Chomolhari Trekking

Itinerary Detail

 Day 01: Arrival at Paro Jumolhari Trek in Bhutan

Upon arrival at Paro airport, received by representative of Bhutan Ever Green Tours & Treks and transfer to the hotel. Dinner and overnight at the hotel in Paro.

Day 02: Paro

Shana (Start of Trek): Our trek to Shana starts at Drukgyal Dzong following the Paro River and we pass cultivated fields and tiny web of picturesque villages. The forests are alive with numerous birds and brightly colored butterflies. ). Overnight in Camp (Altitude 2,820 m; Distance 14 Km; Time 5 – 6 hours)

Day 03: Shana – Thangthangka

The trail follows the river through a heavily forested area with a few isolated farmhouses. It narrows and closes in and the trail winds up and down along the drainage. We pass a junction enroot, where another path leads north over the Tremo La to Tibet. Camp is in a meadow with a stone shelter (Altitude: 3610 m; Distance 21 Km; Time 7 – 8 hours). Overnight in Camp.

Day 04: Thangthangka – Jangothang

In the morning after passing a small army post, the trail slowly leaves the forest line and gradually climbs into a beautiful valley, passing Tegethang, a winter home of yak herdsmen. Lunch will be served in one of these huts. Lots of yaks will be seen today before we arrive at the Jhomolhari base camp (Altitude 4,115 m; Distance 15 Km; Time 5 – 6 hours).. High mountains overlook the camp and visible nearby are the ruins of an old fortress used to guard Bhutan against Tibetan invasions. Overnight in Camp.

Day 05: Jangothang

Rest day at Jangothang, enjoy the superb view all around. Overnight in Camp.

Day 06: Jangothang – Lingshi

The trail follows the stream for half an hour and crosses the bridge to the right side. Start the climb up to the first ridge with a breathtaking view of Jumolhari, JichuDrakey and Tsrim Ghang. Then walk towards the valley, almost flat for a while, until the climb to the Nyeley la pass at an altitude of 4,700 meters. After the pass it’s a gradual descent to the Lingshi camp, enjoying the panoramic view of the peaks and Lingshi dzong. We Camp at an altitude of 4000 meters after Walking for 7-8 hours. Overnight in Camp.

Day 07: Lingshi – Shodu

The trail today climbs to Yali la Pass (4820 m), from where on a clear day, impressive views of Mount Jumolhari, Tserim Kang and Masagang can be seen. Overnight in Camp.

Day 08: Shodu – Barshong: (Walking time 6-7 hours)

This is the place where one comes back to the tree line. The path follows the Thimphu River, descending through rhododendron, juniper and other alpine forest. The view of the cliff facing rocks and waterfalls are stunning. Hot lunch will be served by the riverside. After lunch the trail gradually ascends to the ruins of the Barshong dzong, reaching the camp at the altitude 3600meters. Overnight in Camp.

Day 09: Barshong – Dolamkencho: (Walking time 5-6 hours)

The road descends through alpine forest and we once again join Thimphu River for a while. After lunch climb up to Dolamkencho camp at the altitude of 3600meters. Overnight in Camp.

Day 10: Dolamkencho – Dodena- Thimphu

The path descends through bamboo forests all the way to Dolamkencho, finally joining Thimphu River again. Arrive at Dodena where you will be picked up for the drive to Thimphu (15 km). Overnight at the hotel. In the evening drive to Paro. Dinner and Overnight in Hotel at Paro.

Day 11:Departure: Early morning, drive to the airport and farewell.

Essential Information

When trekking in Nepal Himalayas “Altitude related Problems” are the important factors to be considered because there is always a real danger of mild to serious problems related to altitude and it is important that trekkers understand that they will be affected to a greater or lesser extent when they ascend to altitudes over about 3000 meters. Altitude sickness, often known as Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) and it means the effect of altitude on those who ascend too rapidly to elevation above 3000 meters. The victim can develop severe symptoms very rapidly if the mild effects are ignored.

We advise our clients to remember the following suggestion when you are on trekking in the high altitude areas above 3000 meters. The following are the basic symptoms of the altitude sickness and to avoid such sickness we recommend few important points.

1. Basic Symptoms:
(I) Loss of appetite
(II) Sleep disturbance
(III) Difficult to pass urine

2. Medium Symptoms:
(I) Headache which is bad
(II) Irregular breathing
(III) Nausea
(IV) Mild weakness

3. Serious Symptoms:
(I) Slight swelling of hands and face
(II) Cannot stand upright without swaying while eyes are closed.
(III) Can hear gurgling sound in the chest.
(IV) Zero energy.

What to do about Altitude Sickness?
Altitude illness can be prevented by acclimatization; that is, by a graduate rate of ascent (not more than 400 – 500 meters), allowing sufficient rest at various intermediate altitudes. The dry air of the mountains tends to dehydrate you so an increased fluid intake is necessary. Try to drink at least four liters of water a day. On the trail you can drink hot garlic soup that will help you to some extent. When we reach to our destination it is better to make some hiking up to a bit higher point and come down to the camp or hotel. This is a really good way to get acclimatization. You may take Diamox 250mg tablets the night before flying / going to altitude. Sometimes the symptoms often disappear and the trek can be resumed.

If you feel obviously suffering from the serious symptoms of AMS then descent should not be delayed even if it means going down in dark. In such case, should an emergency situation arise, horse, or porter will be arranged; or we carry you and run to lower (descend) altitudes. We can arrange for immediate evacuation, by horse or helicopter, depending on the severity of the case.