Trek to Chomolhari Base Camp & Discover Bhutan’s Culture

Paro

Arrive at Paro International Airport, the main gateway to Bhutan, at 7,410 feet surrounded by the Himalayas. On a clear day you might see Mount Everest and Chomolhari from the plane. After your international flight, complete the Bhutan visa process, which is typically arranged by your travel company prior to arrival. Meet your guide at Paro Airport and have lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon visit the National Museum, housed in Ta Dzong, Paro's historic watchtower, to learn about Bhutanese culture. Take a walk through Paro’s quiet streets where traditional houses line the roads. Later check in at your hotel and relax. Have a welcome dinner while your guide gives an overview of the journey ahead. Get a good night’s rest before the adventure really begins.

Paro

Start the day with a visit to Kyichu Lhakhang, a peaceful temple from the 7th century and one of Bhutan’s oldest. Guru Rinpoche, also known as Padmasambhava, is deeply revered here for his role in bringing Buddhism to Bhutan and blessing many sacred sites, including Kyichu Lhakhang. After lunch in town, take an acclimatisation hike with a short uphill walk to Dzongdrakha, a small group of temples on a cliff. It’s a quiet place with lovely views of Bondey Valley, perfect for gentle acclimatisation. Dzongdrakha is also associated with Guru Rinpoche, who is believed to have meditated at many such sites, further enriching its spiritual significance. Return to Paro in the afternoon with time to wander the main street or relax at your hotel. This day is a nice mix of spiritual history, light hiking and slow paced exploration to help you get into the rhythm of Bhutan.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Paro

SHANA

Drive to Drukyel Dzong where your trek begins. At 8,200 feet you’ll see Chomolhari rising in the distance. Walk along the Pa Chu river (also known as the Paro River), following a rocky trail that stays close to the river for much of the day. You’ll pass farms with maize and rice fields, small homes, and quiet forested paths. This first trekking day is easy and you can enjoy the countryside. After a few hours, arrive at the campsite in Shana, 9,482 feet, where two valleys meet and the valley widens, offering expansive views. Settle in for the night and enjoy the sounds of nature around you. This is where your journey through Bhutan’s beautiful landscapes really begins.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

SOI THANGTHANKA

Today’s walk is 11.8 miles and climbs steadily through a dense forest composed of rhododendron, birch, and conifers, as well as pristine forests that showcase the untouched natural beauty of the region. Follow the Paro Chu river, cross wooden bridges and scattered farmhouses, and pass through thick pine woods. At one point, tackle a steep stone staircase that leads down to the river, adding a challenging element to the trek. The walk gets steeper at times but the views are great. Arrive at Soi Thangthanka, a meadow at 11,745 feet with a simple stone shelter. On a clear day you’ll see Mount Chomolhari and the surrounding peaks, offering breathtaking mountain vistas. Relax at the campsite surrounded by high mountains and cool air. This is a longer day but very rewarding with a great sense of progress and scenery.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

CHOMOLHARI BASE CAMP

Start with a wider valley walk, pass an army post, and walk onto a beautiful plateau. After the army post, the trail enters a largely treeless valley, with the landscape opening up to steep climbs and expansive views. The trail climbs steadily up, into open landscapes with waterfalls and snowy peaks ahead. Stop for lunch on another plateau and then continue into alpine terrain beyond the tree line. By afternoon, as part of the Chomolhari Base Camp trek, arrive at Jangothang, a campsite at 13,288 feet near the base of Mount Chomolhari. This is one of the most beautiful campsites on the trek. You’ll meet local herders and villagers nearby. Rest well tonight surrounded by snow covered peaks and the peaceful silence of the high Himalayas.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

