Chomalhari Trek - 12 Days

You can fly to Paro International Airport from several cities including Bangkok, New Delhi, Kathmandu, and Dhaka.

For the most convenient travel experience, we recommend flying from Kathmandu-Paro-Kathmandu for a seamless transfer and smooth operations. This route also allows us to provide you with convenient service and necessary takeaways such as a duffle bag, sun hat, and neck gaiter which are yours to keep after the trip.

Upon arrival in Paro, our airport representative will warmly welcome you and transfer you to your hotel in a private tourist vehicle.

After lunch, we begin our Bhutan experience with visits to the Paro Dzong, a beautiful fortress, monastery, and the National Museum, home to a rich collection of Bhutanese art and artifacts.

The day concludes with a relaxing stroll through Paro’s charming main street, lined with traditional shops and local boutiques.

Today, we embark on one of Bhutan’s most unforgettable experiences, a hike to the legendary Taktsang Monastery, more famously known as the Tiger’s Nest.

You’ll hear locals call it the heart of Bhutan, and once you see it, you’ll understand why.

Clinging to a sheer cliff face high above the Paro Valley, this sacred site is said to be where Guru Rinpoche, the founder of Tibetan Buddhism, flew on the back of a tigress and meditated in a cave that now forms part of the monastery. That’s how Taktsang earned its name.

We’ll start our hike in the morning, taking a slow and steady pace as we ascend through pine forests scented with moss and prayer flags fluttering in the wind.

After about two hours, we’ll reach the cafeteria viewpoint. The view from here is breathtaking, the golden roofs of the monastery glowing against the granite cliffs and lush green landscapes.

We’ll stop here for a warm Bhutanese lunch and, if you’re still up for it, we can continue a little further to reach closer viewpoints or even enter the monastery itself (depending on timing and your energy).

The total round trip will take us about 5-6 hours, including breaks, photos, and soaking in the sacred atmosphere.

We’ll return to Paro in the afternoon. You’ll have the evening free, perfect for a warm shower, an immersive walk, some journaling, or just relaxing. Then the next day, we begin our real Himalayan journey, the Chomolhari Trek.

This morning, we begin with a scenic drive north of Paro to the historic site of Drukgyel Dzong – the fortress of the victorious Drukpas.

Though now in ruins, its legacy stands strong and historic, and with the mighty Mount Chomolhari (7,326m) rising in a backdrop, the view serves as a breathtaking amphitheater for the start of our Chomalhari trekking adventure.

From here, the motorable road ends, and our walk begins. For the first hour, we follow a dirt track that winds gently through a broad, fertile valley. This region, perched beneath thickly forested hills, is rich with fields of red rice, potatoes, and wheat.

Keep an eye out for traditional Bhutanese farmhouses, where in season, bright red chilies can be seen drying on the rooftops rewarding with a colorful and iconic sight.

We soon arrive at the quaint settlement of Tsento Zampa, a peaceful farming village that gives us a glimpse into rural Bhutanese life.

The trail then continues along the east bank of the Paro Chu (river), meandering through beautiful pine forests. The air here is a little crisp and fresh, often filled with birdsong and fluttering butterflies.

After around 2.5 hours, we reach Gunitsawa, a large military outpost complete with a school and small shops. Here, your trekking permit will be checked, a routine part of entering this restricted region.

From Gunitsawa, we walk for another 20 minutes through the forest. The trees open up to reveal a wide clearing near the river, our campsite at Shana.

Perched in a tranquil riverside meadow, this is where we settle in for the night. Looking back from camp, you might catch a glimpse of the snow-capped Jo Drakey peak, watching over us as we rest.

Tomorrow, the adventure deepens as we head into wilder terrain, take time to relax, enjoy a warm meal, and sleep beneath the stars.

Today is a demanding yet rewarding day on the trail, with a considerable distance to cover and a steady climb in altitude.

