Chomolhari Trek

duration 12 days
usd 3,900 All inclusive
difficulty Medium
best season Sep-Dec | Mar-May
max altitude From 7,382 feet at Paro to 13,450 feet at Shodu

trip overview

Chomolhari is a popular trekking site in Bhutan due to its wide range of landscapes, its flora and fauna and spectacular views of Mt Chomolhari. Its altitude varies from 2,500m to 4,930m.

Detail itinerary

day 01
Arrival in Paro (2,250m/7,382ft).

We will pick you up at the airport and take you to your hotel.
- Accomodation: Hotel
day 02
Hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery (3,180m/10,433ft) & Return to Paro.

Tiger’s Nest Monastery is a sacred Buddhist site located in the cliff side of the upper Paro valley. This temple is said to be built in the 8th century. We will hike to this place and return back to Paro at evening for rest.
- Accomodation: Hotel
- Meal: Breakfast
day 03
Trek to Shana (2,850m/9,348ft).

We will leave Paro early in the morning and travel by road till we pass through the village of Gunetshawa. After a trek permit check at the army post just outside Gunetshawa, we will head toward Shana, a village near a river Shana Zampa in a meadow surrounded by trees.
- Accomodation: Tented
- Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
day 04
Trek to Sio Thangthangkha (3,750m/12,300 ft).

The trek continues as we gradually climb alongside the Paro River(Pa Chhu) through the forests of oaks, rhododendrons and ferns till we reach Sio Thangthangkha. If the weather is nice we can have a great view of Mt Chomolhari from here.
- Accomodation: Tented
- Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
day 05
Trek to Jangothang (4,040m/13,250 ft).

This day’s trek is said to be one of the most beautiful trek as we have to pass through a beautiful landscape covered with lush green meadows. Passing through the village of Soe, Takethang and Dangochang, we will approach toward Jangothang campsite.
- Accomodation: Tented
- Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
day 06
Rest day at Jangothang Base Camp.

We will make the most of this rest day here. We can see a prayer flag fluttering in the wind, beautiful views of snow capped Mt Chomolhari and Mt Jichu Drake and crystal clear Himalayan lakes.
- Accomodation: Tented
- Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
day 07
Trek to Lingshi (4,000m/13,120ft).

We will walk along a trail witnessing the view of Mt Jichu Drake (6,989m) and further ahead Mt Tserim Kang (6,789m). About four hours after leaving Jangothang, the trail ascends along Mo Chhu River from where we will head toward the site of Lingshi camp.
- Accomodation: Tented
- Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
day 08
Trek to Shodu (4,100m/13,450ft).

We trek across Yele La Pass (4,820m) from where we can have a great view of Mt Chomolhari, Gangchhenta, Tserim Kang and Masang Gang. After reaching Shodu, we will camp along a stream located nearby.
- Accomodation: Tented
- Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
day 09
Trek to Barshong (3,600m/11,810ft).

We will trek along the Thimphu Chhu River through a steep-walled canyon with cliff to the north and a rich cypress forest to the south. Here we have to cross the Thimphu River atleast 6 times before reaching the camp located at Barshong.
- Accomodation: Tented
- Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
day 10
Trek to Dolam Kencho (3,600m/11,810ft).

From Barshong our trek starts gently through dense forests of rhododendron, birch and conifers till we meet the Thimphu River. From here we have to climb a steep cliff till we finally reach Dolam Kencho where we camp along pasture land.
- Accomodation: Tented
- Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
day 11
Trek to Dodena & drive to Thimphu (2,350m /7,710ft).

Inorder to reach Dodena we have to ascend through conifer forests and drop steeply to Thimphu River. Following it southward we reach Dodena. We will rest here for few hours and then drive to Thimphu.
- Accomodation: Hotel
- Meal: Breakfast
day 12
Departure from Thimpu.

We will drop you to the airport and bid you goodbye.
- Meal: Breakfast

Included in cost

Receive you from and drop you to the airport or hotel in our company vehicle.
Stay at a three-star hotel in Paro and Thimpu on a twin-sharing basis. Breakfast is on us.
Fees for camping at certain camping sites.
Local government-licensed guides.
Porters (one each for a pair of travellers) and local support staff to help you trek.
We will lend you a down jacket and a sleeping bag for throughout the trek.
A duffel bag, a sun hat and a t-shirt as a souvenir from us.
All tourist fees, government charges and other official expenses throughout the trip.

Not included in cost

Lunch and dinner in Paro and Thimpu.
Additional stay before, during or after the set itinerary.
Charges at airports or other areas for excess luggage.
Alcohol, hot or cold drinks, bottled water, and other snacks.
Phone calls, internet, laundry, additional porters, and other personal expenses.
Travel insurance. (It is compulsory and covers emergency rescue and evacuation.)
International airfare to and from Bhutan.
Visa fees for entering Bhutan.
Trekking equipment.
Other expenses not mentioned in “Included in cost” list.

