How to Plan Your Chomolhari 12-Day Trekking Trip in Thimphu

If you’re looking for an adventure that will take you through some of the most stunning landscapes in Bhutan, the Chomolhari 12-Day Trekking Trip is the perfect choice. This trek takes you through breathtaking scenery, off-the-beaten-path villages, and up close to Bhutan’s most impressive peaks. Here’s everything you need to know to plan your trip to Thimphu:

Experience

The Chomolhari Trek is an ideal adventure for nature enthusiasts searching for a Himalayan wilderness immersion. It’s comfortable, low-impact, and uniquely unforgettable. This trek is not for the faint-hearted as it requires some physical preparation and appropriate trekking gear.

Highlights

The Chomolhari Trek is packed with exciting highlights, including:

City tour in Paro and Thimphu

You’ll begin your tour with a city tour of Paro and Thimphu. You’ll get to visit some of the most sacred temples centers in the country, and learn about the architecture and culture of Bhutan.

Impressive twin lakes of Tsho Phu

From Thimphu, the trek starts with a gradual climb to the Tsho Phu Lakes. The twin lakes are one of the highlights of the trek and an iconic spot for photography enthusiasts.

Ruins of Drukgyal Dzing

As you walk from Paro towards the Tsho Phu Lakes, you’ll have a chance to explore the ruins of Drukgyal Dzing. The ruins of this fortress provide excellent photo opportunities and a window into Bhutan’s rich history.

Flora and Fauna

The Chomolhari Trek provides an excellent opportunity to see Bhutan’s incredible flora and fauna. You’ll experience lush forests of rhododendron, pine, juniper, and fir, and encounter wild animals such as blue sheep, yak, Takin, and occasionally elusive Snow Leopard.

Spectacular mountain views of Mt. Chomolhari

The highlight of the trek is undoubtedly the view of Bhutan’s most beautiful peak, Mt. Chomolhari. This mountain is sacred to Bhutanese people, and you’ll have a chance to learn more about its significance to the country’s history and culture.

Bhutanese People and village life

Throughout the trek, you’ll encounter the warm and friendly people of Bhutan, and have a chance to experience their way of life. You’ll be able to visit remote yak-herders villages and interact with villagers, gaining insight into the daily life and challenges of rural Bhutan.

Full description

The Chomolhari 12-Day Trekking Trip offers an opportunity for travelers to experience the Himalayan wilderness in Bhutan. The trek starts from Paro and takes you on a route that encompasses traditional villages, turquoise lakes, thunderous waterfalls, and rolling meadows filled with wildflowers. During the trek, we’ll be hiking through the heart of the wildlife-rich area, providing ample opportunities to spot exotic animals such as blue sheep, yak, takin, and occasionally, the elusive Snow Leopard. We’ll also walk through lush rhododendron, pine, juniper, and fir forests, with some sections of the trek through alpine meadows, which are covered with flowers in the summer months. One of the significant highlights of the trek is the stunning Tsho Phu Lakes, two turquoise lakes that sit at an elevation of 4,500 meters. Here we’ll set up camp and take time to explore the area, experiencing the incredible beauty of Bhutan’s wild landscapes. Another highlight of the trek is the fantastic ruins of Drukgyal Dzing, which lies below the towering Mt. Chomolhari. The Fortress of the Victorious Drukpas dates back to the 17th century when it was built to ward off attacks from Tibetan invaders. It’s an awe-inspiring site and offers an excellent photo opportunity for all. Throughout the trek, we’ll be led by our experienced and knowledgeable guide, who will keep us safe and ensure we get the most from our adventure. Along the way, we’ll meet friendly locals and learn more about their way of life and Bhutan’s culture. The Chomolhari Trek is rated as a moderate to strenuous trek, with some steep and challenging sections. Participants need to be in good physical shape and have the right gear to ensure a comfortable and safe journey. However, with some training and preparation beforehand, the trek is entirely achievable for most.

How to book

If you’re excited about experiencing the Chomolhari Trek, you can book the tour here: book the tour here. This tour offers all the necessary equipment, including tents, sleeping bags, meals, and water during the trek, as well as transportation, a licensed guide and much more.

Frequently Asked Questions About Thimphu

Thimphu is the capital city of Bhutan and it is the largest city in the country. The city is known for its beautiful scenery and unique culture. If you are planning a trip to Thimphu or are interested in learning more about this city, then you have come to the right place. Here are some frequently asked questions about Thimphu:

1. What is the best time to visit Thimphu?

The best time to visit Thimphu is during the months of March, April, May, September, October, and November. During these months, the weather is mild and there is less chance of rain. The winter months of December, January, and February can be very cold, and the summer months of June, July, and August can be wet due to monsoons. However, if you are interested in attending some of the city’s festivals, then the best time to visit Thimphu is during the festival season, which takes place in late autumn and early winter.

