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JOMOLHARI Trek

12nights 13 days

The recommended time for this trek is April to June and September to November.

The name of the mountain itself states as queen of divine mountains, which stands majestically among other mountains. One can simply view from Drugyel Dzong situated at the end of Paro valley. Starting at Drukgyel Dzong, Paro this trek passes through scattered village and farmland, into a deep and richly forested valleys, which leads to a high alpine pastureland where yak herders graze their animals. The trek offers a taste of great variety of Bhutanese landscape.


Day 01: Arrive PARO

Meeting & assistance on arrival and transfer to the hotel. Afternoon visit Taa Dzong, built in 17th century, as watch tower from the invasion of Tibetans to defend Paro Dzong and valley. This fortress was later converted into the National Museum in 1967 and is filled with antique THANKA paintings, textiles, weapons and Bhutan's renowned postage stamps. Below Taa Dzong, is fascinating Rinpung Dzong meaning "fortress of the heap of jewels" which has interesting history. Later evening visit to Paro market and town. Overnight at the hotel in Paro.

Day 02: PARO

To check your resistance we shall begin with small hike to Taktsang Monastery. The walk uphill will be not more than two hours. The trail is broad. At the view point there is a cafeteria. Have a cup a tea or some juice here and then take a walk little higher to the closer view point of Taktsang. Then walk back for lunch in Paro town. Afternoon visit, Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest and most sacred shrines of Bhutan. Overnight at the hotel in Paro.


Paro Taktsang
Taktsang Monastery

Kyichu Lhakhang
Kyichu Lhakhang


Day 03: PARO – SHANA (17km, 5/6hrs walk)

The trek starts from Drukgyel Dzong at 2580m with a short downhill walk on a wide trail. The trail climbs gently traversing through well-maintained rice terraces and fields of millet. The route later enters an area of apple orchards and forests. Soon the valley widens and you reach the army post of Gunyitsawa at 2,810m. This is the last stop before Tibet. At 2,870m, just beyond Sharma Zampa, there are several good camping places in meadows surrounded by trees.

 

Trek in the midst of pines
Trek in the midst of pines

Day 04: SHANA - THANGTHANGKHA 22 km, 7/8hours

The trail again follows Paro river, ascending and descending through pine, oak and spruce forests. Hot lunch will be served after crossing the bridge towards the justify side of the river. After lunch follow the river climbing up through rhododendron forests and finally crossing the bridge again, reaching to the campsite at the altitude of 3610 m.


Day 05: THANGTHANGKHA - JANGOTHANG 19km,7/8hour

The path ascends for a while till you reach the army camp. Then follow the river above the tree line enjoying the stunning view of the surrounding peaks. Hot lunch will be served inside a yak herder's camp. A short walk into the valley will take you to the camp at Jangothang at an altitude of 4,080 m. From here you will see the fascinating view of Mt. Chomolhari and Jichu Drake.

Day 06: Acclimatization Day & Exploration of Jangothang

There are four major possibilities for day hikes. The first, and best, is a 3-4 hrs excursion up the ridge to the north of the camp. There's no trail, but its a broad open slope and you can just scramble up it. The ridge is endless, but after an hour or so of climbing there is a good view of Jichu Drakye. The second hike, which can be combined with the walk up the ridge, is to trek up the main valley towards the last house, then continue up the valley towards Jichu Drakye. Third hike is to go up towards the head of the valley in the direction of Jhomolhari. There is a very rough overgrown trail that cuts across moraines and through brush that leads to the foot of the mountain. You can't get very far, but there are good views in the upper part of the valley. The last expedition is to Tshophu, a high-altitude lake. Hike on the opposite side of the river to the east is a bowl with a lake that has a good supply of spotted trout. To get to the lake, follow the trail north to the last settlement in the valley. It takes about 1 hour to get to the top of the ridge and then another 30-40 mins following a stream to the lake.

 

Day 07: JANGOTHANG - LINGSHI 18km,7/8 hours

The trail follows the stream for half an hour and crosses the bridge to the right side. Start the climb up to the first ridge with a breathtaking view of Chomolhari, Jichu Drake and Tsherim Gang. Then walk towards the valley, almost flat for a while, until the limb to the Nyele la pass at an altitude of 4700m. After the pass it's a gradual descent to the Lingshi camp, enjoying the panoramic view of the peaks and Lingshi Dzong. Camp at the altitude of 4010 m.

Day 08: LINGSHI - SHODU 22km,8/9hours

The Laya Gasa route leaves the Jhmolhari trek here. The trek route climbs towards a small white chorten on a ridge above the camp, then turns south up the deep Mo Chhu valley. The trail stays on the west side of the largely treeless valleys, climbing steadily a short distance above Mo Chhu. It then crosses the river and climbs steeply for two hours to Yeli la pass (4,820m). From the pass, on a clear day, you can see Mount. Jhomolhari, Gangchhenta, Tserim Khang and Masang Gang. Descend alongside a stream to a shelter, then further downstream to a camp at Shodu (4080m), a meadow with a chorten.

Day 09: SHODU - BARSHONG 16km,6/7hours

At this place, one comes back to tree line. The path follows Thimphu river, descending through rhododendron, juniper and other alpine forests. The view of the cliff facing rocks and waterfalls is stunning. Hot lunch will be served at the riverside. After lunch the trail gradually ascends to the ruins of Barshong Dzong, reaching the camp at the altitude of 3710m.

yaks ploughing the field
Yaks ploughing the field

 

Jhomolhari peak
Jhomolhari peak

 

Day 10: BARSHONG - DOLAMKENCHO 15km, 5/6 hours

The route descends through alpine forests and once again join Thimphu river for a while. After lunch climb up to Dolamkencho camp at the altitude of 3320m.


Day 11: DOLAMKENCHO - DODENA - THIMPHU 8km, 3hours

The trail goes in and outside valleys above Thimphu River, making a long ascent through a forest of conifers and high altitude broadleaf species to a pass at 3510m. The trail then drops steeply to the river and follow it southward to the road head at Dodena, elevation 2600m where you will be picked up by Snow White transport to drive to Thimphu. Overnight at hotel in Thimphu.

Day 12: THIMPHU - PARO

Full day of sightseeing in Thimphu valley visiting; Memorial Chorten, Tashichho dzong, National Library, Painting School, Traditional Medicine Institute, Handicrafts Emporium. Evening drive to Paro. Overnight at the hotel in Paro.

Day 13: PARO depart

After breakfast, drive to Paro airport for flight to onward destination.

 

 

Treks
At a glance
Information on treks
 
Bumthang Trek
10 nights 11 days
 
Druk Path Trek
10 nights 11 days
 
Jhomolhari Trek
12 nights 13 days
 
Gangtey Trek
7 nights 8 days
 
Laya Gasa Trek
17 nights 18 days
 
Snowman Trek
26 nights 27 days
 
Punakha winter Trek
9 nights 10 days
 
Nabji Trail (Black mountain trek) 13 nights - 14 days
 
Duer Hot Spring Trek
16 nights 17 days
 
Daga Thousand lake
11 nights 12 days
 
Trekkers Info
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