Description: The Jomolhari trek offers one of the most superb trek for our experienced trekkers to explore Northern Bhutan and to the base of the Mount Jomolhari (7,316m). The trekking route offers fabulous views of the mountains, diversity of landscape and exceptional flora with the trekking altitude varying from 2500m to as high as 4930m. A requirement for this trekking is that one should be physically fit to endure the high altitude, thin air and the intense walk across the mountains.
Trip Duration: 11 Days and 10 Nights.
Best Season: March to June & October to November
Max. Elevation: 4,930m
Standard: Medium to Hard
Your travel to this enchanting kingdom will start with a flight over the Himalayas descending into the greener valleys of Paro. You will experience a spectacular sight as you descend into the Paro international airport. For most tourist, Bhutan will be a different experience, witnessing the view of the Paro valley surrounded by mountains. The Paro valley is home to many of the oldest monasteries in the country and also one of the highest peak – mount Jhomolhari (7300 meter), situated at the northern end of the valley.
At the airport, you will be received by our guide and then proceed to hotel for refreshment and check in. At the hotel, your guide will discuss with you on the itinerary.
Today, will be your acclimatization day, acclimatizing yourself to prepare you to trek into the greater heights of Bhutan.
Evening stroll around Paro town. Overnight Paro.
After break drive towards sartsham chorten to encounter one of the best excursion to the mystical Taktsang (Tiger’s nest)
Hike to Taktsang Monastery cafeteria which is about one hour from the valley base. This will acclimatize you for your trek and also present you with stunning view of the Taktsang monastery built on a cliff. If you have the endurance, you may hike all the way up to the monastery which majestically stands on a cliff. The whole journey takes around 5 hours approximately.
After a simptous lunch, we will walk down to visit the Kyichu Lhakang, one of the oldest temples in Bhutan.
It is believed that this temple was one of the 108 temples built by a king in 629 A.D to subdue demons around the country. This temple also bears a sacred orange tree in the courtyard which bears fruits all seasons. This sacred orange tree is believed to be 600 years old. Overnight at Paro.
Drive towards ruins of one of the oldest fortress, Drukgyel dzong. Take a leisurely walk along the ruins which is located on a hill top. From this point, you can witness the Jhomolhari Mountain. This is your starting point for your trek. With a gradual climb, the trails follows the Paro chhu passing beautiful meadows, paddy fields and impressive farm houses.
Walking for about four hours, you will arrive at the army post based at Gunitsawa village. Overnight camp at Shana which is nearby to Gunitsawa.
Distance: 17 Kms
Duration: 5-6 hours
The trail follows the river through dense forest area. The trail continues with ups and downs before we reach a junction which shows another path. This path leads to Tremo la to Tibet and which was also in the past used by Bhutanese as trading route to Tibet. Continue and pass several traditional wooden bridges to finally reach at the campsite at Thangthangka. If the weather is clear, then you will have your first chance to clearly view the Mount Jomolhar. Camp overnight.
Distance: 22 Kms
Duration: 8 hours
Rise early morning to get an opportunity to view Mount Jomolhari, if you couldn’t see it last evening. Continue to trek up the Paro Chhu valley which will lead you to alpine meadow and scanty growths of forest. The trail will lead you to an army post and continue onwards to enjoy spectacular view of the mountain ridges and snow capped peaks. Continue towards Jangothang where you will be camping tonight. Jangothang is one of the beautiful campsites of the Himalayas and provides you with a spectacular view of Mount Jomolhari.
Distance: 19 Kms
Duration: 7 hours
The trail route follows through the stream for half an hour and crossing the bridge. Climb through the first ridge, and enjoy breathtaking views of Mount Jomolhari, Jichu Drakey and Tserimgang. Continue to trek across fairly level valley and then climb up to Nyele-la pass (4700m). The next trail descends gradually until we reach the campsite at Lingshi (4000m). From this campsite, you can enjoy the panoramic view of the mountain peaks and the Lingshi Dzong.
Distance: 18 Kms
Duration: 7 hours
The trail climbs up to Yelila pass (4930m) from where you can get an excellent view of Mount Jomolhari, Tserimgang and Masangang if the weather is clear. The trail follows a steep downhill until you reach your campsite at Shodu.
Distance: 22 Kms
Duration: 9 hours
Today’s trail will follow through the Thimphu Chuu through rhododendron forests and a beautiful waterfall. Continue to trek and the trail gradually ascends to the Barshong Dzong which now lays in ruins. You will witness a small village called Barshong with just about six inhabited houses. Your campsite is barshong.
Distance: 16 Kms
Duration: 6 hours
The trails descends down to Thimphu Chhu river valley trekking through the dense forests of rhodhodendron, conifer, maples and bamboo before reaching a juncture. Taking the right section trail will lead you to your campsite which is a meadow.
Distance: 15 Kms
Duration: 6 hours
Your trail will be easy walk through ups and downs followed by a couple of short steep switchbacks to descend vertical cliff before reaching the last stretch of Dodena. Continue to descend through bamboo forests and following the mule track, you will reach Dodena. From Dodena, our driver will take you to your hotel at Thimphu. Thimphu is the capital city of the country which has a population about 100,000.
Distance: 8 Kms
Duration: 4 hours
Breakfast at hotel and explore Thimphu Valley.
First, witness some of the arts and crafts of the Bhutanese craftsman at the Zorig Chuksum “School for Thirteen Traditional Arts and Crafts” followed by visit to Textile Museum, Handicraft Emporium and some local shops.
Stroll around Thimphu town and visit the Bhutan post office to create a memory of your visit to Bhutan by printing photo of yours and family on a stamp. Your next destination is a short tour of the local farmer’s market. You will witness locals selling organic fruits, vegetables and other products.
Visit Tashichhodzong: the main secretariat building, the office of the King and Throne room and also the house of the State Monastic Body.
Drive towards Kuensel phodrang(Giant Buddha Statue).Kuenselphodrang (Buddha Statue) offers a towering view of the Thimphu capital city. It is believed by astrologers and the local people that the place on which the Buddha statue is built is the central point for convergence of sacred energy of the country, thus the statue stands on this point today.
Enjoy dinner at a fabulous restaurant and if interested, explore the nightlife at high-end bars and music lounges.
Our guide will drop you at the Paro international airport and prepare you for departure. “Tashi Delek”