After lunch, the path becomes noticeably more rugged, with several ups and downs across stony terrain.

We begin our trek by following the river upstream from our campsite, soon reaching the ruins of the old Shana Bridge, a silent remnant of Bhutan’s past.

This bridge was swept away during a catastrophic glacial lake outburst flood in the 1950s. In earlier times, it served as a key crossing point for travelers journeying between Bhutan and Phari in Tibet.

The trail climbs gently through a lush, dense forest filled with oak, rhododendron, bamboo, and ferns, providing welcome shade and a serene atmosphere. After passing a small yak herder’s house, we arrive at Shing Karap, a peaceful rest stop.

Soon after, we reach a historic trail junction. One path leads to the now-forbidden Tremo La Pass, once a vital trade route to Phari. Though closed today, it was once a trade line for goods and culture flowing between the two regions.

We continue with a brief but steep ascent and descent before arriving at Thongo Zam (3,250 m/10,663 ft), where a large wooden bridge leads us across to the east side of the river.

This is a great spot to stop for lunch and reenergize for the second half of our Chomalhari trek journey.

The afternoon trek winds through enchanting woodlands of birch, fir, larch, maple, and blue pine. As we ascend, the forest gradually thins, revealing glimpses of snow-capped ridgelines.

A short climb brings us to Seyende Zam, marked by a large chorten (stupa). If the skies are clear, you’ll be treated to your first dramatic view of Mount Chomolhari, standing tall and majestic to the north.

From here, it’s just another 20-30 minutes of gentle hiking before we reach our campsite in a beautiful alpine meadow surrounded by wildflowers and the healing sound of the nearby river.

We begin our day with a warm breakfast and a soul-stirring view of Mount Chomolhari glowing in the morning light, a moment you’ll want to pause and truly soak in.

Today’s trail takes us deeper into the highlands as we gradually leave the forest behind and ascend into an open alpine country.

As we climb, the trees thin out and the valley begins to widen. The air becomes cooler and crisper, and with every step, the vistas grow more dramatic.

After a couple of hours, we pass through Tegethang, a traditional winter settlement used by Bhutanese yak herders.

You’ll likely see herds grazing peacefully on the open slopes, and may even catch a glimpse of a herder tending to his animals or inviting you for a friendly exchange.

Continuing on, the panoramic landscape becomes more expansive, opening into the breathtaking Jangothang Valley, surrounded by towering snow-capped peaks.

By now, you’re walking through what feels like a natural amphitheater of mountains, Chomolhari to the west and Jichu Drake standing guard to the northeast.

By mid-afternoon, we arrive at Jangothang, our camp for the night. This site, set beneath the dramatic white massif, is one of the most beautiful campsites in all of Bhutan.

Just above our campsite, you’ll notice the ruins of an ancient fortress, quietly echoing the rich history of this remote region.

The rest of the day is yours to relax, take short acclimatization hikes, or simply soak and admire the surreal scenery that surrounds you.

Today is our much-needed rest and acclimatization day at the stunning Jangothang Base Camp, nestled beneath the towering peaks of Chomolhari and Jichu Drake.

While we won’t move our camping, this is not a day to be idle. At this altitude, it’s essential to keep the body active to adjust properly so we lace up our boots for an optional acclimatization hike.

One of the most rewarding day hikes is eastward towards the mesmerizing Tsho Phu twin lakes, shimmering in glacial blues and silvers. The scenic hike takes us through a pristine valley surrounded by dramatic cliffs and snowfields.

As we climb gently, the breathtaking views open wider, and before long, we’re gazing back at breathtaking vistas of Chomolhari and Jichu Drake even more magnificent from this higher vantage point.

This valley is also home to Himalayan blue sheep (bharal), often spotted gracefully navigating the rocky slopes.

After soaking in the tranquility of the lakes and perhaps enjoying a packed lunch in this wild alpine amphitheater, we make our way back down to Jangothang camp.