TSO PHU

Spend the day at Jangothang to rest and enjoy the views. Mount Chomolhari is directly in front of you, Jitchu Drake to the north, and the surrounding peaks create a breathtaking panorama. An acclimatisation hike is available for those who want to explore higher terrain and follow the 'walk high, sleep low' principle. You can go for a short walk, relax at camp, or explore nearby areas with your guide, including the scenic twin lakes, which are a highlight near the camp. This day helps with acclimatisation before the higher passes ahead. You might see yaks grazing or blue sheep on the slopes. The stillness of the valley, broken only by the wind, is truly unforgettable. Stay another night at base camp, refreshed by the mountain air and the scenery all around you.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

CHORAPANG

Short and scenic 4 mile hike to Tso Phu, a remote area at 14,100 feet. The trail stays on the right side of the valley and climbs gently, then steeply for 45 minutes to the first lake. Along the way you’ll see amazing views of Chomolhari and Jitchu Drake. The path winds past high meadows and a yak herder's camp, where nomadic yak herders set up their traditional tents and tend to their livestock. At the top, a wide plateau opens up with twin lakes below and snow covered peaks in the distance. Your camp is set between these two quiet lakes. Spend the night near local herders and enjoy the stillness of the high Himalayas under the stars.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

THANG BUE

Leave early for a long 8.5 mile trek across Bang Tue La, one of the high passes and the highest point at 15,600 feet. This is the most challenging day of the trek, with the path climbing up, crossing a glacial stream and a small lake. Look out for blue sheep on the slopes. From the top, enjoy the views before beginning a steep descent. The trail descends sharply from the pass, and you will descend alongside a stream into the Soi Yaksa valley. Pass yak camps and steep pastures as you make your way down to Chorapang. Camp near a stream and rest after this physically demanding day. A true Himalayan adventure.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

SHANA

Start the day as the path ascends with a 600 foot climb through hills and chortens. Continue through ridges and streams and up to Takalung La pass at 14,400 feet. From here, take in the views of valleys, including the deep Mo Chhu valley, and distant peaks such as Chomolhari and Jitchu Drake. Descend to Thang Bue, a wide valley with yak camps and a nearby ruined fortress, a historical site close to Chomolhari. Pass horses and yaks along the way. Camp on alpine meadows, perfect for resting after the climb. This day is remote and high mountain wilderness and a glimpse into nomadic life in Bhutan.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Thimphu

Begin by climbing a steep ridge through a rhododendron forest, then follow a trail with amazing views. The trail descends gently through pristine forests, offering a gradual and easy descent before reaching lower elevations. As the trail descends further, you lose about 4,500 feet in elevation, and the landscape changes from alpine shrubs to pine and oak forests, highlighting the range of Bhutan’s habitats. You might see birds and small wildlife along the way. By late afternoon, you return to Shana camp where you started. Relax in the valley and feel satisfied and connected to the landscape you just walked through.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Thimphu

Thimphu

After breakfast walk to Drukyel Dzong. Then drive to Bhutan’s capital city, Thimphu. As you approach, enjoy views of the scenic Thimphu River flowing near the city. Check in to your hotel and spend the afternoon exploring. Walk through the markets and see local crafts. Visit Tashichho Dzong, a grand fortress and monastery still used by the government and monks, located near the Thimphu River. This day marks the end of wild nature and start of Bhutanese city life in the capital city. Thimphu blends tradition and modernity in a gentle way, a new perspective on Bhutan after the mountains. Restful evening in your hotel.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Thimphu

Today is all about Thimphu’s culture and traditions, as part of immersive cultural tours in the city. Visit the Memorial Chorten, a peaceful white monument built in 1974. Then the Takin Preserve to see Bhutan’s national animal. Zilukha Nunnery and the School of Arts and Crafts where young people learn painting and carving. Visit the Folk Heritage Museum to see how Bhutanese people lived in the past and to explore traditional arts, crafts, and the country's rich folk heritage. Each stop is a glimpse into the Bhutanese way of life. Back to the hotel in the afternoon and enjoy a final evening of comfort and reflection on all you’ve seen and done.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Thimphu

Breakfast with Himalayan views. Check out of the hotel and drive back to Paro. Say goodbye to your guide and driver at Paro Airport, the main gateway to Bhutan, where your journey ends.

Meals Included: Breakfast