Bhutan Chomolhari Trek (trip)
Bhutan Chomolhari Trek
- Paro, Bhutan
- Active & Adventure
| from $4,895* per person | 13 Days | May |
| Comfort accommodations | Exertion level: 3 | |
| Operator: Ryder-Walker Alpine Adventures | 12 people max | |
Gross National Happiness, not Gross National Product was the declaration made in 1972 by the fourth King of Bhutan. This tiny mountain kingdom declared that the peace and well-being of its people was its measure of prosperity, not material excess. The Bhutanese have legislated that "Four Pillars" support their Gross National Happiness; these are 1) equitable and sustainable socioeconomic development, 2) preservation and promotion of culture, 3) conservation of the environment and is based on the Buddhist philosophy that human beings and nature are inseparable from each other, and 4) good governance.
Bhutan is making a valiant effort at the preservation of their unique culture and allows modernization only at a very measured pace. For example, only at the turn of this century was television made legal. This does not mean that the Bhutanese are primitive however. Quite the opposite is true, and we will be treated to outstanding hotelkeeping and culinary adventures. Our Magical Kindom - Chomolhari Trek begins and ends in Paro and Thimphu, the two principal towns in the country with excellent accommodations. As we hike the circuit to Chomolhari we will treat ourselves to 5 Star camping in beautiful and exotic locations.
Bhutan has placed strict limits on the number of tourists allowed to visit. At present about 12,000 visitors are allowed in each year - this is about one fifth the number of visitors at Disneyworld on just one day! Ryder Walker guides attend to your every need on and off the trail. The cuisine enjoyed on the trek is only one of many highlights with expert local chefs using local produce. Their creativity has to be experienced to be believed. The Magical Kingdom - Chomolhari Trek is one of the most beautiful and varied in the world.
Tour Highlights:
* High alpine trekking through a wild and protected landscape.
* Hike up close to the Chomolhari, the Matterhorn of the Himalaya.
* Visit temples and monasteries that are hundreds of years old.
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Locations visited/nearby
Bhutan, Asia
Itinerary
Day 1 Transfer from Bangkok or Delhi to Paro. This is arguably the most dramatic flight in the world, with breathtaking views of Mount Everest, Kanchenjunga and other famous Himalayan peaks including the sacred Chomolhari and Mount Jichu Drake in Bhutan. Meet your guides and transfer to the hotel.Day 2 Visit Taktsang (Tiger's Nest Temple). This is a beautiful hike to the most revered temple in Bhutan. Sightsee in the afternoon or visit the old Kyochu Lhakhang Temple (7th century).
Day 3 The trek begins with a hike from Paro to Shana. Begin at the Drukgyal Dzong, a 16 century fortress built to commemorate victory over an invasion by Tibet and positioned to guard the trail from Tibet into the Paro valley. Follow the Paro Chu (river) upstream through the village of Tshento. Pass through an army checkpoint on this strategic route from Bhutan to Tibet.
Day 4 The trail from Shana to Thangthangkha is a very rocky series of small ups and downs along the Paro River. Pass a junction where the left branch leads into Tibet.
Day 5 Thangthangkha to Jangothang (Chomolhari Base Camp). Today we break through the timberline and ascend to over 4000 meters. The valley begins to widen here with a spectacular view of high mountain ridges and snow-capped peaks. Yaks and the herders' winter homes become a regular feature of the landscape. Camp for the night beneath a ruined fortress at the base of Mt. Chomolhari.
Day 6 Trek through wide yak pastures and up and down passes. Descend to the Lingshi basin with exceptonal views of the Lingshi Dzong, a 17th century monastary perched beneath mighty snowcovered peaks. Tsarim Kang and its glaciers rise up at the north end of the valley.
Day 7 Rest day with an optional excursion to Tsokha (Lake), the base camp for Jichu Drâke. Blue sheep and musk deer abound along the route.
Day 8 Lingshi to Shodu. Ascend to the Yale La, the highest pass of the trek at 4950 meters. From the pass, we'll enjoy excellent views of the Chomolhari, Tserim Gang and Masagang on a clear day. The trek from the pass to camp site at Shodu is steep down hill. Camp in a stone shelter or tent.
Day 9 The trail follows the Thim Chhu (river) through a world of rhododendron forests and cascading waterfalls. The valley narrows until the path takes to the slopes and gradually ascends to reach the ruins of Barshong Dzong, a 1000 year-old monastery.
Day 10 Barshong to Dolamkencho. The trail descends through thick rhododendron forests to meet the Thim-Chhu and then ascends to pasture lands of Dolam Kencho. The trail continues through forested areas winding up and down and through a small pass. Langurs (monkeys) can be seen along the way. Following the Tshongjug Chhu as it curves to the South, we'll enter the headlands above Thimphu, the prinicpal city of Bhutan. Spend the afternoon sightseeing in Thimpu. Overnight in our hotel.
Day 11 Drive to Punakha and Wangdi for a day’s excursion. Visit Punakha Dzong, the palace "of great happiness, or bliss." Return to Thimphu and our comfortable hotel.
Day 12 Another day of sightseeing in Thimpu. Thimphu is a fascinating small city. Sightseeing options include the National Memorial Chorten, the Bhutanese Textile Museum, Folk Heritage Museum, the Takin Zoo and the National Library.
Day 13 Depart. Early morning departure to Bangkok or Delhi.
More information from Ryder-Walker Alpine Adventures:
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www.ryderwalker.com/BhutanChomolhariTrek.html… - Company profile, experience, and history
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