After an early breakfast beneath the gaze of snow-draped Chomolhari, we begin our ascent out of the valley.

The trail starts with a steep series of switchbacks, gradually climbing higher as we leave the wide pastures behind and enter a rugged, high-altitude terrain. Take your time as the air is thin, and the elevation gain is significant today.

We follow the trail into a broad glacial valley that leads us toward our first high mountain pass of the trek, the Nyele La Pass (also called “Sleepy Pass”) at 4,890 meters (16,043 ft).

This section is one of the most challenging stretches so far, taking about 3 to 4 hours of steady uphill walking. But the reward at the top is more than worth it.

From the summit of Nyele La, we’re treated to panoramic views of the eastern Himalayas.

To the north, Mount Takaphu rises sharply, while to the east, you’ll spot the majestic Gangchen Ta, also known as the “Tiger Mountain.” These awe-inspiring towering peaks dominate the skyline and offer a glimpse of the dramatic landscape that lies ahead in the Chomalhari trekking trail.

A short 30-minute descent from the pass brings us to a flatter and more sheltered area, an ideal spot to rest and enjoy a packed lunch amidst the highland silence.

Post-lunch, we begin a gentle descent into a narrow gorge, crossing a small glacial stream and meandering along rocky paths bordered by alpine scrub.

As we follow the river downstream, the trail opens up to a stunning vantage point revealing a spectacular view of Lingshi Dzong, perched dramatically on a hilltop like a sentinel from centuries past.

From here, it’s a final descent to our riverside campsite, set in a peaceful valley surrounded by rolling hills and distant cliffs.

The dzong remains in view, offering a magical setting as dusk descends.Tonight, we sleep beside the river, listening to its gentle rush under a sky full of stars.

We begin our journey early this morning as today brings one of the most demanding yet breathtaking days of the trek.

With packs ready and spirits high, we set off along a trail that climbs steadily above our campsite, winding through a dense rhododendron forest that blankets the ridge.

As we walk, the crisp morning air carries the soft rush of the No Chhu (Blue River) flowing deep in the valley below, a calming soundtrack to the challenging ascent ahead.

Our path leads to a small chorten (stupa) perched like a spiritual marker on the hillside. The trail rises steadily, gradually gaining elevation as we leave the tree line behind and enter an open alpine landscape filled with rugged boulders and sparse vegetation.

After crossing the main river and entering a side valley, the climb intensifies. The final stretch to the top is a series of switchbacks over large boulders, testing our endurance and determination.

Step by step, we gain height, and after around 4 to 5 hours from camp, we finally reach the summit of Yale La Pass at 4,950 meters (16,240 ft).

At the top, a large stone cairn marks our accomplishment. Take a deep breath and soak in the incredible views: surrounding us are the towering snow-capped peaks of Lingshi, the remote Basingthang Mountains, and endless ridgelines stretching into the horizon.

It’s a moment of triumph and awe in the heart of the Bhutanese Himalayas.

From the pass, we begin our long descent, which leads us down into a new valley where the Jaradinthang Chhu river tumbles through steep gorges and alpine meadows. As we descend, the river gradually

After a peaceful night by the riverside, we begin our day’s journey with a gentle walk through a dramatic limestone valley, where mist often hangs in the early morning air.

We soon pass a deserted military camp, a quiet remnant of the past, now overtaken by nature.

Keep an observing eye, as these rocky cliffs are rich in legend. Meditation caves once used by Buddhist monks still remain hidden in the jagged formations along the trail.

The path meanders alongside the serene river, offering stunning glimpses of towering rock faces and cascading waterfalls as we cross a series of wooden bridges.

The sound of flowing water and bird calls echoes through the narrow valley, adding to the sense of wilderness and isolation.

Our trail gradually gains altitude, climbing about 130 meters until we reach the ancient ruins of Barshong Dzong, a once-proud fortress that stood guard over this remote region.

