Bhutan Laya Chomolhari (18 days)

Druk Yul means 'Land of the Thunder Dragon', the local name for the country known to the world as Bhutan. It lies in the heart of the vast Himalaya and to both its west and east, rugged mountain ranges stand between it and the hill districts of India. Towering to the northwest, the stark and dramatic mountains of the Chomolhari Range form the frontier with Tibet. Very few visitors have entered this tiny Himalayan kingdom and even fewer have been privileged to trek into her high mountains. Of the few areas open to trekkers and climbers the route to the base camp of Chomolhari (7314m), the sacred mountain of Bhutan, is probably the most aesthetically beautiful. Bhutan is not just about scenery and unbelievable mountains; it is also about friendly people and an enduring and living Buddhist faith with magnificent monasteries, rich religious traditions and about a turbulent past. The great fortresses or 'dzongs' found throughout the country are mute testimony to the wars, sieges and attempted invasions in times gone by. Today the country is a stable and peaceful kingdom where the king is revered and the economy is measured in 'Gross National Happiness'! Trekking through the dense forests, walking above the tree line with the nomadic yak herders, enjoying rare sightings of musk deer and blue sheep, and standing beneath the dramatic ice peaks of Chomolhari - these all make this one of the most rewarding treks in the entire Himalaya.

Day 1:(Sun) Arrive in Paro and transfer to hotel.
Day 2:Explore Paro and surrounding valley. Visit Tiger's Nest Monastery.
Day 3:Drive to Drukgyel Dzong to start trek.
Day 4:Steady ascent following Paro Valley, with chances of wildlife sightings.
Day 5:Break above the tree line to Chomolhari Base Camp (4050m), close to massive icefall.
Day 6:A day in open yak pastures. Ascend to rocky Nyelela Pass (4250m).
Day 7:Trek to Lingshi Dzong.
Day 8:Continue at high altitude, then cross Gobula Pass (4350m).
Day 9:Climb over Jarela Pass (4600m) then descend to Tcharijathang Valley to enter the Laya area.
Day 10:Cross Shingela Pass (4920m).
Days 11-15:Gradually return to lower altitudes. Rest day at Gasa Tshachu Hot Spring.
Day 16:End trek and travel to Thimphu.
Day 17:Visit the attractions of Thimphu. Drive to Paro.
Day 18:Trip ends in Paro this morning (Wed).

Operated by Peregrine Adventures (PHBC )

Departures: April & October only

Contact us for more information, current costs and to make a booking on this tour