Bhutan vacation, Chomolhari trek
| country: | Bhutan |
| trip type: | Strenuous walking holidays |
| departures: | 2008: 11 Oct 2009: 14 Mar, 11 Apr |
| price: | From US $3700 (10 days) excluding flights. Price includes transport from Paro, all meals, trekking support team, entrance fees and English speaking guides |
the amazing things you'll be doing
Bhutan's early history is steeped in Buddhist tradition and mythology. Bhutan's medieval and modern history was a time of warlords, feuds, giant fortresses and castles.
The kingdom's recent history begins with a hereditary monarchy that was founded in the 20th century and continued the country's policy of isolationism.
A conscious policy of isolation complemented by formidable geographical barriers has enabled the Kingdom to maintain its independence throughout its history.
Ancient stone implements and other archaeological findings indicate that there were settlements in Bhutan dating back to 2000 B.C. The chronicled history of the kingdom however begins with the advent of Buddhism in the eighth century. It was under the leadership of the third king that Bhutan emerged from its medieval past of serfdom and reclusion.
Despite the speed of modernization, Bhutan has maintained a policy of careful, controlled policy of development in order to preserve its national identity. Though known as Bhutan to the outside world, to the Bhutanese, the country is known as Druk Yul, 'land of the thunder dragon'. The people are known as the Drukpas.
The kingdom's recent history begins with a hereditary monarchy that was founded in the 20th century and continued the country's policy of isolationism.
A conscious policy of isolation complemented by formidable geographical barriers has enabled the Kingdom to maintain its independence throughout its history.
Ancient stone implements and other archaeological findings indicate that there were settlements in Bhutan dating back to 2000 B.C. The chronicled history of the kingdom however begins with the advent of Buddhism in the eighth century. It was under the leadership of the third king that Bhutan emerged from its medieval past of serfdom and reclusion.
Despite the speed of modernization, Bhutan has maintained a policy of careful, controlled policy of development in order to preserve its national identity. Though known as Bhutan to the outside world, to the Bhutanese, the country is known as Druk Yul, 'land of the thunder dragon'. The people are known as the Drukpas.
day-by-day itinerary
| Day 1: | Arrive Paro. Arrive Paro after visa formalities transfer to hotel. |
| Day 2: | Excursion to Takstang. Hike to Taktsang monastery meaning a tiger's den lies at an altitude of 3000 Mts, which takes about 2 - 3 hours for acclimatization. The monastery was gutted by fire in 1998 but the remains of the structure still attract visitors. Tea and snacks will be served at the cafeteria where you can gaze at this beautiful monument built during the 17th century. Evening at leisure. |
| Day 3: | Paro – Drugyel Dzong - Shana. Drive up to Drugyel Dzong (18 Kms) where the road ends and the trek begins. The trek starts from Drugyel Dzong at 2580 Mts with a short down hill walk on a wide trail. The trail climbs gently through rice terrace and millet fields. The route also passes through apple orchards and forests. Soon you will reach the army camp of Gunyitsawa at 2810 Mts. This is the last stop on the border with Tibet. At 2870 Mts, just beyond Sharna Zampa, there are several good places for camping surrounded by trees. Trek time: 5-6 hrs; 17 kilometers. |
| Day 4: | Shana - Soi Thangthangkha. The trail is rather gradual without any steep climbs through dense forest of oak, pine and spruce continues uphill through the river valley. The valley gradually narrows to a mere path which descends to a meadow where a camp will be set up. Camp lies on the left side of the river at an altitude of 3750 Mts marked with two stone shelters. Trek time: 7-8 hrs; 20 kilometers. |
| Day 5: | Soi Thangthangkha - Jangothang. The path ascends for a while till you reach an army camp. After a kilometer pass a village called Jampu towards the north. From here you will be above the tree line enjoying the stunning views of the Rocky Mountains. Occasionally pass by solitary houses of the yak herders before you finally reach the old ruins of the fort known as Jangothang at an altitude of 4050 Mts with a community hall. This is also the Chomolhari base camp. Trek time: 7-8 hrs; 19 kilometers. |
