Alpine Explore Nepal
Himalayan of Nepal

Chomolhari Trek - 11 days:

This trek gifts you with great variety of Bhutanese landscapes and is without doubt one of the most beautiful and unspoiled trekking areas in the entire Himalayas. The trek begins at Drugyal dzong passing through beautiful villages, scattered hamlets and farmland. Different vegetation from richly forested valley to high alpine pastureland where Yak herders graze their animals. Trout fishing in the sky blue lake with magnificent view of three majestic peaks is some activities which can be done on a rest day. You will also encounter rare species like the blue sheep & snow leopard.

Outline Itinerary

Day 01 Arrive Paro by Druk Air flight.
Day 02 Hike to Taktsang monastery.
Day 03 Trek from Drugyal dzong to Shana.
Day 04 Trek from Shana to Soi Thangthangkha.
Day 05 Trek from Soi Thangthangkha to Jangothang.
Day 06 A rest day in Jangothang. 
Day 07 Trek from Jangothang to Dumzo..
Day 08 Trek from Dhumzo to Thombu Shong.
Day 09 Trek from Thombu Shong to Shana Zam..
Day 10 Trek from Shana Zam to Drugyel Dzong and drive to Paro.
Day 11 Departure.      

Detailed Itinerary

DAY 01 ARRIVE PARO BY DRUK AIR FLIGHT
Arrival Paro by Druk Air flight which will offer you great views of Mt. Everest, Kanchanjunga, Chomolhari, Tsrim gang and Jichu Drake. The moment you step out of the plane you will see the difference. Bhutan welcomes you with cool, clean fresh air. Peace and quietness is just another bonous. Our representatives will escort you to Kichu resort. If time prevails visit the National museum & Rinpung Dzong. 

DAY 02 HIKE TO TAKTSANG MONASTERY
To acclimatize yourself a hike to Taktsang monastery meaning a tiger's den lies at an altitude of 3000m which takes about 2/3 hours. The monastery was gutted by fire in 1998 but the remains of the structure still attract visitors. The Royal Government has taken immediate steps to restore and re-construct the old structure. Tea and snacks will be served at the cafeteria where you can gaze at this beautiful monument built during the 17th century. 

DAY 03 TREK FROM DRUGYAL DZONG TO SHANA
Trek begins from Drugyal dzong - Shana and the walking distance is 16 kilometers and takes 5/6 hours. The path leads down to the Pa chu river and runs on the left side passing villages and scattered farmlands. Before reaching the camp you will cross a military camp and trekking permits have to be produced. A nice campsite known as Shana Zam at an altitude of 2800m is located just beyond the military camp.

DAY 04 TREK FROM SHANA TO SOI THANGTHANGKHA
Shana - Soi Thangthangkha and the walking distance is 22 kilometers which takes 8/9 hours. The trail is rather gradual without any steep climbs through dense forest of oak, pine and spruce. Camp lies on the left side of the river at an altitude of 3600 marked with two stone shelters. Of 3800 meters near a stone shelter.

DAY 05 TREK FROM SOI THANGTHANGKHA TO JANGOTHANG
Soi Thangthangkha - Jangothang and the walking distance is 12 kilometers which takes 4/5 hours. The path ascends for a while till you reach a army camp. After a kilometer pass a village called Jampu towards the north. From here you will be above the tree line enjoying the stunning views of the Rocky Mountains. Occasionally pass by solitary houses of the yak herders before you finally reach the old ruins of the fort known as Jangothang at an altitude of 4050m with a community hall. This is also the Chomolhari base camp.

DAY 06 A REST DAY IN JANGOTHANG
Jangothang halt - Options: Excursion to the nameless view point at an altitude of 5250 offering beautiful view of Mt.Chomolhari & Kungphu. Tshophu Lake filled with giant rainbow trouts provided clients bring their own equipment or relax at the camp.

DAY 07 TREK FROM JANGOTHANG TO DUMZO
Jangothang - Dumzo. The walking distance is 18 kilometers which takes 6/7 hours crossing a pass known as Bhonte la at an altitude of 4900m? This day offers beautiful views of Mt.Chomolhari, Kungphu, Jichu Drake from the Two lakes and wonderful landscape. The ascent is about 800m in altitude, the descent 1,090m in altitude. Before reaching the camp you will pass the Soi Yaksa village and one kilometer further cross a bridge to reach the camp site at an altitude of 3800m.

