Jomolhari Trek
10 Nights/11 Days
Trip Highlights
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Changzamtog near flyover bridge, Thimphu, Bhutan
Itinerary
Day 01: Arrival in Paro
The flight to Paro crosses the Himalayan Mountains, affording spectacular views of the awesome peaks, including the sacred Jumolhari and Jichu Drake peaks in Bhutan. If you arrive via Kathmandu, which offers the most breathtaking view of the range, it’s possible to see Mount Everest and Mount Kanchenjunga as well.
Upon arrival in Paro, you will be greeted by our representative, In the afternoon you can visit the Paro Dzong. It was built in 1646 and now houses government offices and religious institutions, as do all the Dzongs (forts) currently.
Then visit the National Museum, formerly the watchtower for the Dzong. It now houses a collection of fine arts, paintings, thangkas, statues, and antiques. Afterward, you will visit Kichu Lhakhang, the oldest temple in the country. In the evening stroll the Paro town. Overnight at your hotel in Paro.
Day 02 Paro – Hike to Taktsang Monastery ‘Tiger’s Nest’ (3120m)
After breakfast drive towards the base camp of Taktsang for the hike up to the Taktsang Monastery-Tiger’s Nest. The trail is broad and the walk of approximately 2 hours uphill. From this point, enjoy the spectacular view of the monastery, The view of Taktsang Monastery built on a sheer cliff face 900 meters above the valley floor is a spectacular sight. The Monastery is also an important pilgrim site for the Buddhists. The great Guru Rimpoche is said to have flown here on the back of a tigress when he brought the teachings of the Buddhist Dharma to Bhutan in the 8th Century. He then mediated in a cave there for three months where the monastery was later built. The cave is said to be the origin of Buddhism in Bhutan. In the afternoon drive to the almost fully reconstructed Drukgyel Dzong. In fine weather, the towering peak of the sacred Mount Jomolhari (7314m) appears as a stunning backdrop. On the return drive to Paro, afternoon sightseeing around Paro, including a visit to the Ta Dzong Museum and Rimpung Dzong visit other sights in Paro valley. Overnight at your hotel in Paro.
Overnight at your hotel in Paro.
DAY 03: PARO – SHANA (Trek Starts) 17Km, Distance 5-6 hours
The trek starts from Drukgyel Dzong (2580m) with a short downhill walk on a wide track. The trail then climbs gently through well-maintained rice terraces and a field of millet. Later on, we come to apple orchards and forests. Soon the valley widens, and we reach the army post of Gunitsawa (2810m).
DAY 04: SHANA – THANGTHANGKHA
Distance 22 km, 7-8 hours, 770 m ascent, 10 m descent, camp altitude 3,610 m.
The trail again follows the Pa Chu (Paro river), ascending and descending through pine, oak, and spruce forest. After crossing a bridge to the left bank of the river, we stop for lunch.
DAY 05: THANGTHANGKHA – JANGOTHANG
Distance 19 km, 5-6 hours, 480 m ascent, camp altitude 4,080 m.
The path ascends for a while until we reach the army camp. We then follow the river above the tree line, enjoying stunning views of the surrounding peaks. Hot lunch is served at a yak herder’s camp. A short walk from here into the valley takes us to our campsite at Jangothang (4040m). Overnight at campsite.
Day 06: Jangothang – Halt
Today’s halt allows time to acclimatize to the altitude, with opportunities to explore the valley or climb to the top of the mountain overlooking the camp and the glaciers beneath Jumolhari. You can also see the pointed Jichu Drakey piercing the clear blue sky. It is worth waking yourself up in the middle of the night to observe the number of stars not usually seen from our cities.
DAY 07: SHODU – BARSHONG
Distance 16km, 5 to 6 hours, 250m ascent, 670m descent, camp altitude 3,710m.
Our path follows the course of the Thimphu Chu, descending through Rhododendron, Juniper, and mixed alpine forests. There are stunning views along the way. We stop at the riverside for a hot lunch. Then the trail takes us gradually upwards to the ruins of Barshong Dzong (3600m), near which we camp for the night. Overnight at campsite.
DAY 8: DOLAM KENCHO – DODEA – THIMPHU(Treks Ends)
Distance 8km, 3 to 4 hours, 500m ascent, 930m descent.
The trail winds in and out of a side valley above the Thimphu Chu, making a long ascent through a forest of conifers and high altitude broadleaf species to a pass at 3510m. The trail then drops steeply down to the river, following it southward to the road head at Dodena (2600m). Bhutan Travel Bureau transport meets us here, and we drive to Thimphu. Overnight at a hotel in Thimphu.
DAY 9: THIMPHU – PARO
Enjoy sightseeing in Thimphu beginning with a visit to the National Memorial Chorten depicting the Buddhist faith in the form of paintings and statues. Other highlights include the 12th Century Changangkha Temple, Drubthob monastery housing the Zilukha Nunnery, the National Library housing a collection of Bhutanese scriptures dating back to the 8th century, and a fascinating replica of a medieval farmhouse at the Folk Heritage Museum. In the early evening depart for Paro. Overnight at your hotel in Paro.
Day 10: Departure
Breakfast in the hotel then drive to the airport for a flight to your onward destination. Tashi Delek!