The Chomolhari Trek – 12 Days

We prioritize safety with:

• Pulse oximeters & daily health checks.
• Emergency oxygen and portable hyperbaric chambers on high-altitude climbs.
• Helicopter evacuation protocols and satellite communication in remote areas.
• Small groups for better guide-to-client attention.

To enable all trekking & expedition members to acclimatize well and hence maximize their chances of success, our trekking & expedition programs are prepared with sufficient time for acclimatization. Adaptation to the altitude takes time and there can be no short-cuts, even if supplementary oxygen is used in the final stages. The atmospheric pressure at the base camp is half of that at the sea level. A thorough program of acclimatization is built into the itinerary which consists of regulated height ascents, followed by descents and rests before the final ascent to the summit. Yes it is very important for all trekkers and climbers because this will prevent the climbers to get rid from altitude sickness.

You will be affected by high altitude problems if it is your fist trip at a high altitude. The altitude has some important beneficial effects on the human body and your trips have been designed to enable these. Please familiarize yourself with the information on AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness) and understand how to avoid it and read on benefits of high altitude and take advantage of these to improve your body’s metabolism.

Altitude sickness is the reaction of the body adjusting to decreasing amounts of oxygen. The high altitude slowly decreases the flow of oxygen means the higher you climb, the flow of oxygen is very thin resulting the malfunction of body. Altitude sickness most commonly occurs from above 2,800 meters (9,200ft) but this is different for everyone – there is simply no way of knowing your own susceptibility prior to being at altitude thus it is vital for you to monitor your own health. AMS occurs when the body is unable to adopt at the higher altitude having less amount of oxygen. At an altitude of 5490m (18000 ft.), the oxygen availability becomes just the half of the availability at sea level. While only a third of oxygen is available at the summit of Mt. Everest. Symptoms may be mild and subside/go away after a day’s rest, or if it is ignored it could lead to death.

High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE)
If one accumulates of fluid in the lungs and mild fever then, there is a chance of High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE). The filling of fluid in the lungs is Pulmonary Edema. The fluid blocks the passage of fresh oxygen to get into the lungs which causes the shortage of oxygen. Though the exact reason for the HAPE has not been identified, scientists think that pressure of blood vessel around the lungs is directly proportional to the altitude. As a result the smaller blood vessels leak allowing the fluid to escape to the lungs. The treatment for the HAPE victims is to give the oxygen at the rate of 4 liters a minute, using Portable Altitude Chamber (PAC). In case of unavailability of PAC bag or oxygen, one is taken down to the low altitude which is the only way of life-saving. HAPE can also lead to unconsciousness which may also results to death in a short period of time.

High Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE)
HACE is the accumulation of fluid in the brain due of the swollen blood vessels to the brain. HACE is also seen within a couple of hours and can send the patient to coma and take his/her life in just few hours likewise to HAPE. The excessive flow of blood to the brain due to the low-level oxygen causes vasodilation which eventually leads to leakage of blood vessels to the brain. A 4 to 8mg of dexamethasone is given as a first dose to those who suffer from such sickness and then 4mg Diamox is given an every six hours gap. Similarly, 2-4 liters/minute oxygen is given and one is taken to down if it is necessary.

Breathlessness
– A dry cough, developing to a wet one with blood-tinged discharge or saliva
– Tightness in the chest & blueness/darkness of face, lips & tongue
– Low fever up to 38°C/100°F
– Severe fatigue, progressing to coma

– Severe headache symptoms not relieved by painkillers or lying down
– Confusion, disorientation & drowsiness
– Nausea/vomiting
– Loss of balance or coordination
– Blurred or double vision/retinal hemorrhage

