Bhutan Chomolhari Trek Tour
A Spectacular Sacred Mountain & Buddhist Culture
- Available: April, October, November
- Activity: Level 5
- Accommodations: Comfortable Camping, Comfortable Hotels, Luxury Hotels
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Group Size:
3-15 Guests
Min Age: 16
Highlights
- Explore the gems of Bhutan with the first travel company to pioneer treks here
- Immerse yourself in Bhutan's rich culture visiting museums, dzongs, and the famous Taktsang Monastery
- Trek for 7 days over challenging terrain in remote, pristine Himalayan forests and mountains
Itinerary
Arrive in Bangkok
Day 1
Welcome to Bangkok! Transfer to the hotel via a free 24-hour shuttle bus. Note that most airlines arrive late at night into Bangkok, and your MT Sobek flight from Bangkok to Paro departs very early the next morning. If your flight into Bangkok is delayed by even just a few hours, you may miss the group departure flight to Paro. Therefore we encourage you to arrive a day or two early in Bangkok to explore this fascinating city, or to help overcome jet lag before the tour actually starts.
Accommodation: Novotel Suvarnabhumi Airport Hotel
Enter the Kingdom of Bhutan
Day 2
Our representative will meet you in the hotel lobby this morning to help you transfer back to the airport and check in for your early morning flight to Paro, Bhutan. Vie for a seat on the left side of the plane. Weather permitting, you'll have spectacular views of the eastern Himalaya, including Cho Oyu, Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Kanchenjunga - five of the highest peaks in the world! Also see peaks in Bhutan such as Chomolhari, Jichu Drake, and Tsering Kang. After clearing customs, drive into Paro for lunch, then on to Thimphu (7,725'), the capital of Bhutan, set in the Wang Chu Valley. The remainder of the day is free to rest and relax.
Accommodation: Druk Hotel
Transportation: 4-hour flight & 45-minute private van transfer
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Hike to Cheri Monastery
Day 3
After breakfast, drive to Thimphu and then to our trailhead where we set out on our hike: a steep, hour-long climb to Cheri Goemba, constructed in the 17th century. The monastery houses the relic stupas (ashes of the father of Shabdrung, the founder of Bhutan) and is also considered one of the earliest monasteries of Bhutan. We have lunch, then drive back to Thimphu and up to Wangdi Tse for a peaceful one hour loop hike where we can enjoy wonderful views of Thimphu, but see few others on the trail. Return to Thimphu for dinner and overnight.
Accommodation: Druk Hotel
Activity: 3-4 hours/4 miles hiking
Transportation: 1-hour private van transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Explore Thimphu & Paro
Day 4
Begin the day at the School of Arts and Crafts (or "painting school"), where Bhutanese children follow a six-year program in traditional arts, such as drawing, painting, woodcarving, and sculpture. Also visit the Textile Museum, National Institute of Traditional Medicine, and Folk Heritage Museum. In the afternoon, drive back to Paro and visit the National Museum, housed in an old watchtower above the Paro Dzong. The museum's collections include spectacular thangkas (religious scroll paintings), bronze statues, and Bhutan's beautiful stamps. Time permitting, also visit the Paro Dzong itself, built in 1644.
Accommodation: The Zhiwa Ling-Paro, Bhutan
Transportation: 1.5-hour private van transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hike to Taktsang Monastery
Day 5
Today it's a steep hike to a traditional teahouse for a great view of Taktsang Monastery, perched on a cliff 2,700 feet above the Paro Valley floor. Taktsang, meaning "tiger's nest," is Bhutan's most spiritual place and a major pilgrimage spot. Partly destroyed by fire in 1998, Taktsang has been completely rebuilt. After a tea break, you can sit outside and admire the monastery and its beautiful surroundings or, if you feel energetic, continue another hour to a closer viewpoint. Enjoy free afternoon time to explore Paro on your own.
Accommodation: The Zhiwa Ling-Paro, Bhutan
Activity: 5 hours/2.5 miles hiking with 1,707' elevation gain & loss
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Begin Trek at Shana
Day 6
Your epic Chomolhari trek begins today with a drive past Drukgyel Dzong (8,500'), built in 1649 to commemorate Bhutan's victory over the Tibetan armies and to guard the Paro Valley against further aggressions. In 1951 the dzong caught fire; the only repair was the shingled roof erected in 1985. Today it's an empty shell - a place to meditate on the past. Continue just past Shana Zampa (bridge), where pack ponies are loaded up with trekking gear. And you're off! After a few hours, arrive at your first campsite by the river.
