Bhutan trekking Chomolhari Trek 15 Days

Jomalhari Trek

The Jomalhari (Chomalhari) trek, is one of the most popular treks in Bhutan. This trek passes through fields from Drukgyel Dzong into deep forested valleys, which gradually lead to high mountain pastures.

Ranging in altitudes from 2500 to almost 5000m, the trek covers diverse landscapes with the opportunities to see Mount Jomalhari from Chomalhari Base Camp. The Jomalhari trek is perfect for people who want to experience the richness of landscape that Bhutan has to offer.

JOMALHARI/CHOMALHARI TREK OVERVIEW

Day-1: Arrive Kathmandu

Day-2: Sightseeing tour

Day-3 : Arrive Paro - Thimphu

Day-4 : Paro Sightseeing

Day-5 : Paro - Shana and begin the trek

Day-6 : Shana - Thangthayka

Day-7 : Soi Thangthayka - Jangothang

Day-8 : Jangothang

Day-9 : Jangothang - Lingshi

Day-10: Lingshi

Day-11: Lingshi Shodu

Day-12 : Shodu - Barshong

Day-13 : Barshong - Dolam Kencho

Day-14 : Dolam Kencho - Thimphu

Day-15 : Thimphu - Punakha

Day-16 : Punakha - Paro

Day-17 : Paro departure - Kathmandu ( by Druk Air)

Day-18: Final Departure

JOMALHARI/CHOMALHARI TREK ITINERARY

Day-1: Arrive Kathmandu

You will meet us at Airport and will be transferred to Thamel Eco Resort by private vehicle.

Day-2: Sightseeing tour and hotel overnight (breakfast, dinner)

Start full day sightseeing after breakfast. This evening we offer complimentary welcome dinner with live Nepali cultural show to everyone. Drive back to Hotel.

Kathmandu itinerary ends here // Bhutan itinerary starts here

Day-3 : Arrive Paro - Thimphu

Upon arrival meet with our representative and after lunch transfer to Hotel. Overnight at Hotel in Paro.

Day-4 : Paro Sightseeing

Visit Kychu Lhakahang, National Museum and Paro Dzong. Later in the evening assemble the trekking gear. Overnight at Hotel in Paro.

Day-5 : Paro - Shana

Drive up to Drukgyel Dzong where the road ends and trek begins, follow the river gently uphill through a agricultural valley and the village. Overnight Camp at height of 2,800 m. Dist. 17 km. 5 to 6 hours.

Day-6 : Shana - Thangthayka

Continue uphill through the alpine forest. It narrows and closes in and the winds along the drainage. The trek is mostly through the deep forest. Camp is in a meadow with a stone shelter. Alt. 3750m. Dist. 20 km. 8 to 9 hours. Overnight Camp.

Day-7 : Soi Thangthayka - Jangothang

Continue up the Pa Chhu (river). Pass a small army post where the valley begins to widen again. Now views of high ridges and snow-capped peaks can be seen all around. Camp beneath a ruined fortress at

the base of Mt Jhomolhari and Mt. Jichu Drake. Alt: 4,040 m, Dist: 19 km, time about 5½hrs. Overnight Camp.

Day-8 : Jangothang

Trek up to Tsophu for fishing or do any one of the three hiking excursions. Mt Jhomolhari and its subsidiary are due west, Mt. Jichu Drake is to the north, unclimbed summits and ridges are to the east. Overnight Camp.

Day-9 : Jangothang - Lingshi

Wide yak pastures are visible both on ways up and down the pass. You may encounter some nomads in their yak tents. You can see the Lingshi Dzong. Tserim Kang and is descending glaciers are at the north end of the valley from the Nyuele la pass alt. 4700m. Camp at alt: 4150 m, dist: 19 km. 7 to 8 hours. Overnight Camp.

Day-10: Lingshi

On this day, stop at Lingshi for an excursion to Tsokha, the base camp of Jichu Drake. Large herds of blue sheep and musk deer may be seen. Alt: 4,500 m, dist 15 km.

Day-11: Lingshi Shodu

The trail ascends up to the Yalila Pass, altitude 4820 m, from the pass, Mt Jhomolhari, Tserim Gang and Mt. Masagang can be seen on clear days. Then descend. Camp at ht: 3,963 m, 22 km. 9 to 10 hours. Overnight Camp.

