Chomolhari Trek in Bhutan

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.