Bhutan culture tour with Chomolhari Trekking – 14 days
The collection includes art, relics, religious thangkha paintings, postage stamps, coins and handicrafts, as well as a small natural history collection. Below Ta Dzong is Rinpung Dzong (Paro Dzong), “the fortress of the heap of jewels”, built in 1646, and now housing the offices of the district administration and Paro’s monk body. In the afternoon, visit Kyichu Lhakhang. Built by the Tibetan king, Songtsen Gampo in the 7th century, it is one of the oldest and most sacred shrines of Bhutan.
Country
Bhutan
Duration
14 days
Difficulty
Challenging
Trip Type
Tour + Trekking
Max Altitude
4100m/13451ft
Best Season
Mar-May, Sep-Dec
Accomodation
3***Hotel + Logde accommodation on twin sharing bed basis during the Trekking.
Meals
All meals (Lunch, Dinner and Breakfast) with cup of hot drinks during the trekking.
Start/End Point
Paro
Highlights & Overview
Explore the historic towns of Paro and Thimphu.Visit the famous Tiger’s Nest Monastery (Taktsang).Discover Bhutan’s National Museum and ancient monasteries.Trek through the pristine landscapes of Jigme Dorji National Park.Enjoy spectacular views of Mt. Chomolhari (7326m/24035ft).Witness the magnificent Jichu Drake (6989m/22930ft).Cross Nyele La Pass (4700m/15420ft).Cross Yeli La Pass (4820m/15814ft).Camp in remote Himalayan valleys and yak pastures.Visit the historic Lingshi Dzong fortress.Experience authentic Bhutanese culture and village life.Observe diverse Himalayan flora and fauna.Explore Bhutan’s capital city, Thimphu.Ideal combination of cultural touring and high-altitude trekking.
The Bhutan Culture Tour with Chomolhari Trekking is a perfect combination of Bhutan’s rich cultural heritage and one of the country’s most spectacular Himalayan trekking routes. This 14-day adventure begins with sightseeing in the beautiful Paro Valley, visiting ancient monasteries, dzongs, and sacred temples before embarking on the legendary Chomolhari Trek.The trek follows the pristine Paro Chu Valley through dense pine and rhododendron forests, remote yak-herding settlements, and high alpine meadows beneath the towering peaks of Mt. Chomolhari (7,326m/24,035ft) and Jichu Drake (6,989m/22,930ft). Trekkers cross high mountain passes including Nyele La Pass and Yeli La Pass while enjoying magnificent Himalayan panoramas, traditional Bhutanese villages, ancient fortresses, and untouched wilderness.After completing the trek, the journey concludes with cultural exploration in Thimphu and Paro, offering an excellent balance of adventure, nature, culture, and authentic Bhutanese hospitality.
Short Itinerary
- Day 1: Arrive Paro (2200m/7218ft)
- Day 2: Paro Sightseeing (2200m/7218ft)
- Day 3: Paro (2200m/7218ft) – Shana (2870m/9416ft)
- Day 4: Shana (2870m/9416ft) – Sio Thangkha (3750m/12303ft)
- Day 5: Sio Thangkha (3750m/12303ft) – Jangothang (4040m/13255ft)
- Day 6: Acclimatization Day at Jangothang (4040m/13255ft)
- Day 7: Jangothang (4040m/13255ft) – Lingshi (4000m/13123ft)
- Day 8: Lingshi (4000m/13123ft) – Shodu (4100m/13451ft)
- Day 9: Shodu (4100m/13451ft) – Barshong (3600m/11811ft)
- Day 10: Barshong (3600m/11811ft) – Dolam Kencho (3600m/11811ft)
- Day 11: Dolam Kencho (3600m/11811ft) – Dodena (2600m/8530ft) – Thimphu (2334m/7657ft)
- Day 12: Thimphu Sightseeing (2334m/7657ft)
- Day 13: Free Day in Paro (2200m/7218ft)
- Day 14: Departure from Paro (2200m/7218ft)
Price Includes
Personal guide & driver with SUV or Toyota coaster bus depending on pax.All touring & transfers throughout.Traditional 3-star hotels with private bathrooms twin sharing based.All meals and bottled water daily.SDF (Sustainable development fee & all taxes.Bhutan visa fees & processing.Monuments feesFarm house visitPrice Doesn't Include
Airfares to/from Bhutan.Personal items laundry, drinks, and designer coffee’s telephone callsHotel room single supplement $ 30 per person per nightSim CardTipping for guide and diverAnything that is not included in official final invoices.Bhutan culture tour with Chomolhari Trekking – 14 days Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive Paro (2200m/7218ft)
Upon arrival at Paro International Airport, meet your Bhutanese guide and transfer to your hotel. After completing immigration formalities, enjoy your first introduction to Bhutan. In the evening, stroll through Paro town and local markets, observing traditional Bhutanese architecture, handicrafts, and local life. Overnight at hotel in Paro.
