BEST SEASON : March-April-May-September-October & November.
TREK GRADE : Moderate to Strenuous Trekking and Camping.
TREKKING DAYS : 10 (9 nights camping).

TRIP OVERVIEW :
Chomolhari is Bhutan 's deeply venerated guardian peak. It rises on the Tibet-Bhutan border near the major trade route from India into Tibet 's Phari Valley . In 1939, from a pass above Phari, F. Spencer Chapman, the mountain's first climber, saw Chomolhari and its companion peak, magnificent Jitchu Drake. "Chomolhari gives a greater impression of sheer height and inaccessibility than any other mountain I know,'' he wrote in Living Dangerously. "It drops in a series of almost vertical rock
precipices to the foothills beneath. It is thought by many to be the most beautiful mountain in the whole length of the Himalaya .''

Unlike Chapman -- who could only dream of visiting Bhutan, and approached the peak from the north --you'll hike to Chomolhari and Jitchu Drake through Bhutan's little-visited villages, rich valleys, and untroubled forests, with good chances of seeing blue sheep, takin, and a huge variety of bird life, including Himalayan pheasant. In the spring this trek is a botanist's fantasy: rhododendrons, azaleas, and masses of wildflowers carpet the high meadows, and pear and apple trees blossom in the valleys.
In the fall, rice paddies ripen to a golden brown, and yak herders bring their charges down from high summer pastures.

Moderate to Strenuous trekking and camping between 2800m/8185ft and 4150m/13,615ft with optional hike to 4500m/14,760ft. Hiking daily between 5-8 hours in mountain trails in varied conditions involving frequent accents and descents. Fully supported trek with cook, helpers, all meals and camping equipment led by experienced local guide. All equipment and luggage will be carried by ponies/porters. Clients carry a light day-pack (backpack) only and walk at their own pace.

ITINERARY
DAY 01 : Arrive PARO
During the flight, one will experience breathtaking views of Mount Everest, Kanchenjunga and other Himalayan Peaks like the sacred Jhumolhari & Jichu Drake in Bhutan. On arrival you will be received by the representative of Shangri-La Bhutan Tours & Treks. Overnight hotel.

DAY 02 : PARO - Sightseeing.
After breakfast drive to Drugyel Dzong, the ruined fortress which once defended Paro valley from Tibetan invasion. This fortress now a burnt shell was Strategic in Bhutan 's defense against Tibetan invasion. The sacred mountain Jhumolhari (7314 meters) can be seen on the back ground on a clear day. On the way back visit the National Museum . After lunch a half-day excursion to the famous Taktsang monastery (Tiger's Den) till the viewpoint. Overnight hotel.

DAY 03 : Trek PARO - SHANA
Altitude : 2800 meters. Distance : 17 km. 5-6 hrs. After drive up to Drugyel dzong where the road ends and the Trek begins. Following the Pa Chu River gently uphill through a narrowing valley. Camp
is just beyond an Army Post.

DAY 04 : Trek SHANA - SOI THANKTHANGKA
Altitude: 3600 meters. Distance: 21 km. - 7-8 hrs. Continue uphill through the river valley. It narrows & closes in and the trial winds up and down along the drainage . Camp is in meadow with stone shelter built for the trekkers.

DAY 05 : Trek SOI THANGTHANGKA - JANGOTHANG
Altitude: 4040 m. Distance: 19 km. - 5-6 hrs. On up the Pa Chu River, pass a small Army post where the valley widens again. One can view the high ridges and then the snow-capped peaks located
all around. You begin to see Yaks and yak herders' camp.

DAY 06 : JANGOTHANG - Halt.
Trek up to Tsophu or there are stupendous day - hike 3 directions. Jhumolhari and it's subsidiary are directly west. Jichu Drake to the north, unclimbed summits and ridges to the east.

DAY 07 : Trek JANGOTHANG - LINGSHI
Altitude: 4150 m. Distance:19 km. 5-6 hrs. Wide Yak pastures on the way up & down the pass, possibly see some people in their Yak Hair Tents depending on the time of the year you are there.
Great view of Lingshi dzong as you come down into the Lingshi basin if the weather is clear. Tserim Gang and its descending glaciers at the north end of the valley. Camp is in a stone shelter built for the trekkers. It has a inside fire pit and you can sleep on a wooden floor or in tent.

DAY 08 : LINGSHI - Halt.
A day excursion to Tshokha (lake) i.e. base camp for Jichu Drake. During the excursion hundreds of Blue Sheep, Musk Deer can be seen. Altitude: 4500 m. Distance: 15 km. - 3-4 hrs.

DAY 09 : Trek LINGSHI - SHODU
Altitude: 3963 m. Distance: 22 km. - 7-8 hrs. The trail ascends up to the Yalila Pass (4820 m.) from the Mount Jhumolhari . On a clear day, Tserim Kang and Masagang can be seen. There is actually considerable down on trail. Camp is in a stone shelter.

DAY 10 : Trek SHODU - BARSHONG
Altitude: 3785 m. Distance: 13 km. - 3-4 hrs. Follow the Thimphu Chu River through the thick forest of Rhododendrons , water falls. It narrows and closes in and the trail winds up and down along the drainage. Ascending up to the ruins of Barshong Dzong, camp is just below the ruined dzong with a stone shelter.

DAY 11 : Trek BARSHONG - DOLAM KENCHO
Altitude: 3628 m. Distance: 11 km. - 3-4 hrs. Descending down to meet Thimphu River following gradually through the forest of Rhododendrons and ascending up to the pastureland. Camp in a
meadow.

DAY 12 : Trek DOLAM KENCHO - THIMPHU
Continue up hill to a small pass. The trail winds up and down along the drainage The wild animal like Languor can be seen. At Dodina, meet the transportation and drive to Thimpu. Distance: 4-5 hrs. Overnight hotel.

DAY 13 : Trek THIMPU - Sightseeing.
A full day sightseeing and shopping in Thimphu . Wander is the town, visit the Handicraft Development Center . Afternoon visit Memorial Chorten, Zilukha Nunnery. Overnight hotel.

DAY 14 : Day trip to PUNAKHA and WANGDUE.
Full day excursion to Punakha and Wangdue (1250 m.) valley across Dochula Pass. On a clear day a whole range of the northern snow capped Himalayan Peaks can be seen from the pass. O/n hotel.

DAY 15 : Drive THIMPHU - PARO for DEPARTURE
Early morning drive to Paro International airport for onward flight.

TOUR COST (Twin Share) :

• 2 Pax: US$ 2940 Per Person.
• 3 Pax: US$ 2800 Per Person.
• 4+ Pax: US$ 2520 Per Person.
• Single Room/Tent Supplement: US$ 350 Per Person.

Airfares Extra (as applicable) :

• Kathmandu/Paro/Kathmandu: US$ 380 Per Person.
• Delhi/Paro/Delhi: US$ 630 Per Person.
• Bangkok /Paro/Bangkok: US$ 720 Per Person.
• Revised airfare effective 01 July, 2000 .