Trek around the sacred and spectacular peak of Chomolhari with the first company to pioneer treks in Bhutan

Having enjoyed eras of splendid isolation from Western culture, the Buddhist kingdom of Bhutan is still largely unexplored by tourists, and this memorable trek is one of our few “ultimate challenge” adventures—a must-do for every serious trekker who wants to see the Himalaya from the path less traveled! Set in the magical kingdom of Bhutan, you’ll immerse yourself in Buddhist culture by visiting its famous dzongs (citadels) and monasteries, like the “Tiger’s Nest” and “The Temple of the White Dove.” You’ll meet traditional Bhutanese monks, farmers, and yak herders while trekking for ten days through pristine forests, expansive river valleys, colorful farmland, and over snowy ridgelines and mountain passes, with the full support of our experienced guides, talented cooks, strong horsemen, and their team of ponies—there to help you every step of the way! MTS has the longest legacy of any other tour operator here, trekking through this enchanted country since its doors were first opened to tourists nearly four decades ago. Let the Himalaya experts introduce you to this isolated wilderness on a rare adventure around Chomolhari, one of Bhutan’s most sacred peaks!

Book Early for Bhutan Trips!

Flights between Bangkok and Paro on Druk Air, Bhutan’s national airline, sell out four to six months in advance. We recommend you reserve your Bhutan trip as early as possible, so we can secure these flights for you.

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Activities

10 days strenuous hiking at high elevation (max. 16,200')

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

• Explore the gems of Bhutan with the first travel company to pioneer treks in Bhutan!
• Immerse yourself in the richness of the culture visiting museums, dzongs (citadels), and the country’s most famous monasteries—Taktsang and Lhakhang
• Trek over challenging terrain for ten days through the most remote pristine forests and mountains of the Himalaya
• Meet traditional Himalayan highlanders: farmers, yak herders, and monks

Duration: 15 days Start Location: Bangkok End Location: Bangkok

BRIEF Itinerary

• Day 1 : Arrive in Bangkok (most flights arrive in the evening)

  Arrive in Bangkok, Thailand.

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  Day 2 : Paro - Thimphu (7,725')

  Fly to Paro, Bhutan and tansfer to your hotel in Thimphu.

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  Day 3 : Thimphu

  Warm-up hike up to Cheri Monastery, built in 1620 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal and established with an original staff of 30 monks.

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  Day 4 : Thimphu – Paro (7,500')

  Morning visit to School of Arts and Crafts and the Textile Museum, National Traditional Medicine, and Folk Heritage Museum. Afternoon drive to Paro and visit National Museum, with its collections of spectacular thangkas (religious scroll paintings), bronze statues, Bhutan's beautiful stamps, and the Tshogshing Lhakhang ("Temple of the Tree of Wisdom").

• Day 5 : Paro

  Another warm-up hike to Taktsang Monastery (the "Tiger's Nest"), perched on a cliff 2,700 feet above the floor of the Paro Valley.

• Day 6 : Begin trek - Shana Zampa (9,450')

  On trek, venturing from thick forests of rhododendron and up beyond the treeline to an amazing alpine world of glaciers, rocks, and dazzling snow-covered peaks, including Chomolhari, Jichu Drakye, and Tsering Kang. You may see migratory birds and herds of bharal (blue sheep), and snow leopard tracks are occasionally spotted (but it's rare to catch sight of these elusive big cats themselves). You'll also encounter local people who live a simple lifestyle herding yaks, gathering and drying herbs, making fresh cheese and butter, and weaving beautiful textiles.

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  Day 7 : Soi Thangthangkha (11,840')

  We continue up through the valley of the Paro River, which gradually narrows as the trail leads higher, winding up and down through a thick, lush forest of oak, pine, and juniper. The trail becomes very rocky, muddy, and strenuous, climbing up and down while slowly gaining altitude. As we get closer to our camp for the night, we begin to see the snowcapped summit of Chomolhari (if the weather is clear), a mountain that is sacred to the Bhutanese. This is a long, hard day with lots of ups and downs and rock hopping; it can be very muddy. We camp at Soi Thangthangkha (11,840'). (13½ miles, 9-9½ hours hiking.) 
  