DAY 08 TREK FROM DUMZO TO THOMBU SHONG
Dhumzo - Thombu Shong. The walking distance is 13 kilometers about 5/6 hours walk. This stage offers a lot of scenic beauty. You will have good views into the valley and from the Thombu la pass at an altitude of 4520m views of Chomolhari and Jichu Drake can be seen. From the pass its all the way down hill till camp at an altitude of 4180m situated above tree line. The difference in altitude (ascent) is 700m.

DAY 09 TREK FROM THOMBU SHONG TO SHANA ZAM
Thombu Shong - Shana Zam. Walking distance 15 kilometers about 5/6 hours walk. The first part especially the walk on the ridge offers beautiful views partly to the mighty ice giants in the Chomolhari region. The second part consists of a steep descent which lacks interesting views. At end of the descent you will come across the same military camp as you entered. Many possible camps can be found if you walk further down.

DAY 10 TREK FROM SHANA ZAM TO DRUGYAL DZONG AND DRIVE TO PARO
Shana Zam - Drugyel Dzong. Our Vehicle will be waiting for your return at Drugyel Dzong.

DAY 11 DEPARTURE
Departure. 

The following information will allow you to better plan your budget for tours or treks. A range of costs is given. These costs are dependant on:
  • The mix of Touring and/or general Trekking,
  • The remoteness of the areas visited,
  • The number of guides or porters required,
  • The standard of accommodation required (if there is a choice), 
  • The type of ground transport used,
  • The length of your visit, and
  • The size of your group.

Depending on group size the costs of treks and tours range from:
1 to 3 pax     US$ 68 to 153  P/p per night.
4 to 8 pax     US$ 58 to 138  P/p per night
9 to 14 pax.  US$ 55 to 125 P/p per night.
15 to 20 and above US$ 51 to 107 P/p per night
Single supplement US$ 25 to 60 per night.

Note: The itinerary and cost for Peak climbing, Mountaineering, Tibet, Bhutan and India tours and trek are conditional apply.

Notwithstanding the costs shown above, we can tailor tours to suit almost any budget. Feel free to email us for more information.
 
Note: One tour leader will be free of cost for tours with 15 or more paying guests only. 

Children's bellow three years is free if sharing with their parents. And need to pay if they are participating on the trekking, and above three to nine year children half of the price.

Cost Includes: Accommodation in 3 to 4 star hotels in the cites as your choice, basic accommodation in a lodge or tea house or camping (depending on your itinerary and choice) during treks, guides and porters on treks, all land transfers by private vehicle, 3 meals a day on treks, all jungle safaris, all sightseeing tours as per itinerary and all necessary entry fees, permits and airport transfers.
 
Cost Excludes: Personal expenses, domestic air tickets, airport tax, drinks (soft drink, mineral water and alcoholic beverages and hot-shower on the trek), personal insurance, and extra cost due to natural calamities or accidents outside of our control.

Remarks: The cost of the trip determines with the services included during the trip so that it might be varies with the services, hotel and transfer of your wish.

Please note that our guides speak the following English languages and if required we will provide your language spiking guide on extra cost.

Note: Please contact exploretrek@wlink.com.np for more information and prices

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Contact Information:

Explore Alpine Adventure Nepal
P.O. Box: 4546, Kathmandu, Nepal
+977 1 4700714 / 4700175 / 4701974
Fax: +977 -1 - 4700970
Email: alpinetravel@wlink.com.np
          exploretrek@wlink.com.np
Skype Address: explore.alpine
MSN Messanger: explorealpine
Yahoo Messanger:explorealpine

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Our Guest Says

SteveAnyon-Smith
18 April 2000

This was my third trek in Nepal, having visited the Annapurna Region in 1995 and with Bharat and Dave in the beautiful and wildlife-filled Langstang Valley in1998. Bharat's company "Explore Alpine Adventure"....
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