2. What are some of the must-visit places in Thimphu?

Thimphu has many interesting places to visit. Some of the must-visit places in the city include:

• Tashichho Dzong – a beautiful fortress and monastery
• Motithang Takin Preserve – a preserve for the national animal of Bhutan, the takin
• Buddha Dordenma – a 169-foot statue of Buddha
• Changangkha Lhakhang – an ancient temple

3. What are some of the popular festivals in Thimphu?

Thimphu is known for its many festivals that take place throughout the year. Some of the popular festivals in the city include:

Festival	Date
Paro Tsechu Festival	March or April
Ura Yakchoe Festival	May
Thimphu Tshechu Festival	September or October
Jambay Lhakhang Drup Festival	October or November

4. What is the currency used in Thimphu?

The currency used in Thimphu is the Bhutanese ngultrum. The ngultrum is pegged to the Indian rupee, so the value is the same. You should be able to exchange your currency at banks and money exchange shops in Thimphu.

5. What is the official language of Thimphu?

The official language of Thimphu is Dzongkha. However, many people in the city also speak English, so you should be able to get by with English if you are a tourist.

6. How do I get around Thimphu?

Thimphu is a relatively small city, so it is easy to get around on foot. However, if you need to travel farther, there are also taxis and buses available. Taxis are relatively cheap in Thimphu, and you can negotiate the fare with the driver.

7. What are some of the traditional foods in Thimphu?

Thimphu has many delicious traditional foods that you can try. Some of the most popular dishes include:

• Ema datshi – a spicy dish made with cheese and chili peppers
• Phaksha Paa – a pork dish with chili peppers and radishes
• Jasha Maroo – a chicken dish with spices
• Sikam Paa – dried pork with chili peppers

Book Your Tour Now

Thimphu is a unique and beautiful city with a rich culture and history. If you are planning a trip to Thimphu, then be sure to visit some of the must-visit places in the city, attend some of the popular festivals, and try some of the delicious traditional foods. With this FAQ, you should have a good idea of what to expect when visiting Thimphu. Safe travels!

How to spend your time as a tourist in Thimphu

Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan, offers a unique experience to the tourists visiting the country. From its traditional architecture, panoramic landscapes, and colorful festivals to its friendly people with a rich and varied culture, Thimphu has a lot to offer. In this guide, we’ll take you through the best places to visit, things to do, and what to eat, to help you make the most of your time in Thimphu.

1. Explore the Tashichho Dzong

The Tashichho Dzong, located on the banks of the Wang Chu River, is a grand fortress that houses the office of the King of Bhutan and the central secretariat. It is also a religious venue and home to some of the most revered Buddhist monks in the country. You can explore the dzong’s temples, courtyards, and administrative offices. The dzong is open to tourists daily from 5:30 pm to 6 pm (Monday – Friday) and 9 am to 5 pm (Saturday – Sunday).

2. Visit the Buddha Dordenma Statue

The Buddha Dordenma Statue, which is 169 feet tall, is a prominent landmark in Thimphu that attracts thousands of tourists every year. It is one of the largest Buddha statues in the world and is made of bronze and gilded in gold. It sits atop a hill, overlooking the Thimphu valley, and can be reached by a short hike, which begins at the Buddha Point.

3. Enjoy the view from the Sangaygang Viewpoint

The Sangaygang Viewpoint is one of the high-altitude locations in Thimphu that offers stunning views of the city and the surrounding mountains. The viewpoint is located at an altitude of 2,180 meters, and you can get there by car or on foot. It’s the perfect place for a picnic, an early morning or late afternoon hike, or just to relax and enjoy the scenery.

4. Experience the Thimphu Tshechu festival

The Thimphu Tshechu Festival is one of the most popular festivals in Bhutan and is held annually in late September or early October. The festival celebrates the birth of Guru Rinpoche, who brought Buddhism to Bhutan. During the festival, you can see traditional dances, elaborate costumes, and attend religious ceremonies.

5. Take a trip to the Paro Valley

The Paro Valley is located 65 kilometers west of Thimphu and is home to some of Bhutan’s most famous landmarks, including the Paro Dzong and the Tiger’s Nest Monastery. You can take a day trip from Thimphu to the Paro Valley, enjoy the scenic drive up the winding roads, and visit these landmarks. The Tiger’s Nest Monastery, in particular, is perched on a cliff and offers breathtaking views of the valley.

6. Taste the local cuisine

Bhutanese cuisine is unique and reflects the country’s culture and heritage. You should try the national dish of Bhutan, Ema Datshi, made with chili peppers and cheese. Other popular dishes include Phaksha Paa (pork cooked with radish), Jasha Maroo (spicy chicken), and Momos (dumplings). You can enjoy these dishes at local restaurants in Thimphu.

7. Shop at the local markets

The local markets in Thimphu are a great place to buy souvenirs and handicrafts. You can find traditional handwoven textiles, wood carvings, and other handicrafts. The most popular market is the Centenary Farmers Market, located in the heart of the city, which sells fresh produce, fruits, and vegetables.

Book Your Tour Now

Thimphu is a beautiful city with a unique blend of tradition and modernity. From its cultural landmarks to its delicious cuisine, Thimphu has something for everyone. Whether you’re interested in exploring the dzongs, attending festivals, or just enjoying the beautiful scenery, Thimphu is a great destination for tourists. With this guide, you now have an idea of the top attractions and things to do in Thimphu.