Also known as Jumolhari Trek, this intimate wilderness trek offers a great variety of trekking conditions, from remote farmland and blue pine forests, to alpine pastureland and breathtaking mountain views.
We do not have fixed departure date for this trip. This trip can only be organized upon your request. There is an option of private and tailor-made journey best suited for you, your family and friends. We have price discounts according to the group size, the bigger your group, the bigger your group discounts. We allow complete flexibility on your departure date, please choose your preferable date.
Chomalhari Trek Also known as Jumolhari Trek, this intimate wilderness trek offers a great variety of trekking conditions, from remote farmland and blue pine forests, to alpine pastureland and breathtaking mountain views. Chomalhari trek is an ideal adventure for nature lovers who are seeking a Himalayan wilderness immersion. It’s comfortable, low-impact, and absolutely unforgettable!
From the ruins of Drukgyal Dzong (fortress of the Victorous Drukpas), below such beautiful peaks, you will hike through the heart of wildlife-rich. The sky-piercing peaks, thunderous waterfalls, turquoise lakes and streams, rolling meadows filled with wildflowers, remote yak herders villages, and forests of rodhodendron, pine, juniper and fir provide the perfect backdrop for this inspiring and challenging adventure. You will be rewarded with up-close views of Bhutan’s most beautiful peaks.
Arrival at Paro Airport (2,280m). Overnight at a hotel.
Sightseeing around Paro. Overnight at a hotel.
Drive from Paro to Shana (2,890m) – Distance: 15 kms – 5 hrs. Overnight at tented camps.
Trek to Thangthangka (3,575m) – Distance: 22 kms – 7 hrs. Overnight at tented camps.
Trek to Jangothang (4,044m) – Distance: 17 kms – 5 hrs. Overnight at tented camps.
Rest day in Jangothang. Overnight at tented camps.
Trek to Lingshi (4,010m) – Distance: 21 kms – 7 hrs. Overnight at tented camps.
Trekking to Shodu (4,080) – Distance: 22 kms – 8 hrs. Overnight at tented camps.
Trek to Barshong (3,720m) – Distance: 14 kms – 5 hrs. Overnight at tented camps.
Trek to Dodina then transport to Thimphu – Distance: 22 kms – 8 hrs. Overnight at a hotel.
Drive from Thimphu to Paro. Overnight at a hotel.
Transfer to international airport for your final departure.
Guided city tour in Paro by private tourist vehicle.
Standard government-approved accommodation (in twin sharing rooms) for the duration of the tour.
Full-board meals – breakfast, lunch, dinner and tea & snacks – for the duration of your stay.
Tented accommodation and equipment during the camping trek. (We will provide fully water proof two men tents, dining tents, kitchen gear, dining table, chairs, toilet tents, shower tent etc.)
Drinking water for the duration of the tour.
Country presentation and tour Briefing on the evening of Day1 with welcome drinks.
Licensed English-speaking Bhutanese tour guides.
The required number of local staff and porters to carry your luggage and camping equipment during the trek.
Private transportation and a designated driver within Bhutan. Toyota 4WD luggage vans and light trucks for group travel. Luggage will be hauled by horses, mules or yaks at higher elevations.
Monument and museums entrance fees for all sightseeing locations detailed in the itinerary.
Cultural afternoon/evening sessions with traditional mask and folk dances (with beverages). Only for group tours.
Bhutan visa fees and processing assistance.
Government royalty (35% of $200), which goes to the country’s health and education projects.
All trekking, route and monument access permits and fees.
All government taxes, official expenses and tourist service charges.
International airfare and airport departure tax.
All items of personal nature like drinks, laundry etc.
Druk air flight costs are not included in the trip price. Druk air flights cost are different as per the flights sectors that you are taking. Druk air offer flights from following location. We recommend you to book your flight to Bangkok as they have every day flight to Paro and from Paro as well. Please let us know which route is more convenient to you, the cost of the flights are as below. Please contact us for the up-to-date Druk air flight rate.