Accommodation: Mt Sobek Camp-Chomolhari Trek
Activity: 3.5-4 hours/5 miles hiking with 800' elevation gain
Transportation: 1-hour vehicle transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Behold Chomolhari
Day 7
This is a long, hard day with lots of ups, downs, and rock-hopping; it can be very muddy. But it's worth it! Continue up through the Paro River valley, which gradually narrows as the trail leads higher, winding up and down through thick, lush forest of oak, pine, and juniper. The trail becomes rocky, muddy, and strenuous, climbing up and down while slowly gaining altitude. As you approach your camp at Soi Thangthangkha (11,840'), weather permitting you begin to see the snowcapped summit of Chomolhari (24,035') - a mountain sacred to the Bhutanese.
Accommodation: Mt Sobek Camp-Chomolhari Trek
Activity: 7-8 hours/10 miles hiking with 2,540 elevation gain
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Ascend to Jangothang
Day 8
Continue following the Paro River on a demanding, rocky trail until 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 you may be lucky enough to pay them a visit and try some of their dried yak cheese. Tonight you camp at Jangothang (13,382') below a ruined fortress near the base of Chomolhari.
Accommodation: Mt Sobek Camp-Chomolhari Trek
Activity: 5.5-6 hours/11.5 miles hiking with 1,542 elevation gain
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Rest and Explore at Camp
Day 9
Today is a free day to rest and explore the area. You can hike to an open area and simply sit and watch the grazing blue sheep (known locally as bharal), 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.
Accommodation: Mt Sobek Camp-Chomolhari Trek
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Cross Bhonte La
Day 10
Start out with a short, steep hike to Tshopu (14,300'), one of two trout-filled glacial lakes you'll pass en route to Bhonte La (Bhonte Pass, 16,000'). See blue sheep, fat marmots, and migrating Himalayan birds, plus incredible views of Jichu Drake (21,857'). After lunch cross Bhonte La and make a long, steep descent to the yak-herding valley of Soi Yaksa (12,450'). The few families who live in this area produce some of the best yak-wool cloth around. Yak herders may come to camp selling cloth, yak tassels and ropes, and jewelry.
Accommodation: Mt Sobek Camp-Chomolhari Trek
Activity: 8-9 hours/10-12 miles hiking with 2,618' elevation gain & 3,550' elevation loss.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Pass Over Thombu La
Day 11
Ease into today with a very gentle uphill hike to the top of the Soi Yaksa valley's eastern ridge. From here, enjoy an incredible view of the mountainous amphitheater to the north. Slowly the very top of Chomolhari and Jichu Drake reappear on the horizon. After lunch, cross Thombu La (14,800'), enjoy panoramic views of the eastern Himalaya (if it's clear, you can even see Kanchenjunga, the world's third-highest mountain!), then descend to camp (13,700'). This area is yak pastureland, and you'll probably see nomadic yak herders camping in traditional woolen tents.
Accommodation: Mt Sobek Camp-Chomolhari Trek
Activity: 5-6 hours/7-8 miles hiking with 2,350' elevation gain & 1,100' elevation loss
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
End Trek in Shana
Day 12
After a short, steep climb out of camp, leave the remote mountain area by following a ridge. From this vantage point you get a glimpse of the Paro Valley to the south before you start the steep descent (4,500' of elevation drop) for most of the afternoon and return to the area where you camped on the first night of the trek. Here, bid farewell to the staff and ponies before taking the van back to Paro. After check-in at the hotel, enjoy some free time to shop or relax before a festive farewell dinner.
Accommodation: The Zhiwa Ling-Paro, Bhutan
Activity: 5-6 hours/6-7 miles hiking with 4,500 elevation loss
Transportation: 1-hour private van transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Return to Bangkok
Day 13
Bid a fond farewell to the "happiest country in the world" as you take an early morning transfer to the Paro airport for departure to Bangkok. Upon arrival, take the shuttle to the hotel. The remainder of the day is free to shop, sightsee, and enjoy lunch and dinner on your own.
