Chomolhari Base Camp Trek

Today is dedicated to exploring Bhutanese culture and daily life. Visit the School of Arts and Crafts to learn about traditional Bhutanese artistic training, followed by stops at the Textile Museum and the National Institute of Traditional Medicine.

We continue with visits to the Buddha Dordenma statue, Thimphu Dzong, and the Royal Takin Preserve before finishing the day wandering through the local farmers market and downtown Thimphu.

This morning we explore a few remaining highlights of Thimphu before returning to Paro after lunch. Enjoy free time to wander downtown Paro and, if time allows, visit Paro Dzong. The afternoon is intentionally relaxed to rest and prepare for tomorrow’s hike to the iconic Tiger’s Nest.

After a drive into Paro’s upper valley, we begin our hike to the iconic Taktsang Monastery, famously known as the Tiger’s Nest. The trail climbs steadily through pine forest, with sweeping views of the Paro Valley and the monastery dramatically perched above the valley floor.

Colorful prayer flags line the route as we make our final ascent across stone steps and a narrow bridge to reach this sacred site. Challenging yet deeply rewarding, the hike to Tiger’s Nest is one of Bhutan’s most unforgettable experiences.

We depart Paro early and drive to the trailhead at Shana, where we meet our trekking crew and begin the Chomolhari Base Camp trek. Following the Paro Chhu River, the trail winds through rhododendron and pine forests, passing traditional farmhouses and historic trade routes.

A gradual ascent leads us deeper into the forest before reaching our first campsite at Shingkharab.

We continue gradually uphill along the Paro Chhu River through mixed forest, with autumn colors contrasting against hanging Spanish moss. The trail gently rises and falls before crossing a bridge and making a short, steep climb to a valley junction marked by a chorten.

Weather permitting, we catch our first glimpse of Mt. Chomolhari at the head of the valley before a short walk to our campsite at Soi Thangthangka.

We continue along a traditional herder’s trail to the small settlement of Jumphu before joining the main trekking route to Jangothang, the base camp of Mt. Chomolhari. After lunch in open alpine meadows, we make the final ascent to camp as the broad, imposing mass of Chomolhari dominates the landscape.

Today is set aside for acclimatization and exploration of the surrounding valley, with incredible views of Chomolhari and neighboring peaks. Those feeling strong can opt for a guided hike to Chomolhari Base Camp, a rewarding 4-hour round trip. Others may choose to rest, relax, and enjoy the high mountain setting.

Today is the most challenging day of the trek. We cross the river before beginning a long ascent on a zigzagging trail into high alpine terrain. The climb leads past grazing meadows and along the twin lakes of Tsho Phu, with striking views of Jichu Drake, before reaching Bonte La Pass.

After taking in the views from the pass, we descend steeply at first, then gradually into the forested Yaksa Valley. Camp is set beside the river at the valley floor.

We climb steadily through rhododendron, birch, and oak forest, eventually breaking above treeline to reach Takung La Pass. From the pass, expansive Himalayan views unfold, with distant glimpses of Chomolhari and surrounding peaks.

A short descent brings us to Thongbu Shong, a peaceful yak-grazing pasture where we make camp for the night.

We begin with a valley crossing before climbing steadily through dense rhododendron forest to Thombu La Pass. From the pass, sweeping views stretch across the Bhutan–Tibet border, with dramatic Himalayan peaks rising in every direction.

A scenic traverse along a high ridgeline leads to a long descent back to Shana, where our vehicles await for the return drive to Paro. After checking into the hotel, enjoy a hot shower and a well-earned dinner.

Depart for your flight back to Thailand.