Bangkok – Paro – Bangkok = US$890
New Delhi – Paro- New Delhi = US$875
Calcutta – Paro- Calcutta = US$510
Kathmandu – Paro- Kathmandu = US$520
Bangkok – Paro – Kathmandu = US$ 860
Bangkok – Paro – New Delhi = US$ 875
Bangkok – Paro – New Delhi = US$ 875
You can take flight to Paro from Bangkok, New Delhi, Kathmandu, Dhaka etc. We recommend you to fly from Bangkok because Druk air offer everyday flight from Bangkok – Paro – Bangkok whereas Druk air do not operate everyday flights from other sectors.
Our airport representative will welcome you at the airport and transfer to your hotel on a private tourist vehicle. After lunch visit the Paro Dzong and the National Museum. The evening ends with a walk through Paro’s main shopping district. Overnight at a hotel.
Day excursion and sightseeing at the Taktsang Monastery or the Tiger’s Nest, the most spectacular monastery and probably the most photographed one in Bhutan, in a way also a symbol of the country. It is said that Guru Rinpoche arrived here on the back of a tigress and meditated at this monastery, hence its name. The excursion to monastery’s view point takes about 5 hrs for round trip. Lunch will be served at the cafeteria, followed by a short walk back. We’ll have a leisure evening to take some rest before the trekking starts the following day.
Drive up to Drukyel Dzong (north of Paro) where the motorable road ends. The ruins of Drukgyel Dzong with Mount Chomolhari behind – a wonderful vista for the start of our trek. The trek to Shana starts along a dirt road for 1 hr through a wide, rich, cultivated valley, beneath forest-covered mountains, following the Paro Chu (river). Beware of the sun, which can be very fierce at this altitude. The first small settlement encountered is Tsento Zampa, where the traditional Bhutanese farmhouses with bright red chillies drying on their roofs in season. Farmers in this upper valley mostly grow red rice, potatoes and wheat.
The trek continues on the east side of the river, gently through the forests alive with numerous birds and brightly colored butterflies. After 2.5 hrs the big military camp at Gunitsawa is reached. The camp has a school and some shops, and your trekking permit will be checked at the camp entrance. After 20 minutes through forest, you will suddenly see the camp in a big open field at Shana, near the river. Looking back from camp you can see a big snowy peak, Jo Drakey.
Today is a hard day, with a lot of distance to cover. The altitude gain is also above the limit. The trail after lunch is rough and stony with many rises and drops.
Following the river upstream from the campsite we pass old ruins Shana Bridge, destroyed by major flood caused by glacial lake outbursts in 1950’s. This bridge was used in the old days by travelers coming from or going to Phari in Tibet. The trail climbs steadily through a heavily forested area of oak, rhododendron, bamboo and ferns. After crossing a small house, Shing Karap is reached. Not far after Shing Karap, we pass a junction en-route, where another path leads up the easy, forbidden pass of Tremo La and onwards to the city of Phari in Tibet. This used to be the old trading route.
The trail makes a short steep climb and descent followed by a big bridge at 3,250m, crossing to the east side of the river is Thongo Zam, a possible lunch spot. The trek to Thangthangka continues through the forest consisting of birch, fir, larch, maple and blue pine. After a short climb we reach Seyende Zam where there is a big chorten (stupa). On clear weather we can see Mt. Chomolhari to the North. Further up about 20-30 minutes until we reach our camp in a meadow.
After enjoying the view to Chomolhari and breakfast, the trail slowly leaves the forest line and gradually climbs into a beautiful valley, passing Tegethang, a winter home of yak herdsmen. Continuing until we arrive at Jangothang, Chomolhari base camp. This valley is wide and high with mountains like Chomolhari. Jichu Drake overlooks the camp which is visibly nearby are the ruins of an old fortress.
