Jhomolhari Trek

Starting at Shanazampa in Paro, this trek passes through scattered hamlets and farmland into a deep richly forested valley, which leads to a high alpine pastureland where yak herders graze their animals. The trek offers a taste of the great variety of Bhutanese landscape.

Seasons: The ideal time for this trek is April to June and September to November.

Inclusions

Hotel, transportation, guide, tea and snacks, visa fee, permits, entrance fee, mineral water (bottled), government tax and 3 meals daily.

Accommodation

3-star hotel (Bhutanese type), there is possibility of upgradation.

Exclusions

Flight ticket, insurance, tips, drinks and beverages, laundry, cellphone, internet and other personal expenditure or bills.

Insurance

We highly recommend you to obtain separate coverage of insurance from your home country since your package does not include any insurance.

Day 01: Arrive Paro & Paro sightseeing
You will be welcomed by the tour guide from Bhutan Tsholung Tours and Travels and drive you to hotel. After refreshment your sightseeing includes;

Paro Rinpung Dzong (fortress), built in 1645 to defend the valley against Tibetan invaders.

Kyichu temple, one of the 108 temples built in one night during 7th century by the Tibetan King Songsten Gampo.
In the evening walk around Paro town and you may visit local handicraft shops.

Dinner and overnight hotel in Paro.

Day 02: Hike to Taktsang

In the morning take a hike to visit Taktsang monastery also known as tiger nest. Bhutan’s most famous monastery, which stands at 3100m clings on the cliff.  In 8^th century spiritual master known as Guru Rimpoche has flown on the back of a tigress to meditate in a cave where Taktsang monastery now stands. Lunch at Taktsang café and overnight hotel in Paro.

Jhomolhari Trek begins from here.

Day 03: Shana-Soe Thangthangkha (Distance: 22km, Trekking time: 7-8hrs, Camp altitude 3610m)
After breakfast drive from your hotel to Drukgyel Dzong, from here drive through unpaved road to Army camp from where trek starts. The trail continues along Paro river gradually becomes narrower and closes in after some distance. The winding trail with frequent climb and descend leads us to our camp site in a meadow with stone shelter at 3,610m.

Dinner and overnight in camp at Thangthangkha

Day 04: Thangthangkha – Jangothang (Distance: 19km, Trekking time:5-6hrs (Camp altitude :4080 m))
After breakfast continue the trail along the Paro river and the valley opens again after crossing a small army outpost. Trekking through the open valley affords view of high ridges and the snow-capped mountains with yaks and Yak herder’s camp on the valley floor. The camp is at the base of mt. Jhomolhari where you can have closer vision to the snowcapped mountain. Overnight in camp at Jangothang

Day 05: Jomolhari Base Camp (Rest Day)
Today is a halt and you will get a special time for meditation or yoga in a secret peaceful place. Your Bhutanese team will provide you a tent, and the schedule depends on you. It’s not compulsory but depends on your interest.

There are yak herders (nomadic people who move with yaks), villages and trout filled lakes to visit on your rest day at Jangothang, Jhomolhari base camp. You may also hike towards glaciers of mt. Jhomolhari or towards the twin’s lake for magnificent views or explore the nomads’ houses /villages.

Dinner and overnight in camp at Jangothang.

Day 06: Jangothang – Lingshi (Distance: 19 kms, trekking time:5-6hrs, Campsite altitude: 4150m)
Climb gradually toward the pass through a wide pastureland. On your way, depending on the season you will find some yak herder’s in their camps, marmots, blue sheep etc. descending from the pass to Lingshi, you will have a beautiful view of Lingshi Dzong in the Tserim Gang (mt. Tserim Gang) and its glaciers. Overnight in camp at Lingshi.

Day 07: Lingshi – Shodhu (Distance: 22kms, trekking time:7-8hrs, Campsite altitude: 3936m)
Trekking above tree line ascending to Yalela pass (4820m) views of mount Jomolhari (7314m), Tsherimgang and Masagang at far east. Overnight in camp at Shodhu.

Day 08: Shodhu-Barshong (Distance: 13kms, trekking time: 3-4hrs, Campsite altitude: 3710 m.)
The trails follows the Thimphu river through the forest of Rhododendrons, Primula (Sakuraso), Blue poppy (National flower). Camp near riverside.

Day 09: Barshong-Domshisha (Distance: 11 km, Trekking time: 3-4hrs. Campsite Altitude: 3310m)
Today’s trail is rather easier than usual as most of the time its downhill following the river crossing over the bridges several times. Camp near riverbank.

Day 10: Domshisha–Dodena (Distance: 15kms, trekking time: 5-6hrs)
The trail winds up down along the drainage. The wild animal like golden languor & Takin could be encountered sometimes. You will meet with your car to the road end and drive to hotel in Thimphu (capital city).

After lunch the sightseeing includes visiting memorial chorten (stupa built to commemorate late 3^rd king of Bhutan), Buddha point (largest buddha statue in the world), school of arts and craft (painting school), zoo (preserved area for the national animal of Bhutan, Takin).

In the evening, visit to Trashi Choedzong (fortress of glorious religion), it serves as the central administrative purpose and residence of central monk body. Overnight hotel in Thimhu.

Day 11: Thimphu–Punakha

Driving on the scenic hillside, stop at Dochula Pass (3140m), in the clear sky you can enjoy the panoramic view of the Himalayan Mountain ranges. Then pass by the beautiful 108 chortens built on the upraised ground by Queen Mother of Bhutan.

After refreshment at Dochula Cafeteria, drive to Punakha (former capital of Bhutan 1637-1907). It has been inextricably linked to some of the most momentous events in the Bhutanese history and deserves its reputation as one of the most beautiful and significant regions at the heart of Bhutanese culture.

After lunch, you will visit the Divine Madman’s Monastery-Chhimi Lhakhang, famously known for its fertility shrine, where one can receive a special fertility blessing. Overnight hotel in Punakha.

Day 12: Punakha – Thimphu
After breakfast, drive to upper Punakha valley passing farmhouses and take a leisure walk through it, and then walk to Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Chorten temple built by the Queen Mother of Bhutan. This temple is situated on the hilltop overlooking the valley below.

Drive back to Thimphu. Overnight hotel in Thimphu.

Day 13: Thimphu – Paro Airport & Departure from Paro
After breakfast, drive to Paro airport for about an hour and see you off at the Paro airport for your flight to your onward destinations. Safe journey, Hope to see you again.