Glimpses of Bhutan’s cultural and historical heritage sites such as fortresses, monasteries and temples
The Chhomolhari trail will give you an opportunity to rejuvenate your body with the pure cleansing mountain air, to be at one with nature, and to experience the beauty and tranquility of the Himalayan mountains
Hike to Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) monastery – one of Bhutan’s most sacred places
Visit Trashichho Dzong and Punakha Dzong and see the beautiful architecture of the fortresses
Visit the beautiful Dochula Pass from where you can get a spectacular view of the Himalayas
See how people live and learn about the traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan
Experience the local culture and taste Bhutanese cuisine

This fifteen-day tour program, which includes 10 days of trekking, offers a glimpse of Bhutan’s rich cultural and traditional heritage and spectacular mountainous landscape. The Chhomolhari trek will take you through pristine and beautiful forests and meadows, alongside sacred lakes, and give you a stunning view of the incredibly beautiful Himalayan mountains including Jichu Drake and Chhomolhari. You will have the opportunity to see how communities in remote areas live in harmony with nature.

In the singularly unique capital city of Thimphu, you will have the opportunity to see one of the tallest statues of Buddha and to visit the Memorial Chorten. You will also learn more about Bhutanese life, arts and crafts from the visit to the folk museum, and he institute of arts and crafts.

In Paro, for a memory of a lifetime you can visit the memorable Tiger’s Nest temple which is perched high up in the cliffs, and also visit Drugyel Dzong, a fortress of historical significance.

Day 1 :

ARRIVE PARO

Arrive at Paro Airport (7,000ft). You will be received at the airport by our tour representative who will then take you to the hotel. If time permits, afternoon visit Kichu Lhakhang one of the oldest temples in Bhutan or visit Paro town.

Day 2 :

PARO SIGHTSEEING

A day of acclimatization. Sightseeing in Paro includes visit to Ta Dzong, the National Museum housed in an ancient watchtower, which has a fine collection of ancient Thangka paintings, textiles, weapons and artifacts. Visit also Paro Rimpung Dzong and a traditional wooden cantilever bridge. Visit also Dungtse Lhakhang, a three storied chorten which was built in the 15th century to subdue a demoness.

If time permits, visit Tamchog Lhakhang, a temple built by Thangtong Gyalpo who is known for having introduced the construction of suspension bridges into Bhutan and Tibet (many of the bridges are still in use today).

Day 3 :

PARO EXCURSION TO TAKTSANG

After breakfast drive to Ramthongkha. Hike uphill for about 2-3 hours to Taktsang Monastery (Tiger's Nest). This magical monastery clings to a vertical granite cliff 3,000 ft above the valley floor. It is a sacred monastery for the Bhutanese people who believe that it must be visited at least once in their life time.

Afternoon drive to Drugyel Dzong. The Dzong, now in ruins, is a place of historical importance, from whose ramparts the Bhutanese once repelled Tibetan invaders. On a clear day, one can view the sacred Mount Chhomolari, Mountain of Goddess (24,000 ft).

Day 4 :

PARO - SHANA

Drive to Drugyel Dzong and where the motor road ends the trek begins. The trail follows the river uphill through a narrow agricultural valley. Camp is just beyond an army post. Altitude 9,500 ft / 2,800 m. Distance - 15 kms. (approx. 5 - 6 hours).

Day 5 :

SHANA - SOI THANGTHANGKHA

The path leads uphill through the river valley and along the river drainage. The trail passes through conifer and rhododendron forests. On the way, there is a great view of Mount Chhomolhari. Camp will be set up in a meadow with stone shelter.
Altitude - 12,664 ft / 3,860 m. Distance - 19 kms. (approx. 7-8 hours).

Day 6 :

SOI THANGTHANGKHA - JANGOTHANG

Follow the river and pass a small army post where the valley begins to widen again. The view of the high ridges and snow capped peaks can be seen on all sides. At this altitude, one will also be able to see the yaks and yak herders. Camp will be set up beneath a ruined fortress at the base of Mount Chhomolhari.
Altitude - 13,255 ft / 4,040m. Distance - 19 kms. (approx. 7-8 hours.)

Day 7 :

JANGOTHANG - HALT

One can trek up to Tsophu for fishing or hike in three directions - Mt Chhomolhari and its subsidiary are directly west, Jichu Drake to the north and unclaimed summits and ridges to the east.

Day 8 :

JANGOTHANG - LINGSHI

The trail climbs gradually to Nyilila Pass (Alt. 15354 ft / 4,680 m). Wide yak pastures can be seen all along the trail. If the weather is clear, one can get a great view of the Lingshi Dzong as one descends into the Lingshi basin. Tserim Kang and its descending glaciers can be seen at the north end of the valley. Camp is in a stone shelter. Altitude - 12,844 ft / 3,915 m. Distance - 19 kms. (approx. 7-8 hours.)

Day 9 :

LINGSHI - HALT (OPTIONAL)

During the day halt at Lingshi one can do a day excursion to Tsekha (Lahe) i.e. base camp of Jichu Drake. During the excursion, hundreds of blue sheep and musk deer may be seen on the way.
Altitude - 14,764 ft / 4,500 m. Distance - 15 kms. (approx. 4 - 5 hours.)

Day 10 :

LINGSHI - SHODU

The trail ascends up to the Yalila Pass (Alt 15,814 ft / 4,820 m). From the pass, Mount Chhomolhari, Tserim Gang and Masa Gang can be seen on a clear day.
Altitude - 12,516 ft / 3,815 m. Distance – 13 kms. (approx. 7 - 8 hours.)

Day 11 :

SHODU - BARSHONG

This trail goes along the Thim-Chhu and through forests filled with rhododendrons and water falls. The trail ascend up to the ruins of Barshong Dzong. The camp, which is a stone shelter, is just below the ruined fortress.
Altitude 12,090 ft / 3,685 m. Distance - 13 kms. (approx. 6-7hours.)

Day 12 :

BARSHONG - DOLAM KENCHO

The trail follows the Thim-Chhu and through forest of thicker rhododendrons and into pasture land. Camp will be set up at a meadow.
Altitude 11,247 ft / 3,428 m. Distance - 11 kms. (approx. 5-6 hours.)

Day 13 :

DOLAM KENCHO - THIMPHU

This is the last day of the trek and the path goes over a small pass and through forests. Wild animals may be seen along the way. Your transportation will be waiting for you at Dodena and will take you to Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan. Overnight at hotel in Thimphu.
Altitude: 7710 ft. Distance – 8 km. (approx 3-4 hours)

Day 14 :

THIMPHU

Sightseeing includes visit to the National Library, Institute of Zorig Chusum (13 traditional crafts), Kuenselphodrang Buddha Statue, and Memorial Chorten. Evening at leisure.

Day 15 :

THIMPHU - PARO - DEPARTURE

Early morning drive to Paro Airport. Our tour representative will see you off at the airport.