The Chomolhari Trek

North of Paro, the Chomolhari (23,996 feet) and Jitchu Drake (22,290 feet) mountain ranges have beautiful scenery. The Paro valley with its elegant dzong (Buddhist monastery -fortress), its decorated houses and its many inhabitants, is a pure enchantment. It rises gradually until Nyilé La, where the mountains revealed themselves in all their glory. The return on a more challenging path crosses the neck of the Yale before joining Thimphu, the Bhutan capital.

• Day 1/  Arrival in Kathmandu
• Day 2/  Sightseeing flight Kathmandu - Paro
• Day 3-6/  4 days to reach Linghsi, across the Nyilé La pass (15,846 feet), watch tower over Chomolhari and Jitchu Drake. 
• Day 7-9/  3 days hiking on a sometimes difficult trail, Yale La pass (15,420 feet), Thimphu 
• Day 10/  Thimphu, sightseeing 
• Day 11/  Paro, sightseeing
• Day 12/  Paro-Kathmandu flight
• Day 13/  Depart from Kathmandu.

Isolated between India and China, the Kingdom of Bhutan has always jealously defended its cultural and political integrity. The external influence is, therefore, virtually zero, and Tantric Buddhism occupies most of the social life. In a country living in isolation, the economic life is mostly rural and crafts oriented and despite a tough life due to the altitude, the Bhutanese are very friendly and courteous.
Traditionally, the vast Himalayan chains have protected this small country. At the foot of the chains, the huge ice masses have formed a few remaining fortresses and represent a real deterrent force. Most of the summits are still virgin. Nobody has climbed them and very few Westerners will have a chance to contemplate them.
The trek offers a wonderful journey at the foot of the Bhutan country's most beautiful peaks, from Chomolhari (24,015 feet) and Jitchu Drake to Kangchenta or Masang Kang (23,622 feet). The trek also allows meeting engaging people, living in hair yack tents or in villages at 13,000 foot feet high. Teenager girls from Laya organize a party in your honor and tchang (tea) runs afloat. Finally, the cultural discovery of the Dragon country is not forgotten, with its dzongs and monasteries perched on eagle nests.

Day 1/ Arrival in Kathmandu
Arrival in Kathmandu. Settle in at the Yak and Yeti 5 stars. Some time available for a short visit of the city.

Day 2/ Kathmandu - Paro
Flight Kathmandu-Paro (Bhutan airport) with Druk Air airlines. Meeting our Bhutanese guide, responsible for the group's proper conduct regarding the country's authorities, but, more importantly, our journey companion. Transfer to Paro (7,382 feet), a small shopping center in the middle of a rich agricultural valley. Overnight in one of the small hotels in Bhutan, typically decorated, a real paradise. Several monastic sites around Paro.

Day 3/ Paro - Sharna (9,168 feet)
A few kilometers north of Paro is the monastery of Takshang (the "tiger den"), perched on the hillside, where we make a short visit. We conclude our vehicle road trip at Drukyel Dzong, a ruined fortress that once protected the country from Tibetan invasions ... this is where we meet up with our horses. On a clear day, you can see off the top of Chomolhari (24,015 feet). The trail first goes along the Pa Chu river, in the middle of cultivations and beautiful houses, before entering into the forest. Camp at Sharna, 9,186 feet, near a small hamlet. 4 H 30 walk.

Day 4/ Sharna - Soi Thangthankha (11,549 feet)
This stage takes us into a magnificent forest of pine, holly, juniper and larch. In the exuberance of surprising and tight vegetation, the muddy trail sinks wearily along a torrent that seems to jump away from its bed. We begin to feel a bit of the effects of altitude. Camping near the shelter-refuge of Soi Thangthankha.
7 H 30 walk.

Day 5/ Soi Thangthankha - Jangothang (13,287 feet)
We hike back up the Pa Chu. High snow covered peaks begin to crush the valley. Many herds of yak. View of Chomolhari and Jitchu Drake. Bystanders seek to approach the herds of barhals (Himalayan big horn sheep) on the slopes. Night at the Chomolhari base camp near the shelter-refuge of Jangothang, where stands an ancient fortress in ruins.
5 H walk.

Day 6/ Jangothang - Nyelé La (15,486 feet) - Lingshi (13,615 feet)
The trail is, first and foremost, steep as an exit out of the valley and also as an access to the pastures. Passage of our first pass, the Nyelé La ( "La" in Tibetan means pass), where we now discover Tserim Kang (22,310 feet), extending northward, the frontier mountain range nearby, impressive and covered of snow. Camping near the shelter-refuge of Lingshi.
5 to 6 H walk.

