Jhomolhari Trek (11 Nights 12 Days)

01 / THE EXPERIENCE

Discover the journey

The Jumolhari Trek in Bhutan offers a captivating journey through diverse landscapes. It encompasses dense pine forests, scattered villages, and alpine meadows before ascending to high pasturelands where yak herders tend to their animals. The trek's highlights include awe-inspiring views of snow-capped peaks like Mt. Jhomolhari and Mt. Jichu Drake. An unforgettable experience includes camping at the base of Mt. Jhomolhari. This challenging route reaches a maximum altitude of 4,600 meters (15,114 feet) and demands excellent physical fitness from trekkers. Both before and after the trek, you'll have the opportunity to explore the cultural sites of Paro and Thimphu.

02 / WHY GO

The memorable moments

Days Activities Accommodation Meals Day 01 Arrive, Paro, Hotel [-/L/D] Day 02 Paro Hotel [B/L/D] Day 03 Paro – Shana (6hrs) Hotel [B/L/D] Day 04 Shana – soi thangthangkha (8hrs) Hotel [B/L/D] Day 05 Soi thangthangkha – jangothang (8hrs) Hotel [B/L/D] Day 06 Jangothang – lingshi (8hrs) Hotel [B/L/D] Day 07 Lingshi – shodu (8hrs) Hotel [B/L/D] Day 08 Shodu – bars hong (7hrs) Hotel [B/L/D] DAY 09 bars hong – kolam kensho (6hrs) Hotel [B/L/D] DAY 10 d. kencho – dodena/thimphu (3hrs) Hotel [B/L/D] DAY 11 thimphu – paro Hotel [B/L/D] DAY 12 Depart paro [B/L/-]

03 / YOUR ROUTE

Journey at a glance

Day Day 1:: Arrive Paro — On arrival at Paro airport guests will be met by our Tour representative and transferred to the hotel after completion of arrival formalities. In the evening go around to visit Paro town and stay overnight in a hotel at Paro. Overnight at Hotel. [B/L/D] Day Day 2:: Paro — After early morning breakfast, we will visit Ta Dzong which was built in 1651 as a watchtower and was inaugurated as Bhutan’s National Museum in 1968. The collection includes arts, relics, religious silk (thangkha) paintings, postage stamps, coins, and handicrafts, as well as a small natural history collection. Below Ta Dzong is Rinpung Dzong (Paro Dzong), “the fortress of the heap of jewels” built in 1646 and now housing the offices of the district administration and the monk body. In the afternoon we’ll visit Kyichu Lhakhang built by the Tibetan king Songtsen Gampo in the 7th century. Overnight at Hotel. [B/L/D] Day Day 3:: Paro – Shana — The trek starts from Drukgyel Dzong of Alt. 2,580M. The trail then climbs gently through terraces of rice fields. Later we’ll come across apple orchards and then into the forests. Soon the valley widens and we reach the army post of Gunitsawa alt. 2,810M. This is the last stop before Tibet. We continue upwards beyond Sharma Zampa 2,870M for an ideal camping area. Overnight at camp. [B/L/D] Day Day 4:: Shana – Soi Thangthangkha — The trail again follows the Pa Chu (Paro River) ascending and descending through pine, oak, and spruce forests. After crossing a bridge to the left bank of the river we’ll stop for lunch. After that continue along the river climbing upwards through rhododendron forests crossing the river once more before reaching the campsite alt. 3,750m. Overnight at camp. [B/L/D] Day Day 5:: Soi Thangthangkha – Jangothang — The journey begins with an ascent, leading us to an army camp. We continue along the river above the tree line, reveling in breathtaking vistas of the surrounding peaks. Lunch will be provided at a yak herder's camp along the way. A short walk from there brings us to our campsite at Jangothang, located at an altitude of 4,040 meters. If the weather is clear, you'll be treated to stunning views of the Jhomolhari and Jichu Drake mountain ranges, making for a truly picturesque experience. Overnight at camp. [B/L/D] Day Day 6:: Jangothang – Lingshi — The trail initially traces the stream for about half an hour before crossing a bridge to the right bank. From there, we commence our ascent to the first ridge, treating us to awe-inspiring vistas of Jhomolhari, Jichu Drake, and Tserimgang. The path then guides us across a relatively flat valley floor until we begin the climb to the Nyele-la pass at an altitude of 4,700 meters. Descending gradually from the pass, we reach our campsite at Lingshi, situated at 4,000 meters, all the while enjoying a panoramic view of mountain peaks and the majestic Lingshi Dzong in the distance. Overnight at camp. [B/L/D] Day Day 7:: Lingshi – Shodu — The Laya-Gasa route diverges from the Jhomolhari trek route at this point. The trail ascends toward a small white chorten situated on a ridge above the camp, then turns south, leading into the deep Mo Chu valley. It remains on the west side of this mostly treeless valley, steadily climbing just above the Mo Chu. Afterward, the trail crosses the river and ascends steeply for approximately two hours to reach Yeli-la at an altitude of 4,820 meters. On clear days, you can enjoy views of Jhomolhari, Gangchenta, Tserimgang, and Masagang from this pass. You'll descend alongside a stream to a rock shelter in the cliff face and continue downstream until you reach Shodu at an altitude of 4,100 meters, where your campsite is located. Overnight at camp. [B/L/D] Day Day 8:: Shodu – Barshong — By now the track comes back to the tree line and the path follows the course of the Thimphu Chu descending through rhododendron, juniper, and mixed alpine forests. There are breathtaking views of rocky cliffs and waterfalls along the trail. We stop at the riverside for lunch. Then the trail goes gradually upwards to the ruin of Barshong Dzong (alt. 3,600m) near which is the campsite for the night. Overnight at camp. [B/L/D] Day Day 9:: Barshong – Dolam Kencho — The trail descends gently through a dense forest of rhododendrons, birch, and conifers dropping steeply to meet the Thimphu Chu. The final stage of the trail climbs around a cliff face high above the Thimphu Chu, coming out onto pastureland and suitable for camping for the night at alt. 3,600M. Overnight at camp. [B/L/D] Day Day 10:: Dolam Kencho to Dodena - Thimphu — The trail meanders through side valleys above the Thimphu Chu, steadily ascending through a forest of conifers and high-altitude broadleaf species. It eventually reaches a pass at an altitude of 3,510 meters. From there, the trail descends sharply, following the river southwards to the roadhead at Dodena, located at an altitude of 2,600 meters. At Dodena, your transport vehicle will be ready to drive you back to Thimphu town, concluding your trekking adventure. Overnight at Hotel. [B/L/D] Day Day 11:: Thimphu – Paro — A full day of sightseeing in Thimphu Valley visiting National Memorial Chorten; Tashichhodzong (“the fortress of the glorious religion”), National Library, Institute for Zorig Chusum (Bhutanese arts and crafts school), National Institute of Traditional Medicine (outside only) and Handicrafts Emporium. In the evening drive to Paro. Overnight at Hotel. [B/L/D] Day Day 12:: Depart Paro — After an early breakfast, our tour representative will see you off at the airport for your onward destination.

YOUR DAY-BY-DAY ROUTE

Day-by-day itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Paro — On arrival at Paro airport guests will be met by our Tour representative and transferred to the hotel after completion of arrival formalities. In the evening go around to visit Paro town and stay overnight in a hotel at Paro. +