Bhutan: Chomolhari Trek

16 days - from $5260

A classic trek through one of the most isolated countries on Earth
A trek in Bhutan must be the ultimate goal of the Himalayan connoisseur. Trekking here is highly exclusive, with only a handful of walkers joining the nomadic yak herders and local villagers on the trails. Our new route takes us from the idyllic Paro Valley past abandoned dzongs (forts) to higher pastures overshadowed by the magnificent peaks of Chomolhari and Jichudrake. We spend a day at Chomolhari Base Camp beneath this magnificent peak, before crossing the Nyile La (4,900m) to the remote village of Lingshi. We then head south across the Yale La to the capital, Thimpu, where there will be time to visit the memorial stupa and the magnificent Tashicho Dzong, the seat of government. The spring departures are scheduled to witness the famous Paro festival and the autumn departures will visit the Thimpu festival. 

Itinerary:

Day 1 Arrive Kathmandu. 2 Fly to Paro; visit Drukgyel Dzong and Kyichu Lhakhang. 3 Witness the masked dances at Paro Festival and visit the National Museum. 4 Begin trek to Shana Zampa. 5 Trek through beautiful forests to Thangthangka. 6 Emerge above the treeline and trek to Chomolhari Base Camp (4040m). 7 Acclimatisation day, trek to Tsophu Lake. 8 Cross the Nyile La (4900m) and descend to Lingshi. 9 A free day to explore Lingshi and visit Lingshi Dzong. 10 Cross the Yale La to Shodu. 11 Trek to Barshong. 12 Trek to Dolam Kencho. 13 A short walk to Dodina, drive to Thimpu. 14 Drive to Paro and hike the Tiger's Nest monastery.. 15 Fly to Kathmandu. 16 End Kathmandu.

Mode of travel: 10 days point-to-point walking with full porterage. Altitude maximum 4900m, average 3500m.
Group size: Normally 6 to 16, plus leader and appropriate local staff.
Accommodation: 7 nights hotels in en suite rooms, 9 nights full service camping.
Food: All included, except main meals in Kathmandu.
Trip Reference: TBG
Reverse Itinerary: trips that run in reverse are specified with an 'R' in the dates and prices table below.
Trip Reference: TBG