Day 7/ Lingshi - Shodu (13,615 feet)
This is the longest stage in our journey. We need to go over to the Yalila pass (16,339 feet). If the weather is clear, sumptuous views on the Tserim Kang and Masakhang.
6 to 7 H walk.

Day 8/ Shodu - Barshong (12,418 feet)
Down along the Timphu river, in the middle of rhododendrons. Passing a ridge to reach the village of Barshong, dominated by the ruins of the fortress.
3 to 4 H walk.

Day 9/ Barshong - Thimphu (7,546 feet)
Another day of walking. We continue to follow the Thimphu River. Lunch in the pastures of Dolam Kencho (11,903 feet). The road then gradually takes us back up through the forest inhabited by the gold languar monkeys (an endangered monkey species). End of trekking at Dodina. Transfer to Thimphu. Overnight hotel.
6 to 7 H walk.

Day 10/ Thimphu
Visit of the city: the market, the Tashichhodzong (Secretariat of the Governor). Transfer to Paro in the late afternoon. Overnight hotel.

Day 11/ Paro
Visit of Paro and its environs. Overnight hotel.

Day 12/ Flight Paro - Katmandu
Flight to Kathmandu and free time. Overnight hotel (5 stars).

Day 13/ Depart from Kathmandu
Transfer to the airport for flight home.

Easy walks, usually on well marked trails, sometimes wet and muddy during the days when we are under the forest canopy. There can be snow on some high mountain passes. We travel the way chosen by the nomadic pastoralists.
Trekking for 7 days with a maximum altitude of 16,000 feet. Stages are progressive and fair, but two of them are a little long (7 to 8 hours) and can only be enjoyed if one is in good physical shape at the onset.

Depending on the day of the Kathmandu-Paro flight, visiting day of Paro may be replaced by a one-day visit of Kathmandu and its valley.

- The walking time schedules are given only as an estimate.
- For different reasons involving trip organization, daily schedules and planned altitude gains (ascent or descent) may be modified without any prior notice.

Each participant walks with a light back pack, carrying only the personal items necessary for the day (water bottle, camera, protective clothing, etc).
During the trekking, the transportation of individuals and group luggage is provided by pack animals: horses or yaks.

The guide
- An English-speaking Mountain World Travel guide (usually Nepalese).

The local team
- A local Bhutanese guide, usually English speaking, in charge of organizing camps and recruiting caravan people.
- A cook and, if necessary, his assistants.
- Caravan with their pack animals (yaks and mules).

Flight Kathmandu -Paro with the national airline, Drukair.
Ground transportation covered by private vehicles.

- In Kathmandu: Yak and Yeti Hotel, 5 star deluxe, based on double occupancy.
- In Thimphu and Paro, comfortable hotels with showers, based on double occupancy.
- During the trekking, depending on availability and organization outcome of the day: night in camp or in guest house.
Camp: dome tents in the mountains (2 people per tent) + a mess tent (with folding chairs and tables) for meals. Foam mattresses are provided.
The guest houses along the way are always welcoming....their comfort not always a guarantee.

The names of accommodations (hotels, lodges, etc...) when they are indicated, are only indicative.
Depending on availability, accommodations (hotels/Lodges, etc...) may be replaced by another equivalent type.
It is possible that accommodations may change without prior notice due to a number of factors.

- In the cities and towns, large meals in restaurants.
- During the trekking, meals are prepared by the Bhutanese cook: rice, potatoes, vegetables, meat, eggs... and don't forget the spice, which the Bhutanese adore....the cook will not always spice things up however....you will be able to flavor your meals to your liking. We will test the local specialties: imadatsi, kewadatsi, Bhutanese rice ...

Bhutan: very limited access. To limit the visitation of Bhutan, a small country with a very particular social system, the government implements very high daily rates and only issues a limited number of permits per year.
The Bhutan visa will be issued upon arrival at Paro. Mountain World Travel has communicated, in a timely manner to the Bhutanese authorities, the particulars of your passport. In order for us to do this, please send us a photocopy of the first 4 pages of your passport as soon as you register for the trip.
Identification photos: You should bring 6 photos on your trip.

Although we are an experienced adventure travel company doing our best to respect the itinerary schedule as presented on this detailed itinerary, there is always the possibility that we may need to modify it for different reasons beyond our control. Please read the Registration Conditions: Terms and Booking conditions - Limitations of Liability.

• International flight in/out Kathmandu
• All services mentioned in Services +/extensions /options
• Personal medical & Travel Insurance
• All items not expressively mentioned in "What's included".

• Drinks (except mineral water at restaurant and tea)
• Personal expenses
• Tips for guide and driver
• Cost of foreign country entrance visa (approximately $32)
• Airport taxes at departure from Kathmandu (approximately $35)
• All items not expressively mentioned in ‘What's included".

