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Chomolhari Trek, Bhutan

• 12 days / 11 nights with 8 days of trekking • 5-9 hrs. hiking time / day • easy to moderate •
• trekking path, open terrain, scree slopes • overnight in tent & hotels • max. altitude 4820 m above sea level •
• Accompanied by: trekking guide, kitchen staff / porters / pack animals (pony / dzo / dzomo) •

Introduction

Experience one of the most fascinating countries in the world in a particularly impressive way, and follow some ancient trekking paths through the Himalayas of Bhutan. This relatively small kingdom is located north of India on the southern border of Tibet (China). It‘s advantages include on one side its beautiful panoramas of densely forested valleys against white towering mountain giants, on the other hand its friendly people, who live a Buddhist culture which is thousands of years old, and put the "Gross National Happiness" above any economic growth. Already if you approach Paro by flight, which is a small town in the east of the country, it conveys, if you have a little luck with the weather, a first impression of the intoxicatingly beautiful views, that will accompany you in the next 12 days.

After a one day stay in Paro, which also serves among others the opportunity to visit the fascinating monastery Taktsang on a 900 m high cliff, and to the acclimatization to the altitude, the trekking starts, along the traditional paths, past terraced fields, through orchards and pristine forests. Again and again it goes slightly uphill, followed by descents down to the bank of a clear river which we cross, over scree slopes and mountain passes, which allow the stunning views of the surrounding peaks. Again and again we discover ancient monasteries and fortresses that lie on the mountain slopes.

The magnificent nature of Bhutan is evident in the Rhododendron forests, in waterfalls which appear mystical, and wide, seemingly untouched mountain meadows. In addition to the diverse plant life interesting animals always cross our way, at home here are yaks and gaurs, several species of deer, and several different sheep and goat species. The people we meet in small villages, or else around major attractions of the country, are happy to give an insight into their daily lives and Buddhist culture.

Due to the maximum height of nearly 5,000 meters above sea level, has this trekking definitely demands on health and fitness, but because the trails are easy to walk, the travel module is also suitable for hikers, who tread their personal bridge to Bhutan for the first time, in the fascinating world of the Himalayas.

Highlights

• Immersion into the peaceful nature of the Bhutanese Himalayas  
• Discover the culture of this very special country
• Taktsang Monastery (Tiger's Nest), Drukgyek Dzong, Kyichu Lhakhang
• Thimphu, the capital with the National Library, School of Painting, Textile and Folk Heritage Museum, Royal Memorial Shrine, religious and government center Trashichhoedzong, Buddha statue Kuensel Phodrang
• Experience of everyday life in the countryside and in the bustling cities

Trekking Route

Day 1 : Arrival in Paro (2250m above sea level) transfer to the hotel. Overnight at hotel.
Day 2 : Paro: Taktsang Monastery, Fortress Drukgyel Dzong, Kyichu Lhakhang temple. Overnight at hotel.
Day 3 : 1st day of trekking: walking time 5-6 hours for 17 km to Shana (2870m above sea level). Overnight in camp.
Day 4 : 2nd trekking day: walking time 7-8 hours for 20 km to Soi Thangthangka (3750 m above sea level).
Overnight in camp.
Day 5 : 3rd trekking day: walking time 7-8 hours for 19 km to Jangothang (4040 m above sea level) Overnight in camp.
Day 6 : 4th trekking day: walking time 7-8 hours for 18 km to Lingshi (4,000 m above sea level) Overnight in camp.
Day 7 : 5th day of trekking: walking time 8-9 hours for 22 kilometers over the Yeli La mountain pass (4820 m above sea level) to Shodu (4100 m above sea level). Overnight in camp.
Day 8 : 6th day of trekking: walking time 6-7 hours for 16 km to Barshong (3600 m above sea level). Overnight in camp.
Day 9 : 7. day of trekking: walking time 5-6 hours for 15 km to Dolam Kencho (3600 m above sea level). Overnight in camp.
Day 10 : 8th day of trekking: walking time 3 hours for 8 km from Dodena (2600 m above sea level). Transfer to Thimphu (2300 m above sea level). Overnight at hotel.
Day 11 : Thimphu: sightseeing (National Library, School of Painting, Memorial Shrine of the King ...), excursion to the big Buddha statue above the valley (Kuensel Phodrang). Overnight at hotel.
Day 12 : Home or onward journey

Best Travel Period

The best time for this trekking is in spring from April to June, or in autumn from September to November.

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