The Chomolhari Trek

The Chomolhari Trek Itinerary:

• Day 1

  Your trip begins today with an early morning flight from Bangkok, Thailand to Paro, Bhutan. REI Adventures will make the roundtrip flight reservations for you at the time of your registration. The flight from Bangkok to Paro on Druk Air is beautiful and a befitting introduction to the Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan. On arrival you are met by your Bhutanese leader and transferred to Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan and home of the revered Bhutanese Royal Family. Overnight in Thimphu. Lunch and dinner included.
  
  Driving: 2 hours.

• Day 2

  We spend the majority of the day enjoying the sites of Thimphu, including the lively market and its many stalls of local goods, the Zangdopelri temple and the Changlimithang where we watch young Bhutanese practicing archery (a favorite pastime). After lunch we visit the Dupthop Lhakhang (monastery for nuns) and the Memorial Chorten which was built in honor of the late King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk. Overnight in Thimphu. All meals included.

• Day 3

  We depart Thimphu early to maximize our chances of big Himalayan panoramas from the 10,460' Dochu La (La means pass). Today's explorations take us to Punakha and Wangdue Valleys, the location of the ancient Punakha Dzong which is spectacularly situated at the confluence of the Mo Chu and Pho Chu (chu means river). This impressive fortress is now used as the winter seat for the spiritual head of Bhutan, Je Khenpo. In addition, we stop at the ancient monastery of Chimi Lhakahng built in 1499 by one of Bhutan's favorite Buddhist saints, Lama Drukpa Kunley, often called the "Divine Madman" for his outrageous teachings. Overnight in Punakha. All meals included.

• Day 4

  We return to Thimphu to enjoy a full afternoon of sightseeing at the National Institute of Traditional Medicine and the Museum of Herbal Remedies. We also visit the Institute for Zorig Chusum (13 arts) where young Bhutanese are trained in the traditional Bhutanese crafts. Overnight in Thimphu. All meals included.

• Day 5 Chomolhari Trek. Drukgyal Dzong - Shana.

  We begin our trek at Drugyel Dzong (8,591') a short drive northwest of Paro. Now a ruin, Drugyel Dzong served as a fortress in the 17th century. If the day is clear, the view of Chomolhari is spectacular. Our Bhutanese staff loads gear onto ponies and we begin our trek following the narrowing Paro River Valley past traditional farmhouses, chortens, prayer flags and up through blue pine and rhododendron forests. Arrive at Shana (9,480') for our first night of camping. All meals included.
  
  Trekking 9.3 miles, 5-6 hours; Elevation gain: 1,020'; loss 260'.

• Day 6 Shana – Soi Thangthangkha

  The trail continues its gradual climb alongside the Paro Chu and into the high mountain country. The rocky and sometimes muddy trail enters Jigme Dorji National Park and continues ascending through a beautiful thick forest of oak rhododendron, bamboo, and ferns. We cross bridges on several small streams, arriving at Soi Thangthangkha (12,088') where we camp tonight. All meals included.
  
  Trekking 13.6 miles, 6-7 hours; Elevation gain: 2,250'.

• Day 7 Soi Thangthangkha – Jangothang

  Today's trek is all about big mountain vistas, breathing crisp, clean air, and the immense beauty of the landscapes. Hiking at high elevation, we take it slow and drink a lot of water. Along the way we visit with yak herdsman, perhaps purchasing some of their hard and very tasty cheeses. Views of spiky Jitchu Drake (22,470') appear before us, soon to be joined by the massive ice-covered east face of Chomolhari (23,995'). We camp below a ruined fortress at Jangothang (13,415'), the Chomolhari base camp. From here the views of Chomolhari, the Divine Mountain, and other significant mountains are superb. All meals included.
  
  Trekking 10.5 miles, 5-6 hours; Elevation gain: 1,530'.

• Day 8 Rest day in Jangothang

  A welcome layover day to rest. Or with the help of your guides, choose from a variety of impressive day hikes. Chomolhari and its subsidiary is directly west, Jitchu Drake is to the north, and unclimbed summits and rip-saw ridges are to the east. All meals included.

• Day 9 Jangothang - Dumzo

  An exciting, full day as the trail leads north to the last settlement in the valley and drops to the Paro Chu. We cross a bridge over the river and ascend more steeply to a large cirque and the turquoise blue Tsophu Lakes (14,270'). The views of Chomolhari, Chomolhari II and Jitchu Drake are breathtaking! The trail continues alongside the Tsophu Lakes and another steep push takes us to the breathtaking scenery of Bhonte La (la means "pass"). At 16,040' this is the highest point of the trek and it is marked by cairns and prayer flags. Take time to enjoy the scenery! There are views of the Basingthang Peaks (~18,000') and a big snowy peak to the south called Chatarake. The trail drops down a steep narrow gully to a large grass covered area. We then wind our way through yak pastures before descending very steeply through a narrow gully to Dumzo (12,464') where we camp for the evening. All meals included.
  