As airfare is NOT included in our adventures, please check if your trip is "a guaranteed departure" before confirming your own airline travel arrangements. You can check your trip status at the Mountain World Travel website or contact the Mountain World Travel office at 1 888-MWT-TREK (698-8735).

Our preferred airlines to fly to Kathmandu:

• Star Alliance (United) in cooperation with Thaï Airlines operates daily flights to Kathmandu from anywhere in the States through Bangkok.
• Qatar Airways operates daily flights to Kathmandu from Washington DC through Doha (and 4 times a week from New York) - Qatar is a member of Star Alliance.
• Oneworld, in cooperation with Cathay Pacific, operates four flights a week to Kathmandu from anywhere in the States through Honk-Kong.

Formalities for US, Canada, Australia, NZ passports travelers: a passport valid at least 6 months after the supposed return date of your journey.
Nepal  When arriving at in Kathmandu, you will get a free transit visa, available for two days. You will do the same on your way back from Bhutan.
Bhutan  A visa is required.
US citizens, please check with the US Government Travel Entry Exit Requirements
Nepal   US Government Travel Entry Exit Requirements    http://www.nepalembassyusa.org/visa.php?page=tourist_visa_requirement
Bhutan  US Government Travel Entry Exit Requirements

Bhutan
The visa will be issued upon arrival at Paro. Mountain World Travel has communicated, in a timely manner to the Bhutanese authorities, the particulars of your passport. In order for us to do this, please send us a photocopy of the first 4 pages of your passport as soon as you register for the trip. You will be responsible for $32 dollars of consular visa fees, paid directly upon arrival in Paro.
Identification photos: you should bring 6 photos along on trip, 1 for each Nepalese transit visa, 2 for your Bhutanese visa  and 2 for trekking permits.
For other nationalities, please contact the Nepalese and Bhutanese embassies in your country.

Vaccines
Certain vaccines are highly recommended, but none are obligatory.
We advise you to be up to date with traditional vaccinations: diphtheria, tetanus, polio, typhoid fever, hepatitis A, B and a vaccination protecting you from rabies is highly recommended for all.
Note: yellow fever vaccine is not necessary (no yellow fever in Asia) but required for any person coming from Africa or Tropical America.

Malaria
A preventative treatment against Malaria is not necessary for this trip.
For more information, visit
http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/destinationNepal.aspx and http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/destinationBhutan.aspx

Dentist and doctor
A check up before your departure is recommended

Acclimatization and preventive treatment against altitude sickness
We conceive our routes by first taking into consideration the best means for "altitude acclimatization". However, it is preferable to consider, with your doctor, a preventive treatment against altitude sickness(Diamox) and to check your capacity to evolve in altitude (specific tests may be considered).
Please visit    http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/yellowBookCh6-AltitudeIllness.aspx

 

LEVEL 4
3 months prior:  Hike 10 to 12 miles every weekend or on two consecutive days OR if you are regularly committed, on an annual basis, to another sports activity that develops stamina (jogging, cycling or swimming) for a cumulative duration of 2 to 3 hours per week (without excessive shortness of breath or exceptional fatigue), you should be up to speed.

Basic equipment
- A warm fleece hat
- A cap or a hat to protect from the sun
- Sun glasses (minimum index 3 or 4 for high mountain)
- Thermal top and bottom, short and long) underwear (fast drying).
- Fleece turtle neck top
- A warm fleece jacket (light weight/well insulated).
- A waterproof/breathable shell jacket (Gore-Tex).
- A pair of gloves
- A rain poncho
- Hiking shorts
- Lightweight hiking long pants
- A Camelback or a water bottle.

Shoes and technical material
- Hiking socks
- Waterproof ankle hiking boots and a sole offering good traction.
- Gaiters
- Head lamp
- A pair of telescopic walking poles

Sleeping
- Sleeping bag (that will keep you warm from a temperature of 23° F to 32° F).

Luggage
- A back pack equipped with broad straps, with an adjustable anatomical back reinforcement, and a capacity of 7 to 9 gallons, for your daily belongings
- A soft travel bag, which can hold between 18 to 23 gallons that will be transported by the porter team or by vehicle during the day.

Miscellaneous
- A change of clothes.
- A pair of replacement shoe laces
- A dop-kit and a bath towel.
- Toilet paper.
- A pocket knife (not in carry on luggage).
- Some plastic bags to protect your belongings.
- Duct tape.
- A bathing suit.
- A small pocket anti-theft protection device, to always keep on yourself, along with your identity papers, money, certificate of insurance.

Some advice
During your flight your back pack should contain fragile and useful items that you might need while on the plane (camera, memory cards, jacket, books, magazines, medication, dop-kit etc).