A rest day at Chomolhari camp to acclimatize. There are some good hikes from Chomolhari camp, and is important to take one hike today. The best walk is towards the east up to the twin lakes of Tsho Phu. From the lakes there is a spectacular view back to Chomolhari and Jichu Drake mountains. Watch out for a herd of Himalayan Blue Sheep in this valley.
After breakfast a steep switchback trail starts climbing out of the valley into another that leads to the final climb and pass. It is a long climb about 3-4 hrs to reach the first high and very windy pass of this trek, the Nyelela Pass “sleepy pass” (4,890m). From Nyelela Pass one you can see far towards the east-northeast into the trekking area that we will be covering over the next couple of days. Mt. Takaphu dominates the view towards the north. Gangchen Ta “Tiger Mountain” is the main mountain to be seen looking east.
Less than 30 minutes down is a flat, more sheltered area – a good lunch spot. We continue to descend passing a narrow gorge with a small river crossing. The trail leads to a viewing point from which Lingshi Dzong can be seen. Our campsite is located next to a river.
An early start as we have a long and a hard day to cross another beautiful pass. We travel through the rhododendron forest on the ridge above camp towards a small chorten (stupa). Below flows the No Chhu (Blue river). The climb rises to an altitude of 4,450m and crossing the main river into the side of the valley. The last part of the climb is through an area with large boulders and several switch backs. After 4-5 hrs (after leaving camp) we reach the big cairn on the top of the Yale La Pass (4,950m), with views of the snowy mountains around Lingshi and the Basingthang Peaks. The descent joins the Jaradinthang Chhu, which becomes the Thimphu River. Following the river until the camp Shodu.
In the morning we pass a deserted military camp which follows the trail to the river through the limestone valley. Monks used the caves in the rocks in the old days for meditation. Cross the bridges over the main river, which offers good views of the giant rock faces and waterfalls. The trail gradually ascends 130m to the Barshong Dzong ruins. The Park rangers recorded a tiger and a snow leopard moving in this same area for the first time. You could opt to carry on for 1.5 hrs to a better campsite.
A steep descent on a rocky trail ending at the Thimphu Chhu river. There are several ups and downs until Dolam Kencho 3,290m. The trail continues up to 3450 m and descends to a side stream and several switchbacks to descend a vertical cliff finally reaching the last stretch to Dodina. Descending through bamboo forests, following the mule trail high above the river until it finally meets it again at Dodina, where our transport will be waiting to take us to Thimphu, capital city of Bhutan.
Sightseeing of Thimphu valley includes the National Library, Traditional Medicine Institute, Arts & Crafts School, Textile and Folk Heritage Museum, National Memorial Chorten, Zilukha Nunnery, Traditional paper factory, Zilukha Nunnery, Takin mini Zoo, Handicrafts Emporium, local shops. Finally visit to Tashichho dzong which houses most of the Government office and King’s Throne room. Evening depart to Paro.
After breakfast our Airport Representative will drop you at the Paro International Airport for your flight departure from Bhutan.
The following gives you a general idea of the personal items that you can bring for the trek. The personal items are of individual interest, and choice. The most important fact that one should keep on mind is that one should have enough clothes to tackle the cold weather in the Himalayas.
In a supported trek, heavy items are carried by porters or horse/donkeys and personal belongings that you may need for the day like money, water bottle, rain gear, camera, sun cream and toilet paper etc. should be carried by yourself. So you are briefed to pack items in two different bags.
If you are flying from kathmandu, we will supply complimentary water and wind proof duffel bag which you can use on the trek and is carried by porter/s. The duffel bag is yours to keep after the trek.
(Please note our guide will also carry the first aid kit bag during the trek. However we still recommend you to bring your personal first aid kit as well)
This list is only a guide. While you are required to bring everything on this list, there are numerous options, brands, and versions of each piece of equipment. Use your experience and the listed features to find the best gear for you.