  Trekking 13 miles, 8-9 hours; Elevation gain: 2,790', elevation loss: 3,600'.

• Day 10 Dhumzo - Thombu Shong

  This is an "up and down and up" kind of hiking day. Our trek takes us across Takhung La (14,880'). The pass has several cairns wrapped in prayer flags. Looking back you can see the Bonte La and looking down the other side is tonight's campsite. Climbing up the small hills on either side of the pass you get distant views of Kanchenjunga (28,160') and even Makalu (27,760') in Nepal, weather permitting. The trail stays high to the left and then winds gently downhill to camp at Thombu Shong (13,510'). All meals included.
  
  Trekking 7 miles, 5-6 hours; Elevation gain: 2,420'; Elevation loss: 1,370'.

• Day 11 Thombu Shong - Shana

  We begin with a climb out of the valley to a crest at Thombu La (14,005'); here we enjoy our last views of the high peaks and a delightful ridge walk. Edelweiss grows in abundance and the huge lammergeyers (bearded vultures) soar in the warm thermals of the valley below. Then it's a steep 2-3 hour descent to conclude today's trek at the same camp as Day 3. Enjoy a final evening celebrating a wonderful adventure with our Bhutanese trekking crew. All meals included.
  
  Trekking 8 miles, 6 hours; Elevation gain: 495', elevation loss: 4,525'.

• Day 12 Shana - Drugyel Dzong - Paro

  The trek from Shana (9,480') to Drugyel Dzong (8,591') is the reverse of the trek on Day 3. We bid farewell to our trekking crew and tour the dzong that was built in the 17th century by Shabdrung Nawang Namgyel, the spiritual leader of Bhutan. It is believed that through the meticulous power of Shabdrung, the Bhutanese were able to defeat the Tibetans seven times. The name Drugyel Dzong means "victorious fortress." We return to our comfortable hotel in Paro in the afternoon and the remainder of the day if free for relaxation or exploring Paro. All meals included.
  
  Trekking 10.5 miles, 4 hours; Elevation gain: 260', elevation loss: 1,020'.

• Day 13 Excursion to Taktsang Monastery

  A short drive from Paro bring us to the trailhead at the base of Taktsang (Tiger's Nest), Bhutan's most famous monastery. Built in the 1600's, this incredible monastery clings to the edge of a sheer rock cliff that plunges 2,700' into the valley below. It is said that Guru Rinpoche flew on the back of a tigress from Singye Dzong in Lhuntse to meditate in a cave where Taktsang now stands. A 2-3 hour steep hike through the forest brings us to a famed viewpoint overlooking the monastery. In the afternoon we visit Kyichu Ihakhang, a small temple believed to have been built in the 7th century by a Tibetan king, as well as Dungtse Lhathang which boasts three floors of paintings representing hell, earth and heaven. We return to Paro for our farewell dinner. All meals included.
  
  Hiking 3-5 hours; Elevation gain/loss: ~2,000 feet.

• Day 14 Paro

  We depart Paro on a flight to Bangkok, Thailand. Any hotel stay in Bangkok is not included, please make reservations if needed. Breakfast included.

Although we do our best to adhere to the schedule listed above, this itinerary is subject to change for numerous reasons beyond our control.

Please check with us before purchasing your airline tickets to ensure your trip has the necessary minimum number of participants required to operate.

If you are traveling alone and specifically request single accommodations, you will be asked to pay the full single supplement noted above. If you wish to share accommodations, we will assign a roommate if one is available. If a roommate cannot be found, you will be asked to pay a reduced single fee, which is one-half of the full single supplement. Please be advised that there are a limited number of single rooms available.

Accommodations in Bhutan; meals as noted in the daily itinerary, all transfers as per the itinerary, monument entrance fees and government taxes, all trekking equipment except sleeping bag, English speaking guide, trekking support staff, pack animals as needed.

Air transportation to/from Bangkok, Bangkok hotel and meal costs, cost of obtaining a passport, insurance, medical immunizations, optional gratuities to lead guide(s), drivers, and trekking support staff, monastery donations, items of a personal nature such as beverages, liquor, laundry fees, internet and phone calls.

In addition to the $400 deposit required to reserve your space (fully refundable up to 91 days prior to departure), the cost of your flight on Druk Air from Bangkok to Paro (mandatory add-on cost and subject to change) is also due at the time of registration. This payment is due in full and is non-refundable unless REI Adventures cancels your departure for any reason.  Upon your registration, we purchase your air tickets immediately as seats into Bhutan are very limited. These are non-refundable tickets. If you needed to cancel your participation on this trip for a reason covered by your optional Travel Insurance plan, this flight cost would be reimbursable by that plan.