Accomodation during the Trip

In cities, you will stay in a three-star hotel while you will be staying at standard guesthouses during your travel. There will be electricity, internet, laundry and hot showers in all of the places you stay. You will have to share your room with a fellow traveller in our typical package. Single supplement will be served on request and will cost an additional USD 50.Also note that single rooms is easily available in cities and the trekking regions at lower elevation but it might be difficult to find them at higher elevations.

faqs

How do I come to Bhutan?

You have to book your own international flight from your country to Bhutan and back according to your trip departure dates.
What happens after I land into Bhutan?

A chauffeur from Mountain Kick will come receive you at the airport and take you to your hotel. Representatives of the company will visit you at the hotel itself and brief you on your trip.
What will a trekking trip with Mountain Kick involve?

You will trek in the Himalayas in a group of international travellers fully assisted by our guides, porters and local support staff. We will take care of your entire trip as soon as you land in Paro and safely take to your preferred destination and back as per the package you choose. Travel will involve plenty of sightseeing and mixing with local culture.
In what physical condition do I need to be for the trip?

A regular person can complete the trip with help from our guides and porters. But it is important that you are healthy and have no physical injuries. Trekking for long hours in high altitude and difficult terrain will surely put a strain on your body and you might suffer severe physical and mental breakdown, especially if you are trekking in the Himalayas for the first time. It is, therefore, expected that you have taken light endurance training especially for longer trips.
How long do I have to trek each day?

On most days of your trips, you will trek for a couple of hours only. But some trekking days require as much as six to eight hours of walking in high altitude. However, there will be plenty time each day for rest and acclimatization.
Where will I be staying during the trip?

In cities, you will stay in a three-star hotel while you will be staying at standard guesthouses during your travel. There will be electricity, internet, laundry and hot showers in all of the places you stay. You will have to share your room with a fellow traveller in our typical package. At some destinations, especially in the Himalayas, you will have to stay in a tented camp. If you want to make separate living arrangements, talk to us beforehand and we can arrange single rooms for additional $250. Some guesthouses at very high altitudes and remote places may not have attached washrooms or single rooms.
And food?

All your major meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) are included in your trekking package except in cities (where only breakfast is provided for). You will be served local food at all places we dine but you can order anything you like on the menu which you will have to pay for yourself. You will have a range of options so there won’t be a problem if you are a vegetarian or vegan. We make sure you get healthy and hygienic food throughout your travel.
How much help do I get during the trek?

Our guides and porters always put your safety and comfort first. We have English-speaking guides who take you to all major attractions throughout the travel and are happy to answer all your queries. We have one porter assigned each for two travellers and you will have to pay separately if you want to hire extra porters. We have local support staff in all villages and camps you reach to assist you in any way possible.
What happens in case of injuries and emergencies?

The guides always carry a professional first aid kit with them to treat with minor injuries. We also have health professionals at villages and camps along the journey. The travel insurance you take (which is compulsory) covers any and all emergency rescue and evacuation.
What if I want to do something beyond the itinerary?

We are always happy to accommodate your wishes during the travel so far as they do not conflict with schedules and other travellers. If you have special plans, you can talk to us beforehand so that we can arrange a customised trip for you.
What equipment do I bring?

You have to bring all travel equipment yourself. Please see the equipment section for a standard list of required equipment prepared by our guides. Most of the items are easily available in Kathmandu in case if you miss any and we also lend you some of the gears for the duration of the trip for a small fee.
Will I get to communicate with the outer world?

There is internet and telephone connection in all of our stops for the day throughout the journey. You will be able to call back home or post your pictures on Facebook everyday.
What travel documents do I need?

As soon as you land into Bhutan, we take care of all your travel documents required during your trip. You just need to bring your passport and a copy of your travel insurance. Tourist fees and permits to enter certain areas will be arranged for by Mountain Kick.
Which is best time of the year to travel?

Most of the trekking routes are open throughout the year but September through to December and March to May are the best months to travel.
What are the modes of transportation for travel mentioned in the itinerary?

Rides for sightseeing and reaching destinations within city limits are done in a private vehicle like a car, a jeep or a microbus. Most of the long distance travel is done in luxurious tourist buses hired exclusively by the company. In some journeys, you may also need to take a public bus but as you will travel in a group with our guides and support staff, you need not worry about your safety or comfort.
How much money do I need to carry during the trip?

Around $50 will be enough to buy you lunch and dinner in Kathmandu. During your travel, you can get by with around $25 a day. But it depends on how much you want to spend. Due to the exchange rate and predominantly rural economy of Nepal, things are pretty cheap in Nepal.
Can I use my credit cards?

Almost all international credit cards are accepted in Bhutan. However, not all places, especially during your travel, accept them. There may be a fee involved in processing your card.
Are tips for my guides and porters expected? How much?

Our staff do not expect you to tip them. Generally, travellers tip them if they are satisfied with the service as a means of gratitude. Even when travellers tip the guides and porters, there is no fixed rate. However, if you like to tip them, follow customs of your own country for tipping (which, as we have learned, is 10 to 15 percent of total cost for most western countries).
Where will I get a visa to come to Bhutan?

