Bhutan's Chomolhari and the Bonte La

Trekking in the 'Land of the Thunder Dragon' ~ Chomolhari and Jitchu Drake ~ The picturesque Tsho Phu lakes ~ Taktsang Monastery - the 'Tigers Nest'

North of the idyllic settlement of Paro, with its dramatic, cliff-side Taktsang Monastery, the pristine valley of the Paro Chu provides a passage between Himalayan foothills to the high peaks on the border with Tibet. This excellent new trek follows the river upstream for 3 days to the meadows at Jangothang, the basecamp for Chomolhari. Then, after a day for exploration above this camp, we turn away from the valley trail and climb to the picturesque Tsho Phu lakes. From here, we ascend to cross the airy Bonte La (4890m) and have increasingly impressive views of Chomolhari and of the imposing spire of Jitchu Drake. At high level now, we trek via hidden valleys and along scenic ridges to reach the stunning campsite on the yak pastures of Thongbu, before descending on herders' trails to Drugyel Dzong. Few trekking groups have completed this superb circuit, which is one of the best short treks in Bhutan. The October departure visits the Thimpu Festival.

Trip Guide
Trekking conditions on this circuit are nowhere particularly difficult, since the trail has been well prepared for the ponies or yaks which are traditionally used to carry supplies on the route. In general this trek offers relatively easy walking conditions, as there are no glaciers to negotiate although we may encounter snow on some of the passes. However, the trekking is quite sustained and does involve some long days and the crossing of three passes over 4000 metres, including the Bonte La at 4890 metres. A good level of fitness is required. This route presents a great variety of landscape types; from fertile and intensively terraced farmland, through some of the finest mixed forest in the world, to open, alpine pastureland and high mountain valleys and passes.

In addition to this holiday we also run a departure in October which includes the Thimpu Festival - 'Bhutan Chomolhari Trek and Thimpu Festival'. This departure has a different itinerary.

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Itinerary / Highlights

Day 1: Rendezvous at the group hotel in Kathmandu. Complimentary airport transfers are provided. KE Land Only package services begin with the evening meal.

Day 2: Transfer to the airport and take the short flight to Bhutan's only airport, at Paro. Views of Everest en route. On arrival, transfer to the group hotel and there will be time to look around the town before the evening meal. Overnight at the group hotel.

Day 3: After a transfer to the ruins of Drugyel Dzong, we trek northwards beside the Paro River, passing through delightful farmland and forest to reach our camp at Shana (2820m.) 5 - 6 hours trekking.

Day 4: A longer trek, as we follow the river through lovely mixed forest. At a junction of 2 valleys, we turn north towards Chomolhari which is now visible. Camp at Soi Thangka. (3610m) 8 hours.

Day 5: We continue our trek towards Chomolhari, passing a small herding camp and entering more open country with grazing yaks. Camp at the meadow of Jangothang (4040m) which is the base camp area for Chomolhari. 5 - 6 hours.

Day 6: A day for exploration above our camp at Jangothang. There are various options for walks to gain classic views above this camp. Alternatively this may be used as a rest day.

Day 7: We begin with a steady climb through high pastures to reach the stunning Tsho Phu lakes. Beyond the lakes we begin a climb which is steep at first across scree slopes and then more gently to the Bonte La (4890m) with sensational views of Chomolhari and Jichu Drake . We now descend to the less-trekked valley of Yaksa and our camp near the river at 3800m. 6-7 hours.

Day 8: We climb through rhododendron forest to the Tagun La (4520m) where we gain yet more spectacular views of the Himalaya, before making a short descent to Thongbu. Located in yak pastures at 4180m., this has got to be one of the most beautiful campsites in Bhutan. 5-6 hours trekking.

Day 9: A great day of trekking among spectacular scenery. We begin with a gradual climb to reach the Thombu La (4270m.) and then follow a high ridge with sensational views of snow capped peaks. After almost an hour up on the ridge, we drop steeply down for 2 - 3 hours to meet our outward trail at Shana.(2820m). 5 - 6 hours trekking.

Day 10: A final day of trekking to reach the road at Drugyl. Here we meet our transport for the short drive into Paro. we check into our hotel and the rest of the day is free to enjoy the ambience of this small town. Overnight Paro.

Day 11: A day of sightseeing in the Paro which will certainly include a visit to the Tigers Nest monastery of Taktsang perched on a cliff. The monastery can only be reached on foot by a stiff climb but we will be well acclimatised and conditioned from our trek to make the ascent. Overnight Paro.

Day 12: We take the morning flight to Kathmandu and transfer to the group hotel. We have a guided sightseeing tour of the city in the afternoon.

Day 13: KE Land Only package services end with breakfast at the hotel. Complimentary airport transfers are provided.

Other Details

Accommodation Details

On arrival the group will spend 1 night at our hotel in Kathmandu before taking the Druk Air Flight onto Bhutan's capital, Paro. There are a total of 2 hotel nights in Kathmandu and 3 hotel/lodge nights in Paro.