“The Matterhorn of the Himalaya,” that's how many people refer to the Chomolhari, one of the most stunning mountain peaks on the planet. We'll enjoy remarkable views of this rocky giant as we thread our way through Bhutan, a magical kingdom perched at the top of the world.
Gross National Happiness, not Gross National Product was the declaration made in 1972 by the fourth King of Bhutan. This tiny mountain kingdom declared that the peace and well-being of its people was its measure of prosperity, not material excess. The Bhutanese have legislated that "Four Pillars" support their Gross National Happiness; these are 1) equitable and sustainable socioeconomic development, 2) preservation and promotion of culture, 3) conservation of the environment and is based on the Buddhist philosophy that human beings and nature are inseparable from each other, and 4) good governance.
Bhutan is making a valiant effort at the preservation of their unique culture and allows modernization only at a very measured pace. For example, only at the turn of this century was television made legal. This does not mean that the Bhutanese are primitive however. Quite the opposite is true, and we will be treated to outstanding hotelkeeping and culinary adventures. Our Magical Kindom - Chomolhari Trek begins and ends in Paro and Thimphu, the two principal towns in the country with excellent accommodations. As we hike the circuit to Chomolhari we will treat ourselves to 5 Star camping in beautiful and exotic locations.
Bhutan has placed strict limits on the number of tourists allowed to visit. At present about 12,000 visitors are allowed in each year - this is about one fifth the number of visitors at Disneyworld on just one day! Ryder Walker guides attend to your every need on and off the trail. The cuisine enjoyed on the trek is only one of many highlights with expert local chefs using local produce. Their creativity has to be experienced to be believed. The Magical Kingdom - Chomolhari Trek is one of the most beautiful and varied in the world.
Tour Highlights:
- High alpine trekking through a wild and protected landscape.
- Hike up close to the Chomolhari, the Matterhorn of the Himilaya.
- Visit temples and monasteries that are hundreds of years old.
Day 1 Transfer from Bangkok or Delhi to Paro. This is arguably the most dramatic flight in the world. Your guides will
meet the flights and escort you to your hotel. Flights arrive in the morning. In the afternoon visit the National Museum and the Paro Dzong.
Day 2 Visit Taktsang (Tiger's Nest Temple). This is a beautiful hike to the most revered temple in Bhutan. In the afternoon sightsee or visit the old Kyochu Lhakhang Temple (7th century).
Day 3 The trek begins with a hike from Paro to Shana. Begin at the Drukgyla Dzong and travel through the village of Tschento. Pass through an army checkpoint on this strategic route from Bhutan to Tibet.
Day 4 Shana to Thangthangkha. This is the longest hiking day of the trek. Pass a junction where the left branch leads into Tibet. 21 Kilometers.
Day 5 Thangthangkha to Jangothang (Chomolhari Base Camp). Today we break through the timberline and ascend to over 4000 meters as we navigate through yak herds and visit a number of small villages.
Day 6 Acclimatisation and rest day. We will offer an optional day hike.
Day 7 Jangothang to Lingshi Camp. Cross the "sleepy pass", Ngile La. After enjoying beautiful views of Gangcheta (Great Tiger Mountain), descend to the impressive Lingshi Dzong.
Day 8 Lingshi to Shodu. Ascend to the Yale La, the highest pass of the trek at 4950 meters. The Basingthang peaks to the South provide an impressive backdrop.
Day 9
Shodu to Barshong. We are descending now and the day is short. Pass by the Barshong Dzong and the very tiny
Barshong village.
Day 10 Barshong to Dolamkencho. No ascent to today. Following the Tshongjug Chhu as it curves to the South, we enter the headlands above Thimphu, the prinicpal city of Bhutan.
Day 11
Dolamkencho to Thimphu. A short ascent takes us to the trailhead. Descend to Dodena for van pick-up to Thimphu.
Day 12 Thimphu is a fascinating small city. Sightseeing options include the National Memorial Chorten, the
Bhutanese Textile Museum, Folk Heritage Museum, the Takin Zoo and the National Library.
Day 13 Thimphu to Punaka (vehicle transfer). Drive over the Dochu La pass (3000 meters) and visit the Punaka
Dzong, the most impressive in the nation. In the afternoon ascend (on foot) to the Khamsum Yuley temple. Overnight in Punaka.
Day 14 Visit Chimmi Lhakhang, the Bhutanese Temple of Fertility en route back to Thimphu and Paro.
Day 15 Early morning departure to Bangkok or Delhi.