Please Note: Tight fitting, figure-hugging clothing, such as those made with Lycra can often be offensive to locals, especially to women. If you find these items comfortable as a base layer, please pack something to wear on top of them.
Ace has a reputation for successfully leading treks with knowledgeable leaders and staff taking care of all your travel needs. We are a certified sustainable travel company that also endorses the idea of giving back to the community by participating in various philanthropic activities. Here are 17 reasons why you should choose Ace the Himalaya for your next adventure!
Here are some documents that you will need to carry with you:
The best time for this trekking is from March to May, and from September to November.
The weather in the mountains is notoriously difficult to predict. Nights are generally colder (-2°C to -15°C) than the daytime (5°C to 30°C). It is also important to make sure that you stay warm and dry in just about any conditions. Expect the unexpected! depending on season the temperature could range from -10°C to 30°C
We will handle the visa procedures for you. The Govt. will sanction the VISA only after the receipt of full payment in advance. The visa fee is included with our tour price. Actual Bhutan VISA will be stamped in your passport on arrival on Paro airport. Without visa clearance number, tourists cannot board the flight or enter the country.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs forwards a copy of this visa clearance to the concerned Druk Air stations and other entry points; we also fax a copy of the visa clearance document to our clients for their reference. While the actual visa is stamped on arrival, the initial visa clearance is also required at the time of issuing Druk Air Tickets.
All you need is to carry 2 copies of original passport-sized photographs, which are required on arrival in the country. Please e-mail us the clear color copy of the passport for the visa procedures.
Yes, our airport representative will be there to greet you at the airport. S/he will be displaying a sign board with your name on it at outside the airport terminal. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel by our tourist vehicle.
It depends on your spending habits. Generally, all the foods, accommodation and hot drinks are included in the price. You can allocate USD 10 to USD 15 for chocolates and a few drinks during the trip.
There are just a few ATM’s in Bhutan for credit card (Master card / Maestro) & only few establishments in Bhutan accept credit card payments hence US Dollars (cash or Amex travelers cheques) or Euros Cash is suggested and convenient to cover any personal expenses (eg. beverages , laundry ,phone bills , tipping , shopping etc) that the Pax may make in the Kingdom. 1US$ is equivalent to Nu. 55 & 1 Euro is equivalent to Nu.69 as of today (the day we writing this text). . NU= Ngultrum, the Bhutanese currency
Chomolhari trek is suitable for average people who are moderately fit, thus no previous experience is required. Some physical fitness programs such as running, swimming, hiking is recommended before you embark on your journey. Whilst on the trek, it is common to experience some discomfort before being fully acclimatized.
To prepare for a strenuous trek you should begin training at least two to three months before your departure. As a guideline, an hour of aerobic exercise three to four times per week would be considered a minimum requirement. The best preparation is bushwalking involving relatively steep ascents and descents. If you can manage a couple of valley floor to ridgeline ascents per comfortable and able to enjoy the trek to the fullest. They are physically strong, sharp-witted and have an incredibly positive attitude towards a life that we would consider extremely tough. There is something about a trek in the Himalaya that draws you back time and time again. For keen walkers it is a paradise and even avowed non-walkers find that one foot just seems to follow the other, drawn by the appeal of what lies beyond.
Standard government-approved three star hotel accommodation (in twin sharing rooms) for the duration of tour in Paro and Thimpu. In trekking routes we provide the best possible camping service complete with comfortable two-person tents with good mattress. A kitchen, dining, shower, toilet tents and chairs with tables are also provided. Refer to the equipment list for items you will need to bring. You will also get a bucket of hot water each morning in your tent for a quick scrub up.
Most of the restaurants serve Bhutanese, Indian, Chinese and Continental cuisine with plenty to choose from. Whiling camping our expert camping cook will prepare Bhutanese, Indian, Chinese and Continental fare. If you have any special dietary requirements please advise us in advance so that we can make the necessary arrangements.
