Bhutan: Chomolhari Base Camp
Discover the Enchantment of Bhutan! Hidden high in the Himalayas, Bhutan is a timeless Buddhist kingdom untouched by conquest and only recently opened to the outside world. Nestled among the world’s tallest peaks, this extraordinary destination offers a rare window into a culture that feels both ancient and beautifully preserved.
Journey through a land where breathtaking mountain passes, vibrant spiritual festivals, and serene villages offer a profound sense of peace and purpose. In Bhutan, the landscape stirs your soul, the traditions ground your spirit, and the people leave a lasting impression of warmth and wisdom.
Whether you’re drawn by the challenge of the mountains or the tranquility of a simpler way of life, Bhutan invites you to experience a world unlike any other—a journey that will stay with you long after you’ve returned home
Trip Highlights
- Hike to the Iconic Tiger’s Nest Monastery. Trek to one of Bhutan’s most sacred sites, perched dramatically on a cliff 2,700 feet above the Paro Valley. This challenging yet rewarding hike is rich in spiritual energy and breathtaking alpine views
- Reach Chomolhari Base Camp at 14,500 Ft. Spend a day exploring the spectacular high-altitude Chomolhari Base Camp, with the option to hike deeper into the valley surrounded by snow-capped Himalayan giants. This acclimatization day offers panoramic vistas and a true sense of mountain grandeur
- Cross the Stunning Bhonte La Pass. Traverse flower-filled meadows, twin alpine lakes, and ascend to 16,050 feet at Bhonte La Pass, one of the trek’s most exhilarating days. Look out for yaks and blue sheep as you descend into the peaceful Yaksa Valley
Itinerary
Day 1
This trek, also known as Jomolhari, or Jumolhari, starts with a flight on the "Wings of Dragon" lands with mind-blowing acrobatic
maneuvers. It is a befitting introduction to the spectacular beauty of the country to enter through the expert aviation of pilots
negotiating the high mountains surrounding the small airstrip at Paro valley. We will enter this ancient land; glad to have our
feet on the ground (in more ways than one) and excited to get started with our exploration. You will be personally greeted by our
Bhutanese team, after which we have a private transfer of about one hour to Thimpu. In Thimpu, we have a half day visiting some
initial highlights of Thimphu. Undoubtedly, we'll need some rest after a busy day, so we will have an early dinner together before
heading off to bed for our first night in this fabled Land of the Thunder Dragon.
Day 2
Today will be a full day of cultural immersion. We'll experience the school of arts and crafts where Bhutanese
children are exposed to 6 years of training in woodworking, drawing, painting and sculpture.
We will delve deeper into Bhutanese culture at the Textile Museum followed by a visit to the National Institute of
Traditional Medicine. Next we will drive up to the Buddha Statue, Thimphu Dzong and visit Royal Takin Preserve. Finally, we finish at
the local farmer's market and meander through the heart of downtown Thimphu - a very complete day indeed
Day 3
This morning, we explore the remaining hidden gems of Thimphu. After lunch, we will return to Paro. If time
permits, we will walk in the main town of Paro, and again to Paro Dzong. But it will be important to rest for tomorrow's hike to the famous Tiger's Nest.
Day 4
We start the day with a short drive to Paro’s upper valley. On a clear day you’ll have an unforgettable view
of the “Goddess” Mt. Chomolhari at 23,640 ft. Our hike to Taktsang Monastery will be a great way to kick off hiking in Bhutan. The most famous monastery in Bhutan, Taktsang means “Tiger's Nest.” Guru Rinpoche reportedly flew to the site on the back of a flying tiger late in the 7th century. Between blue pines and a blue sky, the monastery perches miraculously on a cliff nearly 2,700 feet above
Paro’s valley floor. The trail begins with a steady climb through fragrant pine forests, offering glimpses of the iconic monastery clinging to a sheer cliff face 2,700ft/900m above the valley floor.
Along the way, colorful prayer flags flutter in the mountain breeze, and rest stops provide moments to catch your breath while soaking in panoramic views of Paro Valley. The final ascent involves stone steps and a short descent to a dramatic bridge before reaching the monastery itself—a spiritual and architectural marvel. Though challenging, the hike rewards every step with awe-inspiring scenery and a profound sense of accomplishment upon entering this legendary sanctuary. Whether for pilgrimage or adventure, the trek to Tiger’s Nest is an unforgettable
highlight of any Bhutanese journey
Day 5
Today we have an early morning departure from Paro, for a drive to our trailhead at Shana. Here we will meet our crew and ready ourselves for the start of our 7-day trek. We begin following the Paro Chhu River through dense rhododendron and pine forests, with occasional glimpses
of traditional farmhouses scattered along the valley.
