Across the Yale La
Himalaya and has a close encounter with Chomolhari (7315m) where we camp under its imposing slopes. Our route passes through remote settlements and we spend a day in the village of Lingshi before heading for the highest pass: Yale la, at 4950m.
From the moment of arrival in Paro it is clear that Bhutan is different to anywhere else - local people resplendent in national dress welcome us outside an airport building with intricately carved woodwork in the traditional style. We acclimatise in Paro with two different day walks including the hike up to Takstang (Tiger's nest) Monastery, perched on a cliff and a good warm up. The trek begins and we pass colourful farmhouses and spend two nights beneath Chomolhari's east face.
Heading over Nyile La (4890m), we reach the remote settlement of Lingshi where there is a full day to rest, climb up to the Dzong, visit the school or explore. Finally, Yale La leads to the head waters of the Thimpu River and eventually to Thimpu itself.
STOP PRESS Our October 2009 group pioneered a new route from Lingshi to Thimpu which we hope to adopt in future. This is to be called the Naro Trek and we will post more details soon.