Chomolhari Lingshi Trek — six days, max altitude 4,900 m at Bonte La, the principal direct view of Chomolhari (7,326 m).

Day-by-day itinerary

1. Day 1

   3,610 m

   22 km

   ~8 h

   Shana to Thangthangkha

   Driven from Drukgyel Dzong to Shana on the motorable road (approximately 1 hour). Climb through pine and rhododendron forest along the Pa Chhu to the alpine meadow at Thangthangkha — the first camp.

2. Day 2

   4,080 m

   19 km

   ~6 h

   Thangthangkha to Jangothang

   Continued climb up the Pa Chhu valley to the Jangothang base camp at the foot of Chomolhari's south face. The first full view of the mountain.

3. Day 3

   4,080 m

   6 km

   ~4 h

   Jangothang — acclimatisation day

   Rest day at the base camp. Acclimatisation walks to the Tsophu lakes or up the Chomolhari ridge for the broader panorama.

4. Day 4

   4,890 m

   18 km

   ~8 h

   Jangothang to Lingshi via Nyile La

   Climb Nyile La (4,890m), the trek's first high pass. Descend to Lingshi village in the high pasture country; the Lingshi Dzong above the village is the visual register of the day.

5. Day 5

   4,080 m

   22 km

   ~9 h

   Lingshi to Shodu

   Long traverse of the high pasture country with Lingshi Dzong views; descent to the Shodu camp.

6. Day 6

   4,900 m

   16 km

   ~8 h

   Shodu to Barshong via Bonte La

   Cross Bonte La (4,900m), the trek's highest pass and the second principal altitude challenge. Long descent through alpine pasture to Barshong; vehicle pickup for the drive to Thimphu or Paro.

The day-by-day is illustrative. Acclimatisation profile, rest days, and exact camp locations are tailored to the specific traveller and party.

Frequently asked

Will I see Chomolhari?

Yes — the Jangothang base camp (Day 2 onwards) provides the most direct view of Chomolhari (7,326 m) accessible to non-mountaineers. Weather visibility is most reliable in April-May and September-October. The first full view from Thangthangkha (Day 1 evening) is itself notable.

How is the Chomolhari Trek different from the Snowman?

The Chomolhari Trek is 6 days; the Snowman is 25. Both share the first 3-4 days (Shana → Jangothang → Lingshi). The Snowman continues north into Lunana with eleven passes above 4,500m; the Chomolhari turns south at Lingshi via Shodu and Bonte La to exit at Barshong. The Chomolhari is accessible to most reasonably-fit walkers with multi-day trekking experience; the Snowman is an expedition product.

Can I climb Chomolhari?

No. The Royal Government has formally prohibited climbing of all Bhutanese peaks above 6,000 metres since 1994, in deference to the Bhutanese view of high peaks as abodes of protector deities. The Jangothang base camp is the closest direct approach permitted under the current Royal Government policy. The trek itself is the principal Chomolhari experience available.

What about Aum Jomo?

Aum Jomo is the female protector deity held to reside in Chomolhari — the most-revered of the regional protector deities in the upper Paro valley. The Bhutanese trekking tradition holds that a brief offering at the Jangothang camp (a butter lamp, a quiet prayer) acknowledges the deity's hospitality and the trekker's status as a guest in the mountain's region. Your trek leader will brief you on the protocol; the gesture is meaningful in the Bhutanese register.

Lodges or camp?

Camp only. No lodge-based variants exist on this route. The premium operators provide insulated tent camps with expedition-grade kit, hot food at every camp, and a crew that handles all camp logistics. Camp life on the Chomolhari Trek is more comfortable than many first-time trekkers expect.