Accommodation: Novotel Suvarnabhumi Airport Hotel
Transportation: 4-hour flight
Meals: Breakfast
Depart for Home
Day 14
Take the hotel shuttle to the international terminal and depart on your homeward-bound flight. Or if you'd prefer to spend a bit more time in Asia, join one of our exciting extensions in India, Vietnam, or Cambodia. Ask our Regional Specialist for details!
Dates & Prices
- 2023
- 2024
- Go Private
- Go Custom
- Inclusions
2023
Scheduled Dates
The earlier you book, the more choice of available dates you’ll have and once you book, your price is guaranteed.
- $6,995 price per person dbl occ+$1,200 internal airfare+$1,750 single supplementCheck for Availability
- $6,995 price per person dbl occ+$1,200 internal airfare+$1,750 single supplementCheck for Availability
- $7,295 price per person dbl occ+$1,200 internal airfare+$1,750 single supplementWaitlistConfirmed
- $6,995 price per person dbl occ+$1,200 internal airfare+$1,750 single supplementAvailable
2024
Scheduled Dates
The earlier you book, the more choice of available dates you’ll have and once you book, your price is guaranteed.
- $6,995 price per person dbl occ+$1,200 internal airfare+$1,750 single supplementAvailable
- $6,995 price per person dbl occ+$1,200 internal airfare+$1,750 single supplementAvailable
- $6,995 price per person dbl occ+$1,200 internal airfare+$1,750 single supplementAvailable
- $6,995 price per person dbl occ+$1,200 internal airfare+$1,750 single supplementAvailable
Go Private
Go Private
Gather your favorite travel companions to share an MT Sobek adventure on an easy-to-book Private departure.
Call or email us to get the ball rolling.
*Private trips require a 25% non-refundable deposit.
Private Trip Pricing:
2023 Pricing
2 guests from $7,695 per person double occupancy
3 to 5 guests from $7,195 per person double occupancy
6 to 10 guests from $6,995 per person double occupancy
2024 Pricing
2 to 3 guests from $7,995 per person double occupancy
4 to 5 guests from $7,695 per person double occupancy
6 to 9 guests from $7,295 per person double occupancy
10 guests from $6,995 per person double occupancy
Additional Costs:
Internal Airfare: $1,200
Private pricing excludes potential additional costs such as internal airfare, single supplement, or any park fees that may be required for the trip.
*Private trips require a 25% non-refundable deposit.
Take Over One of These Dates
- Apr 06 - 19, 2023
- Apr 25 - May 08, 2023
Make Your Own Dates in These Months
-
April, October, November
Go Custom
Create Your Very Own Adventure
Dreaming of an adventure designed exclusively for you? With insider access and decades of experience, our travel experts create custom tailored adventures that are perfect for families, couples, and large groups. MT Sobek's custom adventures are designed to our exacting standards and led by our award-winning adventure guides.
When to start planning? Earlier is always better when designing a custom trip. More time allows for better availability of preferred accommodations, guides and your desired activities. Ideally, start the conversation with us at least 6 months before you want to travel. If you are looking for a custom trip that departs within three months, chances are greatly diminished in securing requested accommodations and the best guides.
*Custom trips require a 25% non-refundable deposit once an itinerary is agreed upon.
Start PlanningInclusions
Price Includes
- Expertise and services of our experienced adventure guides
- All accommodations as noted in the itinerary
- All breakfasts, almost all lunches and dinners as noted in the itinerary
- Snacks and water between meals
- Additional regional guides and experts on many trips
- Comprehensive Trip Planner with detailed pre-trip information
- Private guided tours at historic sites, museums, wineries and other select attractions as noted in the itinerary
- Special events and other select attractions as mentioned in the itinerary
- All gratuities at hotels and restaurants
- Equipment and experienced guides for activities as described in the itinerary
- Park and other entry fees (unless otherwise noted)
- Fares for trains, ferries and other modes of travel as listed in the itinerary
- Select transfers as mentioned in the itinerary
- Baggage transfers and porterage
Price Does Not Include
- International airfare, airport taxes, and excess baggage fees
- Alcoholic beverages (MT Sobek provides wine at select events)
- Gratuities for MT Sobek guides and guide-drivers
- Travel Protection Program
- Personal expenses
Need help picking your next adventure? Call us to answer your questions.