This trip is rated Strenuous [5]. Trekking in Bhutan is for active people in good health who enjoy vigorous hiking. Bhutan has an "up and down" topography, there is very little level walking. We expect participants to be strong, experienced hikers in good physical condition. Gear and supplies will be carried by horses, leaving members free to carry only a daypack. No technical climbing or other special abilities are required. However, each person should be equipped with a "spirit of adventure" and have prior experience with backcountry camping, sleeping in a tent and willingness to undergo the potential hardships of outdoor living and long days on the trail. This trek spends considerable time at altitudes between 8,000' and 16,100+'. The trails themselves are only moderate, but at these altitudes hiking will feel more strenuous. A good physical conditioning program must be undertaken several months in advance to get into shape. A physician's signature is required for participation on this trip.

Thimphu and Paro are both at about 8,000’.  Daytime temperatures range from 65 - 70^o.  Evenings are 55 - 60^o. While trekking, our highest camping location is 13,700’ and our highest point is a 16,040’ pass.  Daytime temperatures of 45 - 55°F are usual.  Nighttime is generally around freezing (32^o)F or below.  Bhutan’s weather, especially in the mountains, can be quite unpredictable and there is always the possibility of snow at higher elevations.  During cloudy or snowy conditions, evening temperatures can drop into the 20s.

This trip is subject to the booking information set forth in the current REI Adventures Reservation Information. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A full gear list and pre-departure information is sent upon sign-up. We highly recommend the purchase of travel insurance through REI Adventures. If coverage is purchased at the time of your initial reservation, the 'Pre-existing Conditions Exclusion' is waived (certain exclusions apply).

We look forward to having you join us for the trip of a lifetime! Why wait? Space is limited, reserve your adventure today.

The key to staying comfortable on an active trip is layering. To get maximum comfort with minimum weight, you need versatile layers that mix and match to create the right amount of insulation, ventilation and weather protection.  This gear list was created to help you choose your clothing and gear for this trip. Try to bring only what is necessary, this will help you and the field staff.

Luggage Weight Restrictions

Druk Air imposes a 44 pound weight restriction for checked luggage and a one piece only, 11 pound weight restriction for carry-on luggage. The carry-on bag cannot exceed 17" x 13" x 8". Prior to beginning the trek, gear and clothing is divided into "trek" and "non-trek" items. Non-trek items are left in Thimphu and will be transported to Paro for retrieval after the trek.

Weather

Thimphu and Paro are both at about 8,000'. Daytime temperatures range from 65 - 70°F with evenings averaging 55 - 60°. While trekking, our highest camping location is 13,700', and our highest point is a 16,040' pass. Daytime temperatures of 45 - 55°F are usual. Nighttime is generally around freezing (32°F). However, weather in the mountains can be unpredictable, with the possibility of snow at higher elevations and nighttime temperatures can drop into the 20s.

Gear Checklist

Things to Consider

• Pack essential items such as your passport, money, eyewear, a change of clothing, hiking boots and medications in your carry-on baggage in case your luggage is delayed.
• Culturally sensitive dressing tips: For women, pants (or Capri length pants) and/or a skirt (mid-calf or longer (A-line style works best for hiking) is recommended. Tights, hiking shorts and sports tops are not advised unless worn under other clothing. For men, pants are best. Men may wear hiking shorts, but they should be longer, near the knees. Men should never go shirtless.
• Make sure boots are broken-in. Bring moleskin or Blister Block for foot treatment. Thin liner socks worn under regular hiking socks may minimize the risk of blisters. The liner sock should be synthetic, not cotton. Test your sock combination before you go on the trip.
• Cotton is wonderful in warm weather. However, once it becomes wet it will drain your body heat. Bring wool or synthetics such as Capilene, MTS and Thermax.
• Bring a small ditty bag that includes a Ziploc bag with toilet tissue, spare Ziploc bags to dispose of soiled tissue, a small bottle of hand sanitizer and/or wet wipes. There are no reliable feminine health supplies available in Bhutan; women are advised to bring these from home. Your ditty bag will be carried in your daypack throughout the trip, including while sightseeing.
• Gaiters are useful for keeping mud, debris, and snow out of your boots. Ankle to mid-calf length is ideal.
• Stuff sacks are great for sorting gear. Use different sizes/colors to differentiate contents.
• Accommodation in Bhutan is not centrally heated, but portable electric heaters and plenty of blankets are generally provided in rooms. Consider bringing an additional set of long underwear to sleep in for extra warmth.