Certain medical conditions (such as respiratory disease) or medications (such as sleeping pills) can increase the risk of altitude sickness – it is important that you inform your guide of any medical conditions or medications before ascending to altitude. You can help your body to acclimatize and avoid altitude sickness by:
– Avoiding alcohol, tobacco and substances that can interfere with good delivery of oxygen to the body or cause dehydration
– Eating small, frequent meals high in carbohydrates
– Drinking plenty of water – the test of sufficient amount of water intake is ability to urinate colorless urine
– Taking it easy or have a rest. Walk at a slower pace than you would at sea level and avoid over-exertion
– Climb the mountain gradually and stop for a day or two of rest for every 600m/2000ft above 2,400m/8000ft
– Climb high but Sleep at a lower altitude if possible
– Learn how to recognize early symptoms of mountain sickness
Since our Guides from Great Nepal Treks are very professional and well trained about altitude sickness, they will guide you during your trekking and expedition activities in Nepal.

You never know when the unexpected situation comes and put you in hearse condition whether you are professional or beginners. Our professional guides do their best to make you well with first aid support. If the situation goes worse, you will be evacuated by Helicopter. You are entirely liable for all the expenses incurred in evacuation. So, before coming to Nepal, please make your travel insurance. Ask your guide to arrange a runner to the nearest communication point and inform office about requirement of a helicopter. For evacuation, we require the name of the sick person and the exact location from where helicopter can airlift you. You should not leave the place after calling Helicopter for evacuation though you are feeling better than before.

Although our guides from Great Nepal Treks carry first aid medical kit, it is better to carry a supply of first aid items for your own personal use according to your health conditions. Here are the list of some general as well as some special medications you may require:
– Antiseptic cream (Betadine)
– Sunblock SPF 30+
– Throat lozenges
– Painkillers and anti-inflammatory such as Aspirin, Paracetamol, Ibuprofen etc.
– Band-aids, bandage, compression bandage and ‘Second Skin’ for blisters
– Re-hydration salts. (Trioral, Electrobin, Oral Rehydrating Salt)
– Dextrose glucose tablets
– Water treatment tablets
– Your prescription medications
– Antibiotics for longer climbing and expedition style trips

Certain medical conditions (such as respiratory disease) or medications (such as sleeping pills) can increase the risk of altitude sickness – it is important that you inform your guide of any medical conditions or medications before ascending to altitude. You can help your body to acclimatize and avoid altitude sickness by:
– Avoiding alcohol, tobacco and substances that can interfere with good delivery of oxygen to the body or cause dehydration
– Eating small, frequent meals high in carbohydrates
– Drinking plenty of water – the test of sufficient amount of water intake is ability to urinate colorless urine
– Taking it easy or have a rest. Walk at a slower pace than you would at sea level and avoid over-exertion
– Climb the mountain gradually and stop for a day or two of rest for every 600m/2000ft above 2,400m/8000ft
– Climb high but Sleep at a lower altitude if possible
– Learn how to recognize early symptoms of mountain sickness
Since our Guides from Great Nepal Treks are very professional and well trained about altitude sickness, they will guide you during your trekking and expedition activities in Nepal.

Security and a safe journey is our core objective of trekking. Our guide holds licenses issued by the Nepal Government and our staffs are local, honest, kind and genuine. But we also insist you to take care of your own personal belongings. If you are on ‘camping trek’ please take your main bag inside the tent once you reach campsite and put all bags and belongings in the middle of the tent when you feel sleepy. Your guide assigns a Sherpa on turn wise basis to guard the campsite throughout the night. If you are on ‘Tea house arrangement, never leave your baggage unattended and keep your lodge room locked when you go out. Feel safe since you are in the hands of ethical trekking company in Nepal.

The ideal times to visit Bhutan are during spring (March to May) when valleys come alive with blooming wildflowers and rhododendrons, and autumn (September to November) when skies are clearest for mountain views and major festivals occur. Summer brings monsoon rains that can disrupt travel, while winter offers crisp, sunny days but cold temperatures, especially at higher elevations. Many travelers plan their trips around colorful tshechus (religious festivals) held in various dzongs across the country, with the Paro and Thimphu festivals being particularly spectacular.