Continuing along the river, we'll have a gradual ascent through a dense forest of rhododendron, birch, fir, and
maple. As we progress, the trail turns rocky and bumpy and can be muddy if it rains. Many trails lead in other directions, such as the trail to
Tremo la, which was the old salt-trading route to Tibet. Ultimately, we reach the campsite of Shingkharab, which should take us about 4 to 4.5 hours total - depending on our pace.
Day 6
We gain height slowly as we continue along the river through a mixed forest. The autumn colors of the leaves contrast with the pale Spanish moss (old man's beard). The trail undulates as we make our way north, and after crossing a bridge at 11,680ft/3560m, we make a short, steep
climb to reach a junction of two valleys, marked by a chorten. From near here, weather permitting, we can glimpse Chomolhari mountain at the head of the valley. Our trail stays on the west bank of the Paro Chu, and our next camp at Soi Thangka is about half an hour's walk away.
Day 7
We continue our trek today on the cow herder's trail up to the small hamlet of Jumphu. From here, we follow the main
trekking trail to today's camp at Jangothang (Chomalhari Basecamp). After lunch in a meadow, it is another hour until camp. Most of the hike will be between 11,700ft to 13,000ft, and then finally gain some elevation on the final few hours of the hike. The imposing, rounded bulk of the
Chomolhari Mountain fills the view to the Northeast. We will sleep tonight at 13,250 ft.
Day 8
Today we have an opportunity to explore the valley and enjoy wonderful views of the mountains. We also have the
opportunity to hike up to Chomolhari Base Camp today at an elevation of about 14500ft. It will be a good 4-hour
round-trip hike from our campsite. This hike is optional, and you may instead choose to rest and enjoy the camp.
Day 9
Today is undoubtedly the most difficult thus far- we have a long, yet breathtaking, day of trekking. We cross the river
on a simple bridge before beginning a steady ascent along a zigzagging trail that winds up the steep mountainside.
Our destination: the vibrant, flower-strewn meadows of the hanging valley above—a prime grazing area where yaks and blue sheep often roam.
Continuing on, we follow along the shores of Tsho Phu’s twin azure lakes toward the Bonte La Pass at
16,050ft/4,890m. The initial climb is steep, traversing scree slopes, but as we reach the upper valley, we’re rewarded
with spectacular views of the lakes reflecting the majestic Jichu Drake.
From here, the trail eases, leading us gradually to the summit of the pass. After soaking in the panoramic view, we begin our descent. The first section is steep and slippery, but it soon levels out as we pass a dramatic cliff and a thundering waterfall. Finally, we enter the lush,
canyon-like Yaksa Valley; its dense forests alive with tranquility. Our camp for the night rests in the valley bottom beside the river at 12,480ft/3,805m.
Day 10
Our ascent winds through lush forests of rhododendron, birch, and oak, leading us to a serene meadow adorned
with a rock wall. We make a steady climb through the forest and beyond the treeline to reach the Takung La (14,760ft/4,500m).
Breathtaking Himalayan vistas unfold before us. A short scramble up the hills above the pass reveals the distant silhouettes of Chomolhari and the Bhutanese Himalayan range, while the Bonte La remains visible behind us. From the pass, a brief descent brings us to Thongbu Shong, a
tranquil yak-grazing pasture nestled at 13,620ft/4,100m.
Day 11
Our day starts with a valley crossing on a sometimes-muddy trail. We begin a steady climb through dense
rhododendron forests, emerging at the Thombu La (4,270m)—where a stunning panorama unfolds. To the southeast, Djo Drake rises proudly, while along the Tibet-Bhutan border, the striking Drake Gang stands tall (modest by Himalayan standards, but no less dramatic). Beyond them, a sea of towering peaks marks the distant Sikkim frontier.
From the pass, we trace a high ridgeline, one of the trek’s most unforgettable stretches, with snow-capped summits framing every step. We savor this alpine balcony for nearly an hour before beginning our descent—a steep, knee-testing 2–3 hour drop back into the valley. The circuit closes as we rejoin our original trail at Shana (2,820m) at the Army Camp, where our vehicles await. A one-hour drive returns us to Paro; after checking into the hotel, the bliss of a hot shower and a well-earned dinner beckon.
Day 12
Leave for your flight back to Thailand.