   

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  Day 8 : Jangothang (13,382')

  We continue following the Paro River on a demanding, rocky trail, and then the valley widens again, opening to a spectacular area surrounded by high snowcapped ridges. A few yak-herding families are based in this area, and we may be lucky to pay them a visit and try some of their dried yak cheese. Camp at Jangothang (13,382') below a ruined fortress near the base of Chomolhari. (11½ miles, 5½-6 hours hiking.)

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  Day 9 : Rest day (13,382')

  Today is a free day to rest and explore the area. You can hike to an open area where you can sit and watch the grazing blue sheep, or you can walk to a nearby glacier at the foot of Chomolhari. Of course, you can also opt to stay at camp, take in the views, and rest for the challenging day ahead.

   

   

  
  
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  Day 10 : Soi Yaksa (12,450')

  Hike over Bhonte La ("La" means "pass") into the yak-herding valley of Soi Yaksa.

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  Day 11 : Taybu (13,700')

  Continue trek to Taybu (13,700').

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  Day 12 : Shana (9,413')

  Leave the remote mountain area and descend down to Shana (9,413’).

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  Day 13 : End trek – Paro (7,500')

  A four- to five-hour walk brings us back to the trailhead at Drukgyel Dzong. Lunch upon arrival. We bid farewell to our staff and ponies before we board our van for drive to Paro

• Day 14 : Bangkok

  Fly to Bangkok.

• Day 15 : Fly home

  Depart Bangkok, or join one of our extensions to India, Vietnam, or Cambodia.

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  Novotel Suvarnabhumi Airport Hotel

  Bangkok

  The Novotel Suvarnabhumi Airport is a 4 star hotel located 10 min walk from Suvarnabhumi International Airport in Bangkok. Boasting 612 comfortable and contemporary rooms, the hotel also offers 2 bars and 4 restaurants. With a 24 hr airport shuttle every 10 min from Gate 4 Level 2 and parking available, there is no better place to stay.

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  Druk Hotel

  Thimphu, Bhutan

  Experience the unique and legendary hospitality of the Bhutanese people at this fine accommodation in the midst of the Himalayas. Located in the heart of the capital city, the hotel is close to shopping, culture, and the bubbling Thimphu River.Thim

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  Zhiwa Ling Hotel

  Paro, Bhutan

  The Zhiwa Ling combines the sensibilities of a fine Bhutanese guesthouse with the best of modern comforts. Guests can enjoy a traditional outdoor hot-stone bath, a Tea House, a Meditation House, and two restaurants specializing in both contemporary international and classic Bhutanese cuisine.

Properties shown are representative of the accommodations we use on this trip, may not be inclusive of all accommodations we use, and are subject to change.

Expert leadership is the key to an exciting, unforgettable experience. Our trips feature gifted leaders for whom leading trips is a true vocation. Besides showing you wonders you’d never find on your own, they make sure everything runs smoothly and safely without a hitch. They are knowledgeable about all aspects of your trip, and take great pleasure in sharing their insights with you. More than just guides, they positively elevate your experience by being teachers, companions, and the best of friends. You’ll be in good hands with them every step of the way.

• Namgay Dorji

  Namgay Dorji, the senior manager of our Bhutan office, has been leading treks and tours for the past nine years. He is very knowledge about the history, culture, and religion of Bhutan, has many relatives in the monk body, and looks forward to sharing his experience with you. Namgay speaks seven languages: English, Japanese, German, Spanish, Hindi, Nepalese, and Urdu; is a graduate of Bissau College, Meghalaya, India; and received his diploma in Tourism and Travel Management from the Institute of Tourism and Hotel Management in Salzburg, Austria. His many personal interests include bird watching, rock climbing, trekking, and archery.

photo credits: ©Cathy Ann Taylor