No problem at all because our camping cooks will mostly serve the vegetarian meals. We always recommend our clients to eat vegetarian meals to avoid the food poisoning, eating heavy meals and non- vegetarian meals at the high altitude is not really safe for the stomach.
The trip price included the drinking water for the all Bhutan trip. You don’t need to bring any bring purifying tablets/filter or pay for the water.
Laundry service is difficult to find, except in cities. For other trips, laundry is done by self at the taps.
Yes, we provide you shower facilities during your trek. We erect a shower tent and provide you with Buckets of hot water.
These facilities will not be available on this trekking, but you can definitely in Paro. Remember to bring travel adapters!
Our company insures all our trekking staff members, including guides, cooks, Sherpa, and porters. Please browse through our legal docment page to view insurance details.
No vaccinations are compulsory fro traveling in Nepal, but we do recommend you are covered for diphtheria & TB, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, *malaria, typhoid, polio and tetanus.
We also recommend:
If you have any pre-existing medical conditions which might affect you on tour, you make these known to your tour leader and Ace the Himalaya at the time of your booking.
Notice should be provided 20 days before the trip start date in case of cancellation. The trip can be canceled for justifiable reasons. Once the trip is canceled, a fee of 30% of the trip cost is retained for administrative costs.
However, the trip amount is entirely non-refundable if the cancellation is not made before the 20 days as per our terms and conditions. For submitting a claim to your insurance company after the cancellation, we can assist with documentation such as a receipt of monies paid. Refund will not be provided for unused accommodation in case of trip cancellation caused by personal reasons/sickness/weather.
More information about our cancellation policy can be found here in Terms and Conditions page.
This is a difficult thing to gauge. We have seen everything from USD 20 to USD 1000 per person for guides and porters. Tipping is not required, but a small gesture of thanks to your guides and local porters thanks for their help. The level of the tip should reflect the level of satisfaction from and personal involvement with your guide.
Most hotels have communication services for international calls with fax, but along the camping route they are limited.
You will have many photo opportunities during the trip. Please ask for permission before taking a person’s photo. Photography in, monasteries, shrine rooms of Dzongs and religious institutions is generally not permitted, but outdoor photography is. To be sure when visiting such places, you may consult with your guide just to make sure. Carry plenty of films and batteries. Photo shops in Bhutan do not sell equipment or accessories.
No, because we can’t change your Druk air flight once it is booked.
We cater to all group sizes, while maintaining the field staff ratio to give you the best quality and experience.
Yes, you need to book your own International flights. We are a local agent and it would cost you significantly higher to book through us. Please find more information in the International Flight page.
Druk air is the only airline to and from Bhutan. We can ebook the Druk air flight to and from Bhutan and e-mail you the e-ticket.
Druk air flight cost is not included in the trip price. Druk air flights cost are different as per the flights sectors that you are taking. Druk air offer flights from following location. We recommend you to book your flight to Bangkok as they have every day flight to Paro and from Paro as well.
Please let us know which route is more convenient to you, the cost of the flights are as below. Please contact us for the up-to-date Druk air flight rate.
We use comfortable and reliable Japanese Toyota SUVs, micro-buses and coaches to transport our guests. All our drivers are licensed by the Road surface transport authority (RSTA). Our vehicles are also certified and inspected by the RSTA frequently to comply with the road worthiness and safety standards. The guests will have a vehicle, a guide and a driver at their disposal at all times.
Druing the trekking we use horse, donkeys or yaks to carry the food, luggage and camping equipment from one to another camping spot every day.
Druk Air allows only up to 20 kgs of luggage per person, after which the excess baggage charge is USD 5 per kg.
These full and frank reviews are from travelers who have traveled with Ace the Himalaya previously. The reviews and experiences shown here are from reputable travel websites like TripAdvisor, Google, Facebook, and Trust Pilot, etc.