Chomolhari Trek in Bhutan
Bhutan · 12 Days · Moderate
International Trek From US $3,540 Mantra Adventure
Trip at a Glance
Destination
Bhutan
Duration
12 Days / 11 Nights
Difficulty
Moderate
Activity
Trekking
Transport
Flight to Paro
Group Size
Max 16 People
Accommodation
Tea House / Lodge
Meals
Most meals
Max Altitude
4,800m / Jangothang BC
Overview
Bhutan's most celebrated trek to the base of sacred Chomolhari (7,326m) — pristine wilderness and monasteries.
Trip Highlights
- Maximum altitude: 4,800m / Jangothang BC
- Duration: 12 days / 11 nights
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Expert English-speaking certified guide
- All meals during the trekking
- All permits and TIMS card arranged
- Airport transfers included
- Mantra Adventure duffel bag provided
Package Pricing (Per Person)
| Package | Includes | Price / Person |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | Quality accommodation & core services | US $3,000 |
| Comfort Recommended | Boutique hotels, private guides | US $3,540 |
| Luxury | Ultra-luxury, full butler service | US $4,350 |
Group Discount Pricing
| Group Size | Standard | Comfort | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Pax | US $3,000 | US $3,540 | US $4,350 |
| 2 - 3 Pax | US $2,700 | US $3,190 | US $3,920 |
| 4 - 7 Pax | US $2,490 | US $2,940 | US $3,610 |
| 8 - 13 Pax | US $2,280 | US $2,690 | US $3,310 |
| 14+ Pax | US $2,100 | US $2,480 | US $3,040 |
All prices are per person. Larger groups receive progressive discounts.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1
Day 1: Fly Kathmandu to Paro, Bhutan (2,200m)
📍 Paro
Fly from Kathmandu to Paro — one of aviation's most dramatic approaches, threading between mountain ridges before landing in a narrow Himalayan valley. Drukair and Bhutan Airlines are the only carriers permitted to fly this route, and only a handful of their pilots are certified for the Paro approach. Transfer to hotel for rest and acclimatisation. Bhutan — the Kingdom of the Thunder Dragon — has maintained its extraordinary isolation and the result is a country that feels entirely unlike anywhere else on earth. Meals: All included.
Day 2
Day 2: Paro Sightseeing — Taktsang (Tiger's Nest) Monastery
📍 Paro
A full day in the Paro valley before the trek begins. The centrepiece is Taktsang Monastery — the Tiger's Nest — a sacred complex of monastery buildings clinging to a sheer cliff 3,120 metres above sea level, 900 metres above the Paro valley floor. The 2–3 hour climb is demanding but the monastery, its location and the view back across Bhutan's pristine forested valleys are extraordinary. Afternoon: Rinpung Dzong (the fortress-monastery) and the National Museum of Bhutan. Meals: All included.
Day 3
Day 3: Drive to Shana (2,870m), Begin Trek
📍 Shana
Drive up the Paro valley to the trek starting point at Shana — a military checkpoint at the entrance to the Jigme Dorji National Park. Trek through yak pastures and blue pine forest to the campsite. The Chomolhari Trek is a camping trek — all camping equipment, cook staff and ponies are included. Walking time: 4 hours. Meals: All included.
Day 4
Day 4: Shana to Soi Yaksa (3,870m)
📍 Soi Yaksa
Trek up the Paro Chhu river valley through dramatic forested gorge terrain. The valley narrows as you ascend; yak caravans are frequently encountered on the trail. Soi Yaksa campsite is set in open pasture with good mountain views. Walking time: 6 hours. Meals: All included.
Day 5
Day 5: Soi Yaksa to Jangothang Base Camp (4,090m)
📍 Jangothang
Arrive at Jangothang — the most spectacular camp on the entire trek. As you round the final bend, Chomolhari (7,326m) rises directly ahead in one of the most dramatic mountain revelations in the Himalaya: a perfect pyramid of ice and snow. The campsite sits on a moraine ledge directly facing the mountain. Walking time: 4–5 hours. Meals: All included.
Day 6
Day 6: Rest and Explore Jangothang
📍 Jangothang
Acclimatisation and exploration day. Morning hike to the ruined dzong above camp for views of Chomolhari, Jichu Drake (6,989m) and Tsherimgang (6,789m). Blue sheep (bharal) are commonly seen on the slopes above camp. The afternoon is free to absorb the extraordinary setting. Meals: All included.
