Trekking: 8 Days
Departures : March and September
Costs : Click here for price list
This classic trek takes us to the base camp of Chomolhari, meaning ‘mountain of goddess’, one of Bhutan’s most famous mountains. Dazzling alpine scenery, quiet forest trails and visits to some of the Kingdom’s key heritage sites are included in the two-week holiday.
After arriving from Kathmandu, we have two nights in Paro, where we visit the 17th century fortress Ta Dzong, which is now the National Museum and the holy Buddhist shrine of Kyichu Lhakhang. After a short drive to the trail head, we set off on foot, through the Paro Valley, passing scattered settlements and farmlands. Climbing steadily through rhododendron, pine, oak and spruce forests, we emerge above the tree line to enjoy awesome views of Mt. Chomolhari, from the alpine pastures where yak herders graze their animals. We camp near the base camp of this beautiful mountain, beside a shimmering cobalt-blue lake.
An ever present landmark over the next days is the icy-bound summit of 6856m Jitchu Drake, as we now cross two high passes to descend to the Thimphu Valley, with its precipitous rock faces and stunning waterfalls. Following the river past forests of bamboo and ancient ruins, we come to Dodena and the end of the trek. It is a short drive to Thimphu, Bhutan’s colourful capital, where we explore many of the cultural gems of the city: Tashichhodzong, ‘Fortress of the Glorious Religion’, the Memorial Chorten, Painting School, Traditional Medicine Institute and Handicraft Centre.
Fitness & Experience : This is a short trek but with a fair amount of ascent and descent and the days at altitude will slow you down. A good level of fitness is desirable but previous trekking experience is not necessary.