Max Altitude
2200m/7218ft
Accomodation
Hotel
Meals
Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast
Day 2: Paro Sightseeing (2200m/7218ft)
Spend the day exploring Paro’s cultural treasures. Visit Ta Dzong, Bhutan’s National Museum, which houses ancient relics, thangkas, coins, weapons, and historical artifacts. Continue to Rinpung Dzong, one of Bhutan’s most impressive fortresses. Later visit the sacred Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest temples in Bhutan dating back to the 7th century. Overnight at hotel.
Max Altitude
2200m/7218ft
Accomodation
Hotel
Meals
Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast
Day 3: Paro (2200m/7218ft) – Shana (2870m/9416ft)
Drive to Drukgyel Dzong where the trek begins. Follow a gradual trail through cultivated farmland, rice terraces, apple orchards, and pine forests. Pass the army checkpoint at Gunitsawa before reaching the campsite at Shana Zampa, the final settlement before entering the higher wilderness of the Himalayas.
Distance: 17 km
Walking: 5–6 hours
Distance: 17 km
Walking: 5–6 hours
Max Altitude
2870m/9416ft
Accomodation
Hotel
Meals
Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast
Day 4: Shana (2870m/9416ft) – Sio Thangkha (3750m/12303ft)
The trail follows the Paro River through beautiful forests of pine, oak, and spruce. Cross several bridges and gradually gain altitude while enjoying increasing views of surrounding mountains. The route enters Jigme Dorji National Park and continues through dense rhododendron forests before arriving at the scenic campsite of Sio Thangkha.
Distance: 20 km
Walking: 7–8 hours
Distance: 20 km
Walking: 7–8 hours
Max Altitude
3750m/12303ft
Accomodation
Hotel / Lodge
Meals
Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast
Day 5: Sio Thangkha (3750m/12303ft) – Jangothang (4040m/13255ft)
Ascend above the tree line and enter classic yak-grazing country. Pass seasonal yak herder camps and alpine meadows while enjoying stunning views of surrounding peaks. Arrive at Jangothang, one of Bhutan’s most beautiful trekking camps, offering breathtaking views of Mt. Chomolhari and Jichu Drake.
Max Altitude
4040m/13255ft
Accomodation
Hotel / Lodge
Meals
Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast
Day 6: Acclimatization Day at Jangothang (4040m/13255ft)
Spend the day acclimatizing to the altitude. Optional hikes lead to nearby ridges, glacial valleys, and high-altitude lakes. This is one of the best locations for photography, with spectacular views of Chomolhari, Jichu Drake, and Tserim Kang. Overnight at camp.
Max Altitude
4040m/13255ft
Accomodation
Hotel / Lodge
Meals
Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast
Day 7: Jangothang (4040m/13255ft) – Lingshi (4000m/13123ft)
Cross the spectacular Nyele La Pass (4700m/15420ft), one of the major highlights of the trek. The trail offers panoramic views of snow-capped Himalayan peaks before descending gradually toward the beautiful Lingshi Valley. Visit the historic Lingshi Dzong overlooking the valley.