Today, its moss-covered stones and broken walls offer a hauntingly beautiful setting and a reminder of Bhutan’s rich cultural tapestry.

This region is also part of Bhutan’s Jigme Dorji National Park, and rangers have recorded rare sightings of both tigers and snow leopards which are proof of the thriving ecosystem you’re hiking through. While spotting one is rare, just knowing they roam these forests adds a sense of magic to the trek.

Tonight’s camp is set near the ruins, but for those seeking a slightly more comfortable site, there’s an optional 1.5-hour extension to reach a better campsite farther down the trail.

Today marks the final leg of our trek, and though the journey is long, the landscapes continue to captivate with their raw beauty. We begin with a steep descent on a rocky trail that winds down toward the Thimphu Chhu river.

The sound of rushing water echoes through the valley as we carefully navigate the rugged terrain. As we move along, we encounter gradual ascend, descend, and a series of small gentle climbs.

We stop for a brief rest at Dolam Kencho (3,290 m/10,794 ft), where we can take in the views and recharge for the next section. From here, the trail continues to climb briefly up to 3,450m (11,319 ft), before descending toward a side stream.

The path becomes thrilling and challenging as we descend through a series of switchbacks, negotiating a steep cliffside.

The rocky terrain gives way to bamboo forests, which offer a pleasant change in lush scenery as we continue on the mule trail that winds high above the river.

The descent feels like a journey back in time, with the ancient forests and river valleys surrounding us offering sweeping 360-degree view.

Finally, after a long but rewarding day, the trail reaches its end at Dodina, where our transport awaits. From here, we drive to Thimphu, Bhutan’s vibrant capital city, where you can reflect on the incredible trekking adventure you’ve just completed.

Today is a full day of exploration in Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan, where traditional culture blends seamlessly with modernity. We begin our sightseeing tour by immersing ourselves in the rich heritage of this vibrant valley.

Our first stop is the National Library, a treasure trove of ancient Buddhist texts and manuscripts that offer insight into Bhutan’s spiritual heritage.

We visit the Traditional Medicine Institute, where you can learn about Bhutan’s centuries-old approach to holistic health, including the use of medicinal herbs and natural remedies.

Afterwards, we head to the Arts & Crafts School, where you can watch skilled artisans create Bhutanese masterpieces, from intricate woodwork to traditional thangka painting.

You’ll also have the chance to immerse in the Textile and Folk Heritage Museum, which showcases Bhutan’s unique textile art and the fascinating history of its rural culture.

No visit to Thimphu would be complete without stopping by the National Memorial Chorten, a spectacular monument built in honor of the third king of Bhutan.

From here, we continue to Zilukha Nunnery, a peaceful retreat where you can witness the daily life of Bhutanese nuns as they practice meditation and study sacred texts.

We’ll then visit the Traditional Paper Factory, where handmade paper is produced in the old Bhutanese tradition, before heading to the Takin Mini Zoo, home to Bhutan’s national animal, the Takin. The quirky appearance of this unique creature makes for some great photos!

For those interested in shopping for souvenirs, the Handicrafts Emporium offers a variety of authentic Bhutanese crafts, including jewelry, textiles, and wood carvings.

You can stroll through the local shops to collect souvenirs as a memorable reminder for your time spend in Bhutan.

To end our tour, we visit Tashichho Dzong, the majestic fortress that houses the offices of the government and the King’s Throne Room. This architectural gem provides a perfect view of the spiritual and political heart of Bhutan.

In the evening, we make our way back to Paro, where you can relax, soak, and reflect on the incredible experiences of the 12-days Chomalhari trek.

After a hearty breakfast, it’s time to bid farewell to the Land of the Thunder Dragon.

Our Airport Representative will assist you with your departure and drive you to Paro International Airport, where you’ll check in for your flight back home.

We wish you a safe and pleasant journey, with hopes that you’ll return to Bhutan one day to continue your exploration of this magical kingdom.