The Jomolhari Trek highlights the great diversity that the Bhutanese landscape has to offer. It is a beautiful trek through thick pine forests, scattered hamlets and alpine meadows that lead to the high pastureland where yak herders graze their animals.
Highlights include the fabulous views of snow-capped mountains such as Mt. Jomolhari and Mt. Jichu Drake, and the wonderful overnight camp at Jangothang, the base of Mt Jomolhari. It is a difficult route attaining a maximum altitude of about 5000m/ 15,114 Ft, and requires trekkers to have very good physical fitness.
This popular trail can be incorporated with the sightseeing of Paro and Thimphu valleys, before and after the trek.
Trip length: 12 Days
Level: Moderate / Hard
Season: March to May & September to October
ITINERARY
Day 1: Arrival Paro
Considered as one of the most spectacular flights, the flight to Paro crosses the Himalayan Mountains, affording grand views of the awesome peaks, including the sacred Jumolhari and Jichu Drake peaks in Bhutan.
On arrival you will be greeted by our Tour Representative and transferred to your hotel. Afternoon sightseeing entails a visit of the Paro Dzong, a fortress that was built in 1646 and now houses government offices and religious institutions. You can wrap up the day’s sightseeing with a tour of Kichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest and the most sacred temples in the country.
Overnight in Paro.
Day 2: Paro
Today we will be doing a preparatory acclimatization hike to Taktsang, the Tiger's Nest Monastery, Bhutan's most famous monastery at 3100m. Perched on the edge of a steep cliff, about 900 meters above the valley, legend has it that the 8th century Spiritual Master, Guru Rinpoche is said to have flown on the back of a tigress and meditated in a cave where Taktsang Monastery now stands.
You can spend the evening doing a leisurely stroll in the streets of Paro.
Overnight at Paro
THE START OF TREK
Day 3: Paro-Shana
Distance: 17 km
Time: 5-6 hours
The trek starts from Drugyal Dzong at 2,580 m with a downhill walk on a wide trail which climbs gently traversing through well-maintained rice terraces and fields of millet. The route later enters through apple orchards and pine forests. Soon the valley widens and you reach the Army Post of Gunitsawa at 2,810m. Crossing beyond Shana Zampa bridge, there are several good camping places in meadows surrounded by trees.
Overnight in camp at Shana
Day 4: Shana- Soe Thangkha
Distance: 20 km
Time: 7-8 hours
Today, the trail follows Pa Chhu River, ascending and descending through pine, oak and spruce forests. Hot lunch will be served after crossing the bridge towards the left side of the river. After lunch, follow the river climbing up through rhododendron forests and crossing the bridge again, you will reach the campsite at Soe Thangthangkha, at the altitude of 3,750m.
Day 5: Soe Thangthangkha- Jangothang
Distance: 19 km
Time: 7-8 hours
The trail today is an ascent till you reach the army camp. From this point, the trail is mostly above the tree line, and affords stunning views of the surrounding peaks. Hot lunch will be served inside a yak herder’s camp.
After lunch, a short walk into the valley will take you to the camp at Jangothang at an altitude of 4,040m. From here, the view of Mt. Jhomolhari and Jichu Drake are superb.
Overnight at Jangothang
Day 6: Rest day at Jangothang base camp
Today is an ideal day for rest and acclimatization for tomorrow’s highest climb on this trek. However, you have options to hike to explore near-by mountains and lakes.
Overnight at Jangothang
Day 7: Jangothang -Lingshi
Distance: 18 km
Time: 7-8 hours
The trail follows the stream or half an hour and crosses the bridge to the right side. The climb to the first ridge provides breathtaking views of Jhomolhari, Jichu Drake and Tshering Gang peaks. The walk is then towards the valley before ascending the Ngye La pass at 4,700m.
After the pass, it is a gradual descent to the Lingshi camp an altitude of 4000m.
Overnight in Lingshi
Day 8: Lingshi- Shodu
Distance: 22 km
Time: 8-9 hours
Today, the trek route climbs towards a small white stupa on a ridge above the camp, then turns south up the deep Mo Chhu river valley. The trail stays on the west side of the largely treeless valley, climbing steadily a short distance above Mo Chhu. It then crosses the river, and climbs steeply for two hours to Yeli La pass.
From the Yeli La pass at 4,820m, you can see Jhomolhari, Gangchen Ta, Tshering Gang and Masang Gang peaks on a clear day. A descent alongside a stream to a shelter, and then further downstream will lead to the camp at Shodu , a meadow designated by a stupa.
Overnight at Shodu camp
Day 9: Shodu-Barshong
Distance: 16 km
Time: 6-7 hours
Today’s trek descends back to the tree line. The path follows the Thimphu River, descending through rhododendron, juniper and other alpine forest, with stunning views of waterfalls. Hot lunches will be served by the riverside.
After lunch the trail gradually ascends to the ruins of Barshong Dzong, reaching the camp at an altitude of 3,600m.
Overnight camp at Barshong
Day 10: Barshong-Dolam Kencho
Distance: 15 km
Time: 5-6 hours
The trail today descends gently through a dense forest of rhododendron, birch and conifers, and then drops steeply to meet Thimphu Chhu river. It stays on river left, climbing over ridges and descending to side streams. The trail traverses steep cliffs to reach Dolam Kencho, a camp among pastureland at 3,600m.
Overnight camp at Dolam Kencho
Day 11: Dolam Kencho-Dodena-Thimphu
Distance: 8 km
Time: 3 hours
TREK END
Today is the last day of trek. The trail goes in and out steeply to the river and follows it southward to the road head at Dodena, at an elevation of 2,600m. We will organize a pick up for you here to drive to Thimphu, the Capital city.
Overnight at Thimphu.
Day 12: Thimphu
The points of interest in Thimphu include the visit to the Memorial stupa, a place that also commemorates World peace and Prosperity; the Dordenma statue of the largest seated Buddha in the world; and the school of 13 traditional arts and Crafts, amongst many others.
After lunch at Thimphu, drive to Paro via the Chunzom confluence. You may also like to visit the Tachogang temple enroute to Paro.
Overnight at Paro
Day 13: Departure
After breakfast, our guide and driver will escort you to the airport and help you with formalities to the place of your destination.