Distance: 18 km
Walking: 7–8 hours
Distance: 18 km
Walking: 7–8 hours
Max Altitude
4000m/13123ft
Accomodation
Hotel / Lodge
Meals
Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast
Day 8: Lingshi (4000m/13123ft) – Shodu (4100m/13451ft)
Leave the Chomolhari route and ascend steadily toward Yeli La Pass (4820m/15814ft). From the pass, enjoy magnificent views of Chomolhari, Gangchenta, Masagang, and Tserim Kang. Descend into the secluded valley of Shodu and camp beside a peaceful meadow.
Distance: 22 km
Walking: 8–9 hours
Distance: 22 km
Walking: 8–9 hours
Max Altitude
4100m/13451ft
Accomodation
Hotel / Lodge
Meals
Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast
Day 9: Shodu (4100m/13451ft) – Barshong (3600m/11811ft)
Descend through beautiful forests of rhododendron, juniper, and alpine vegetation. The trail follows the Thimphu Chu River, passing waterfalls, dramatic cliffs, and pristine wilderness before reaching the ruins of historic Barshong Dzong.
Distance: 16 km
Walking: 6–7 hours
Distance: 16 km
Walking: 6–7 hours
Max Altitude
3600m/11811ft
Accomodation
Hotel / Lodge
Meals
Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast
Day 10: Barshong (3600m/11811ft) – Dolam Kencho (3600m/11811ft)
Continue through dense forests and river valleys while crossing several ridges and side streams. The trail offers a pleasant combination of ascents and descents before reaching the high pasturelands of Dolam Kencho.
Distance: 15 km
Walking: 5–6 hours
Distance: 15 km
Walking: 5–6 hours
Max Altitude
3600m/11811ft
Accomodation
Hotel / Lodge
Meals
Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast
Day 11: Dolam Kencho (3600m/11811ft) – Dodena (2600m/8530ft) – Thimphu (2334m/7657ft)
The final trekking day begins with a gradual climb to a forested pass at 3510m/11516ft. Descend through lush forests to Dodena, where the trek officially ends. Meet your vehicle and drive to Thimphu. Overnight at hotel.
Max Altitude
2600m/8530ft
Accomodation
Hotel
Meals
Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast
Day 12: Thimphu Sightseeing (2334m/7657ft)
Explore Bhutan’s capital city. Visit the National Memorial Chorten, Tashichho Dzong, National Library, Institute for Zorig Chusum (Traditional Arts School), and local handicraft centers. In the evening, drive back to Paro for overnight stay.
Max Altitude
2600m/8530ft
Accomodation
Hotel
Meals
Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast
Day 13: Free Day in Paro (2200m/7218ft)
Enjoy a relaxed day in Paro. Visit local attractions, explore traditional markets, purchase handicrafts, or simply relax and absorb the peaceful atmosphere of Bhutan.
Max Altitude
2200m/7218ft
Accomodation
Hotel
Meals
Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast
Day 14: Departure from Paro (2200m/7218ft)
Transfer to Paro International Airport for your onward flight, bringing your memorable Bhutan cultural and trekking adventure to an end.
Max Altitude
2200m/7218ft
Accomodation
Hotel
Meals
Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast
Packing Lists
Cloathing
Moisture-wicking trekking shirtsThermal base layersFleece jacketDown jacketWaterproof shell jacketLightweight hiking shirtsWarm hatSun hatTrekking pantsThermal leggingsWaterproof pantsComfortable camp trousersHiking shorts (optional)Gears
Trekking backpack (35–45L)Duffel bagTrekking polesSleeping bag (-10°C to -15°C recommended)Headlamp with spare batteriesSunglasses (UV protection)Water bottles or hydration systemDry bagsWaterproof trekking bootsCamp shoes or sandalsWool trekking socksLightweight liner socksPersonal Items
Passport and travel documentsTravel insurancePersonal medicationsSunscreen SPF 50+Lip balmToothbrush and toiletriesWet wipesHand sanitizerQuick-dry towelCamera and spare batteriesPower bankOther Items You Can Bring
Trekking snacksEnergy barsReusable water purification tabletsNotebook and penBinocularsSmall repair kitLightweight umbrellaZip-lock bags for electronicsPersonal first aid kit