Bhutan Jhomolhari Trek

Fly from Kathmandu to Paro which takes about 1.45 hrs. It is one of the most spectacular of all mountain flights with aerial views of Mt. Everest, Kanchen Junga, Makalu and other peaks in Bhutan such as Chomolhari, Jichu Drakey and Tsrim Khang. You will be received by our representative at the airport and escorted to the hotel.

Morning hike up to the Taktsang monastery (Tiger’s Nest) takes around 3 hours. It was in the 8th century that Guru Padmasambava landed here on the back of a tigress, and meditated for three months. The present day monastery was built it 1684.

Afternoon visit to Ta-dzong, once a watchtower to defend Paro. This dzong was converted into the National Museum in 1967, and is filled with antique thanka paintings, textiles, weapons and armour. Drive to 17th century Rinpung dzong to defend the valley against Tibetan invaders.

Overnight in hotel. 

Drive up to Drukgyel Dzong (2,580m), the starting point of trek. The trail follows the Paro Chhu passing beautiful meadows, paddy fields and impressive farm houses. After about four hours you will reach the army post at Gunitsawa village. At the army checkpost your trek permit (provided by your tour operator) will be checked and endorsed. The campsite is on the opposite side of the river, not far from Gunitsawa. 

Overnight in camp.

This is a long day of plenty of ups and downs. Follow through the river valley and into Jigme Dorji National Park. The valley finally narrows and descends to a meadow where a camp will be set up. From here, if weather permits, you will have the first great view of Mount Jomolhari.

Overnight in camp.

Enjoy morning view of Mount Jomolhari. This morning the trek continues up the Paro Chhu valley which widens into patches of alpine meadow and scanty growths of forest. Cross an army outpost along the way and enjoy a spectacular view of high mountain ridges and snow-capped peaks. Yaks and the herder’s homes become a regular feature of the landscape.

Passing the villages Soe, Takethang and Dangochang is another asset on this day. Reaching Jangothang, one of the most beautiful campsites of the Himalayas, you will again have a spectacular view of Mount Jomolhari.

Overnight in camp.

This a full day acclimatization in Jangothang. Jangothang offers superb views of Jomolhari and Jichu Drake and there are good chances to spot some blue sheep on the upper slopes of the valley. You can trek up to Tosoh or surround areas. 

Overnight in camp.

After 15 min. from the camp the trail climbs rapidly for about half an hour and then becomes a gradual ascend to the Nyilila pass at 4,870m. You might see herds of blue sheep grazing on the slopes of the mountains. From the pass you will have spectacular views of Mt. Jomolhari, Jichu Drake and Tsherimgang, all of them rising above 7,000m.

On the way down to the camp you will pass by some of the yak herder’s tent, made from yak wool, where the herders take shelter while on the move to various pastures for their yaks. As you come down into the Lingshi basin, you get a wonderful view of Lingshi Dzong on a clear day. Tserimgang and its glaciers rise up at the north end of the valley. The campsite is next to a stone hut you reach just before Lingshi Dzong.

Overnight in camp.

The trail climbs up to the Yelila pass at an altitude of 4,930m. From the pass, on a clear day you will get an excellent view of Jumolhari, Tserimgang and Masanggang. From here it is a steep downhill to the campsite at Shodu.

Overnight in camp.

The trail follows the Thimphu Chhu through rhododendron forests, past beautiful waterfalls. The valley narrows till the path takes to the slopes and gradually ascends to the ruins of Barshong Dzong.

Overnight in camp.

The trail descends down to the Thimphu Chhu river valley, through dense forests of rhododendron, birch, conifer, maples and bamboos and then ascends to pasture lands. The camp is in a meadow.

Overnigh in camp.

The trail continues through forested areas winding up and down and through a small pass. Langurs (monkeys) can be seen along the way. In Dodena, you will exit the Jigme Dorji National Park and reach the road head next to an impressive cantilever bridge. Drive to Thimphu for overnight stay.

Overnight in hotel.

Today you will spend sightseeing in Thimphu. Places of visit include the Memorial Chorine, Traditional medicine hospital, National Library where ancient texts and manuscripts are stored, and the painting school where children learn the traditional technique of painting and arts.

Overnight in hotel.

Morning drive to Paro airport for you flight onward.