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JOMOLHARI
Trek
12nights
13 days
The
recommended time for this trek is April to June and September to November.
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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.
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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.
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Taktsang Monastery

Kyichu Lhakhang |
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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 |
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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.
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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.
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