Day 7
Day 7: Jangothang to Lingshi (4,010m) via Nyile La (4,870m)
📍 Lingshi
Cross the Nyile La pass (4,870m) — a high col with views of both the Chomolhari massif to the south and the Tibetan plateau to the north. Descend to Lingshi, another stunning valley dominated by a fortress-dzong perched on a rocky outcrop. Walking time: 7 hours. Meals: All included.
Day 8
Day 8: Lingshi to Shodu (4,100m) via Chebisa
📍 Shodu
Cross the next ridge via a 4,440-metre pass and descend to the remote village of Chebisa — a small farming community with a beautiful monastery in an alpine bowl. Continue to Shodu campsite. Walking time: 6 hours. Meals: All included.
Day 9
Day 9: Shodu to Thombu (4,380m) via Gogu La (4,440m)
📍 Thombu
Cross Gogu La pass and trek through high alpine meadows to the Thombu river valley. The remote northern landscape of Bhutan has an otherworldly, Tibetan quality. Walking time: 6 hours. Meals: All included.
Day 10
Day 10: Trek to Dolam Kencho, Drive to Thimphu (2,350m)
📍 Thimphu
Final trekking day descends to the road at Dolam Kencho where vehicles await for the transfer to Thimphu — Bhutan's extraordinary capital city, which has no traffic lights and where traditional dress (kira and gho) is mandatory in public buildings. Meals: All included.
Day 11
Day 11: Thimphu Sightseeing
📍 Thimphu
Explore Thimphu: the Memorial Chorten (a large stupa), the Tashichho Dzong (seat of government), the weekend market and the National Museum of Bhutan. The city's unique character — no McDonald's, no international chain stores, traditional architecture requirements for all buildings — is a genuine cultural revelation. Meals: All included.
Day 12
Day 12: Fly Paro to Kathmandu
📍 Kathmandu
Transfer to Paro airport for the return flight to Kathmandu. Bhutan — its pristine forest, extraordinary mountain scenery, and the unique Gross National Happiness philosophy — leaves a profound impression. Meals: Breakfast.
What's Included & Excluded
✓ Included
- Airport pick-up and drop-off
- Domestic transport per itinerary
- All accommodation during the trip
- All meals as specified in the itinerary
- Experienced English-speaking certified guide
- Porter (1 per 2 trekkers, max 15kg)
- All trekking permits and national park fees
- TIMS card
- Mantra Adventure duffel bag
- First aid kit
✗ Not Included
- International flights
- Nepal visa (USD 30-100 on arrival)
- Personal travel insurance (mandatory)
- Meals in Kathmandu/Pokhara
- Accommodation in Kathmandu (available on request)
- Alcoholic beverages, hot showers, personal items
- Personal trekking gear
- Tips for guide and porters
Travel Tips & Useful Information
➤ What is the best season for this trip?
The best seasons are Spring (March–May) and Autumn (September–November). Spring brings rhododendron blooms and stable weather; Autumn offers crystal-clear post-monsoon visibility. Tibet and Bhutan trips in these windows deliver optimal mountain views.
➤ How difficult is the Chomolhari Trek in Bhutan?
This trip is rated Moderate. Suitable for beginners with basic fitness — walking 3-4 times per week for 4-6 weeks is adequate. No technical experience needed.
➤ Do I need a visa?
Bhutan requires a visa obtained through an official Bhutanese tour operator like Mantra Adventure. The visa fee is included in the Bhutan Sustainable Development Fee (SDF).
➤ What permits are required?
Required permits and TIMS card arranged by Mantra Adventure. No extra hassle for you.
➤ What is included in the price?
Included: Airport transfers; domestic flights/transport per itinerary; all trek accommodation; all meals during trek; English-speaking guide; porters (1 per 2 trekkers); all trekking permits; Mantra Adventure duffel bag. Not included: International flights; Nepal visa; personal travel insurance (mandatory); personal gear; tips.
➤ What fitness level is required?
For Chomolhari Trek in Bhutan (Moderate): Regular walking or swimming 3×/week for 6 weeks is sufficient. You should be comfortable walking 5-6 hours on uneven terrain.
➤ Is altitude sickness a concern?
Maximum altitude is 4,800m / Jangothang BC. Altitude sickness is a real risk above 3,500m. Our itinerary includes acclimatisation days and our guides carry supplemental oxygen. Diamox can be taken as prophylaxis — consult your doctor. Emergency evacuation insurance is mandatory.