| Day 6: | Rest at Jangothang. Excursion to the nameless viewpoint at an altitude of 5250 Mts offering beautiful view of Mt. Chomolhari & Kungphu. |
| Day 7: | Jangothang - Dhumzo. Crossing a pass known as Bhonte la at an altitude of 4900 Mts. This day offers beautiful views of Mt.Chomolhari, Kungphu, Jichu Drake from the two lakes and wonderful landscape. The ascent is about 800 Mts in altitude, the descent 1,090 Mts in altitude. Before reaching the camp you will pass the Soi Yaksa village and one kilometer further cross a bridge to reach the campsite at an altitude of 3800 Mts. Trek time: 6-7 hrs; 18 kilometers. |
| Day 8: | Dhumzo - Thombu Shong. This stage offers a lot of scenic beauty. You will have good views into the valley and from the Thombu la pass at an altitude of 4520 Mts views of Chomolhari and Jichu Drake can be seen. From the pass its all the way down hill till camp at an altitude of 4180 Mts situated above tree line. The difference in altitude (ascent) is 700 Mts. Trek time 5-6 hrs; 13 kilometers. |
| Day 9: | Thombu Shong - Shana Zam. The first part especially the walk on the ridge offers beautiful views partly to the mighty ice giants in the Chomolhari region. The second part consists of a steep descent, which lacks interesting views. At end of the descent you will come across the same military camp as you entered. Trek time 5-6 hrs; 15 kilometers. |
| Day 10: | Shana Zam - Drugyel Dzong – Paro. Trek for 16 Kms to reach the vehicles waiting at Drugyel Dzong and then proceed to Hotel at Paro. |
| Day 11: | Depart Paro. End of your Bhutan vacation. |
how this holiday makes a difference
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On out Chomolhari trek it is our philosophy to interact with the indigenous people of the region throughout our entire journey on this Bhutan vacation. We encourage communication exchange and support of our staff, the villagers we meet along the way, and the children who will quickly win our hearts. We have established a long-term partnership with a local trekking company that employs porters and pony men, cooks, and guides. Not only do they provide all that we need, they are the communication link to the villages and their people.
We encourage and support the philosophy of ‘Leave No Trace’ ecotourism. Only established areas are used for campsites on our Bhutan vacation in order to protect the fragile tundra of the Himalayan regions. All that is packed in is carried out. Travellers on our Chomolhari trek are encouraged to reduce waste prior to the trek by eliminating boxes, plastic, and any packaging that is not necessary to carry on the trek. Specifically we will experience: Afternoon tea with local families: Our small group of only 12 travelers will be welcomed into the homes of villagers to sip tea and engage in a communication exchange as we learn about the family, their life in the village and their vision for the future. We encourage our travelers to bring along donations of clothing, small gifts or cash contributions. School visits: The children of the region welcome us with smiles as they open their classrooms to our group. Interaction with both teachers and students provides an intimate look into the learning environment of these high mountain regions within the Himalayas. We encourage our travelers on our Bhutan vacation to provide support by donating school supplies or cash donations for the school. Cultural dances: There are several evenings that are filled with local cultural entertainment as villagers dress in their traditional best and entertain us with song and dance. Interpretations are provided by our guides as the dances and music tell the stories of rich cultural history indigenous to the area. A common language is found as we sing, dance, laugh and share stories together on this Chomolhari trek. |
Tourism can be good and bad for destinations & local people. We carefully screen every holiday against our criteria for responsible travel. 'Look behind the brochure' to find how each holiday makes a difference (see left). We don't claim to be perfect - there is no global accreditation - but we've led the way since 2001 and screened 1000's of holidays. We invite every traveller to write a review about their experiences and responsible tourism. This valuable feedback is sent to the people who run the holidays. We keep a very close eye on it and take off holidays that don't live up to our standards. |