Day-12 : Shodu - Barshong

Follow Wang Chhu through the forest of rhododendron and waterfalls, the river then narrows and closed in and the trail winds ascending to the ruins of Barshong Dzong. Camp just below the Dzong. Atl: 3,785 m dist: 13 kms. 6 to 7 hours. Overnight Camp.

Day-13 : Barshong - Dolam Kencho

Descend gradually to meet Wang Chhu, passing through forests of Rhododendron, then ascend once again onto pasture land. Camp in meadow. Atl: 3,628 m, dist: 11 km. 5 to 6 hours.
Overnight Camp.

Day-14 : Dolam Kencho - Thimphu

Continue uphill through the forest to a small pass. The trial winds up and along the drainage. Wild animals may be seen. At Dodina, meet the transportation for drive to Thimphu. Dist: 14 km. 6 to 7 hours. Overnight at Hotel in Thimphu.

Day-15 : Thimphu - Punakha

Morning Thimphu sightseeing, visit Memorial Chorten, Painting School, National Library. After lunch drive to Punakha/Wangdi across the Dochula Pass ( Alt: 3050m ) where once can see the beautiful views across the Dochula Pass (Alt: 3050 m) of Eastern Himalayan Range. Overnight at Hotel in Wangdi.

Day-16 : Punakha - Paro

Visit Wangdi Dzong and Punakha Dzong, which is the winter home of Central Monk body (Je-Khenpo). After lunch transfer to Paro. Overnight Hotel

Day-17 : Paro departure

Bhutan itinerary ends here

Paro - Kathmandu ( by Druk Air): (Breakfast)

>In the morning our staff escort will bid you farewell at Paro airport.Good-bye and happy journey back to Kathmandu. Overnight hotel

Day-18: Final Departure (Breakfast)

Drive to airport for the final departure.

End of services

Your Questions Answered

How difficult is the Chomolhari trek?

The Chomolhari trek is more difficult than the Druk Path trek as it takes you closer into the high mountains and higher altitude. You also ascend quite quickly going above 3,500m on the second day of the trek. There are a couple of high passes to tackle that are just short of 5,000 metres, such as Nyele La at 4,850m and Yale La at 4,950m.

When is the best time to Jomalhari trek?

There are two factors that come into play in Bhutan, namely weather and festivals. Weather wise it is much like Nepal. June to August is monsoon season so the trails will be very muddy and leech-infested. December to January should also be avoided as it generally gets very cold at at high altitude. So this means that Spring - from February to early June, and Autumn, from September to late November are the best months for trekking. Many people also come to Bhutan to combine their hike with a festival. The Tshechu festival in Paro is the most popular festival and occurs in Spring

Can I add extra days to my trek?

Yes you can so long as this is arranged in advance as your flights will be booked around the duration you plan to be on trek for. Extra days cannot be added whilst ON trek.

Are there any weight restrictions on Druk air flights?

Druk Air allows only up to 20 kgs of luggage per person, after which the excess baggage charge is USD 5 per kg.

Can I choose my own departure dates?

Yes you can and we can easily plan your trek on dates that suit you.

Is there a risk of altitude sickness?

This is one of the most often asked questions - "how will I cope with the altitude". To be honest, this is an 'unknown' factor as no-one can predict how your body will cope at altitude. People who have been to altitude many times in the past without problems, may on one climb suddenly develop problems. There are many factors that play a role. The only way to help combat this, is to take all of the necessary precautions, and walk slowly, acclimatise correctly, don't ascent too quickly and drink plenty of water.

In what physical condition do I need to be for the trip?

Although the treks are classified as a treks, they have substantial altitude gain. They require physical fitness and stamina and most importantly, mental fitness. A good exercise and training program is essential and your training should include a lot of hill walking. The treks should not be undertaken lightly, after all, why spend the money if you are not willing to prepare yourself physically as well?

What temperatures can we expect while trekking?

The weather in the mountains is difficult to predict as it varies from one month to the next and also on altitude gain. Nights are generally colder (-2C to -15C) than the daytime (5C to 20C). It is also important to make sure that you stay warm and dry in all weather conditions.

CHOMALHARI TREK