The official currency is the Bhutanese Ngultrum (BTN), which is pegged at par with the Indian Rupee (INR). Indian rupees are widely accepted, though high-denomination INR notes (₹500 and ₹2000) may not be taken due to counterfeit concerns. US dollars are also useful for paying the SDF fee or larger expenses. Credit cards work in major hotels and shops in cities, but cash in small denominations is essential for rural areas, handicraft purchases, and donations at temples. ATMs are available in towns but shouldn’t be relied upon exclusively.

Dzongkha is Bhutan’s national language, used in government and education, but English is widely spoken due to being the medium of instruction in schools. Most Bhutanese working in tourism are fluent in English, making communication easy for visitors. In eastern regions, Sharchop is common, while Nepali is spoken in southern areas. Learning a few Dzongkha phrases like “Kuzuzangpo” (hello) is appreciated, though not necessary as your guide will handle all translations during your tour.

Credit cards (Visa/Mastercard) are accepted in larger hotels, upscale restaurants, and souvenir shops in cities like Thimphu and Paro, but cash remains king throughout most of the country. Many smaller guesthouses, local markets, and rural areas operate cash-only. It’s advisable to carry sufficient Ngultrum or Indian rupees (US dollars as backup) when venturing beyond main towns. ATMs exist in urban centers but may have withdrawal limits and occasional technical issues, so don’t rely on them as your sole source of funds during your Bhutan trip.

Yes, but all visitors (except Indians) must book through licensed Bhutanese tour operators and pay the Minimum Daily Package (200–200–250/day in high season).

Bhutan stands out as the only country that measures progress through Gross National Happiness (GNH) rather than GDP, prioritizing environmental conservation, cultural preservation, and citizen well-being over unchecked development. Its dramatic Himalayan landscapes remain pristine, with over 70% forest coverage constitutionally mandated. Ancient dzongs (fortress monasteries) host vibrant festivals featuring masked cham dances, while traditional dress (gho for men, kira for women) is worn daily. The country only opened to tourism in 1974 and still carefully controls visitor numbers to maintain its distinctive character and sustainable way of life.

Very safe, but the guided-tour rule ensures added security.

Yes, flight disruptions are common due to Bhutan’s challenging mountain weather and limited airport infrastructure. Paro International Airport, nestled between steep peaks, frequently experiences cancellations or delays when clouds or winds make landing unsafe. Druk Air and Bhutan Airlines may consolidate flights during low season. Smart travelers build buffer days into itineraries and consider travel insurance covering delays. The alternative overland route from India via Phuentsholing takes considerably longer but avoids aviation uncertainties while offering scenic Himalayan foothill views.

Bhutan, officially the Kingdom of Bhutan, is a landlocked Himalayan country located in South Asia, bordered by China (Tibet) to the north and India to the south, east, and west. It lies between approximately 26°N to 28°N latitude and 88°E to 92°E longitude, nestled in the eastern Himalayas with rugged mountain terrain dominating its landscape. Known as the “Land of the Thunder Dragon,” Bhutan spans about 38,394 square kilometers (14,824 sq mi) and is renowned for its pristine forests, deep valleys, and dramatic peaks, including the towering Gangkhar Puensum—the world’s highest unclimbed mountain. The capital, Thimphu, sits in the western part of the country, while Paro, home to the international airport, lies to the northwest. Bhutan’s isolation and focus on sustainable development have preserved its unique Buddhist culture and breathtaking natural beauty.

All foreigners (except Indians) require a visa, applied by your tour operator. Indians need a permit but no visa.

• Tourist Visa (arranged by operator).
• Special Area Permits for restricted zones (e.g., Dochula, Bumthang).

Altitude sickness is possible on treks (e.g., Jomolhari, 4,000m+). Acclimatize in Paro/Thimphu first.

Avoid photographing military sites, airports, and some monasteries (check with your guide). Always ask permission before taking portraits of locals.

Paro Tshechu (March/April) and Thimphu Tshechu (September) feature masked dances.

Try Ema Datshi (chili-cheese stew) and Red Rice. Meals are often spicy!