Your Guides
The best people to immerse you in a destination are the ones who live there, which is why we feature local Adventure Guides on our trips. Here are a few that you might meet on this adventure.

Namgay Dorji
Namgay Dorji is a senior trip leader for MT Sobek in Bhutan and has been leading treks and tours for well over two decades. He is very knowledgeable about Bhutan's history, culture, and religion and speaks seven languages: English, Japanese, German, Spanish, Hindi, Nepalese, and Urdu. Namgay is a graduate of Bissau College, Meghalaya, India and received his diploma in tourism from the Institute of Tourism and Hotel Management in Salzburg, Austria. His many personal interests include bird watching, rock climbing, trekking, and archery. He looks forward to sharing his experience and the wonders of Bhutan with you.

Tandin Nidup
Tandin is a graduate of Bangkok University, Thailand, majoring in Tourism and Hospitality Management. He has been leading treks and cultural tours in Bhutan since 2000, and is extremely knowledgeable about the cultures, religions, and traditions of his home country, Tandin enjoys sharing his experiences and insights with guests-immersing them in the wonders of Bhutan every step of the way. Tandin speaks English, Nepali, Hindi and passable Thai in addition to his native Bhutanese.
Activity Level
This trip is rated activity level 5. During The Chomolhari Trek you will be hiking seven to nine hours a day, mostly at elevations above 12,000 feet. The trails are extremely difficult and this type of terrain, combined with the altitude, makes it a challenging experience. You need to be in excellent physical condition and have similar previous experience of hiking and camping at high altitudes.
Learn more about activity levels here.
Activity Snapshot
Day 3
3-4 hours/4 miles hiking
Day 5
5 hours/2.5 miles hiking with 1,707' elevation gain & loss
Day 6
3.5-4 hours/5 miles hiking with 800' elevation gain
Day 7
7-8 hours/10 miles hiking with 2,540 elevation gain
Day 8
5.5-6 hours/11.5 miles hiking with 1,542 elevation gain
Day 10
8-9 hours/10-12 miles hiking with 2,618' elevation gain & 3,550' elevation loss.
Day 11
5-6 hours/7-8 miles hiking with 2,350' elevation gain & 1,100' elevation loss
Day 12
5-6 hours/6-7 miles hiking with 4,500 elevation loss
Accommodations
Warm Bhutanese guesthouses and inns combined with six nights of remote wilderness camping.
Weather
On trek: day time temperatures: 45° - 65°F; night time temperatures 10° - 35°F. Rain or snow possible. Warmer in Paro and Thimphu.
FAQs
Who will meet me on arrival?
On Day-1, you will arrive in Bangkok, and transfer to the hotel via a free 24-hour shuttle bus on your own. The following day, you will fly to Paro. Upon arrival at the Paro Airport, meet your MT Sobek guide.
Do I need a Bhutan visa?
Yes, we handle the group visa for you.
Do I need to bring a sleeping bag for this trip?
Yes. We recommend a rating of -5°F to 10°F for the springtime and the first October departure, -10°F to -5°F for the mid-October and November trips.
How does this trek compare to Everest Base Camp?
These two treks are equally challenging in different ways. Everest Base Camp is longer and has higher altitude. Chomolhari features tent camping, bringing you closer to the elements. Chomolhari is also considerably less crowded.
Do we book our flights from Bangkok to Paro?
No, we provide that service and book those flights for you, as they are not easy to book on your own.
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Guest Reviews
"The Chomolhari trek in Bhutan was the trip of a lifetime. The Bhutanese people are friendly and open to sharing their culture. And the mountains are spectacular!"
Meg W.
MT Sobek Guest, Bhutan Chomolhari Trek
"My experience trekking with MT Sobek exceeded all expectations. The trek itself was beyond belief, the landscape was spectacular, the company was enjoyable and the food was delicious. It was an adventure of a lifetime and one that I will keep close to my heart."
Nicole P.
MT Sobek Guest, Bhutan Chomolhari Trek