The government will sanction a visa clearance number which can be used to get an actual Visa at the paro airport during your arrival. Without the visa clearance number one can not board the flight. The ministry forwards the visa clearance number to the druk air station and other check points. But you don't have to worry about it, cause the visa procedure will be handled by us. The visa procedure fee is included in your trip price. All you need is two copies of your passport size photograph at the airport.
How do I book a tour?

Click Book Now to enter your details and we shall contact you. You can contact us directly for any further information or to prepare a customized itinerary for you. For payment information, see our Terms and Conditions.

Trip notes

Please make sure you take a travel insurance at home before arriving here. Your insurance agent will know which insurance plan suits your travel.
It is advisable that you free up a few days before and after your trip schedule. For reasons beyond our control like flight delays, accidents and natural hazards, the itinerary may have to be altered.
Please inform us and our guides if you have any medical condition that might affect your trip. Please consult your doctor beforehand for any precautions you need to take and always carry medicines if you need them. However, our guides and local support staff have been trained in basic medical intervention and your travel insurance covers any emergency rescue or evacuation.
You may decide to alter your itinerary to some degree as long as there are no time constraints and everyone consents, if you are travelling in a group. Talk to us before embarking on the trip or you may also talk to our guides to see if we can arrange something. One thing we have learned from mountaineering all these years is however good you plan your journey, there are bound to be some improvisations to make our experience richer.

Equipment List

General

2 season sleeping bag – one. (You can rent one sleeping bag and one down jacket for the entire trip from us for USD 25)
Spring down jacket – one. (You can rent one sleeping bag and one down jacket for the entire trip from us for USD 25)
Duffel – one. (We will provide you one complementary duffel bag for you to keep.)
35-45 liter daypack – one.

Head

Hat (shade hat or baseball cap). You can additionally tie a bandana around your head or neck. (Mountain Kick provides you a baseball cap as a complimentary gift.)
You can alternatively use balaclava, beanie, or hooded jacket which will be quite sufficient to keep you warm.
Glacier glasses with side shields and 100% UV protection as you will face very intense sun rays at higher altitude with high UV radiation level. If you use prescription glasses, you can find glacier glasses with prescription lenses.
Headlamp that use lithium batteries. (It is recommended you carry spare batteries.)
Neckwarmer (optional).
Lip balm – two sticks. (You lips are bound to get chapped in the cold and dry weather.)

Hand

Synthetic liner gloves – one pair.
Winter fleece gloves or wool gloves – one pair.
Shell gloves – one pair.
Hand warmer (optional). Wearing multiple layers of your gloves should be enough.

Torso

T-shirt – two.
Lightweight thermal tops – two.
Fleece jacket – one.
Windstopper jacket (optional).
Rain jacket – one.
For women: synthetic sports bra – two.

Legs

Nylon hiking shorts – two pairs.
Trekking pants – two pairs.
Synthetic underwear – four.
Synthetic long underwear – two.
Synthetic softshell pant – one pair.
Waterproof pant – one pair.
Jeans, cotton or khaki pant – one pair.

Feet

Synthetic liner socks – four pairs.
Heavyweight socks – three pairs.
Lightweight socks – one pair.
Waterproof light trekking boots – one pair. Choose wisely as you will be doing a lot of walking.
Sneakers – one pair. (You will not be trekking throughout your vacation).
Hiking gaiters (optional).
Sandals (optional).

First aid and medicines

Extra strength Excedrin for headaches.
Ibuprofen for general pain.
Imodium or Pepto-Bismol for gas, upset stomach or diarrhoea.
Diamox for altitude sickness.
Ointment for blisters and cuts.
First aid kit (optional). Our guides always carry a professional first aid kit with them.

Do not forget

Your passport. Passport size photos – four copies.
Airline tickets.
SPF 40 sunscreen for UV protection.
A Swiss army knife.
Aqua iodine tablets.
A toiletry kit with towels, toilet paper, hand sanitizer, hand wipes, soaps, etc.
Kerchiefs

Optional

Trekking poles. These will provide stability, take the stress off your knees and greatly increase your trekking speed.
Munchies (all the walking might make you hungry during your trek).
Binoculars
Books or mp3 players (a smartphone is great).
Camera
Hydration bladder. You might also want to carry a thermos.
A pee bottle (or a pee funnel for women).

Note: The lists have been prepared by our guides based on experience and are meant as suggestion for an average trekker. Each trekker will have his/her own preferences and necessities and we recommend carrying everything that you think you might need. You will find several options for each equipment and we advise to select the best match for your particular trip. You can purchase almost everything on the lists in Paro and we are happy to help you choose.

download equipment list

view all equipment list

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As one of the core guiding principles for Mountain Kick, we always give back to the mountain community in any way we can as a means of gratitude. The people who live in the Himalayas and share their homes with us deserve to have all their little problems fixed which seem very basic for outsiders but are commonplace in rural Nepal. The people lack proper access to healthcare, sanitation and education but a little effort from travellers goes on a long way to solve these issues. Mountain Kick has made it its corporate social responsibility to help improve the living standards of the local community. We make donations to their cause, organize social campaigns and programs and also have a few trips designed to mix a little volunteer work in your holiday.