer to airport for departure flight to your onward destination.
Note	:	To extend your trip for any other adventure is at your choice which could be organized at your discretion by our Office.
The cost of each package /trip is determined on the basis of the size of group.