Jomolhari Round Trek
Trip length: 12 Days
Level: Moderately / Hard
Maximum altitude: 4955 m
Suitable month: March to May & September to November
Day 1: Paro
On board to Paro by air presents a spectacular view of Himalayan Mountains including Mt. Everest and sacred mountains of Bhutan in Jomolhari and Jichu Drake. At the Airport, the representative will be there to receive and take you to the Hotel. In the afternoon, you can visit Paro Dzong. Built in 1646, the Dzong today serve as an administrative centre for Paro District. Later, you will visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest temples in the country built in the 7th century. Spend the night in the Hotel in Paro.
Day 2: Hike to Taktshang Monastery
After breakfast, hike to Taktshang (Tigers Nest) at the height of 2900m for it will acclimatize you for the next day’s trek. The 8th century Buddhist Master, Guru Rinpochhe is said to have flown here from Khengpajong in Lhuntse to meditate. It is perched on the edge of a vertical cliff at the elevation of 900m from valley floor. Explore the Monastery and enjoy the beauty it offers. Descend back to Paro after lunch at Taktshang Cafeteria. Towards evening you can drive 25 km to the starting point of trek.
Day 3 : Paro to Shingkharab (13-14 km, 5-6 hours) Trek starts
After breakfast at the hotel, drive about an hour to Zangkey pang (2700masl), meet with trekking crews, and start your trek. First few hours, walk on the road where you will pass by the army checkpoint. Gradually after some time, we will cross the bridge and walk into trekking trails. About 5kms, we will reach to camp at 3100masl.
Note: Today’s trek is mainly for acclimatization, so we go slow.
Day 4: Shingkhrab – Sio Thangkha (13-14 km, 5-6 hours)
The trek follows Pa Chhu, climbing and descending through pine, oak, and spruce forests. After crossing the bridge, the team stops for a hot lunch. After lunch, we climb along the river bank through the rhododendron forest. We cross the river again and that will take us to the campsite at 3,650 masl.
Day 5: Sio Thangkha- Jangothang (19 km, 6-7 hours)
The trail involves gentle climbs before you reach the Army camp. Following the river above the tree line, the trek presents stunning view of surrounding peaks. For lunch, we stop at Yak herder’s camp. A short walk into the valley will reach you at Jangothang at 4, 040m. We pitch base camp here. The view of Mt. Jomolhari and Jichu Drake are splendid.
Day 6: Jangothang (Base Camp)
To acclimatize for following day’s highest climb on this trek, we rest and explore the nearby areas. Mountains and lakes offer exciting sites to explore.
Day 7: Jangothang –Lingshi (18 km, 7-8 hours)
Following the stream for half an hour, we cross the bridge to right. Start the climb up to the first ridge, from where you can have a breathtaking view of Jhomolhari, Jichu Drake and Tshering Gang. Continue towards the valley, almost flat for a while, until the climb to the Ngye La pass begins at an altitude of 4,700m. Conquering the pass, the trail is a gradual descend to Lingshi camp, relishing the panoramic view of the peaks and Lingshi Dzong. Camp at an elevation of 4000m!
Day 8: Lingshi- Shodu (22 km, 8-9 hours)
The Laya – Gasa route leaves the Jhomolhari trek here. The trail climbs upward to a small Chorten on a ridge above the camp, turns south and continues up the deep Mo Chhu valley. The trail passes through the treeless valley, climbing steadily a short distance above Mo Chhu. It then crosses the river, and climbs steeply for two hours to Yeli La pass at 4,820m. From the pass, on a clear day, you can see Jhomolhari, Gangchen Ta, Tshering Gang and Masang Gang. Descend alongside a stream to a shelter, and then further downstream to a camp at Shodu at 4,100m, alongside meadow with a Chorten.
Day 9: Shodu-Barshong (16 km, 6-7 hours)
The route enters back to tree line. Following Wangchhu, Thimphu River, and trail descends through the forests of rhododendrons, juniper and alpine vegetation. Passing through ridge, cascades of waterfall presents a breathtaking view. Hot lunch will be served by the river bank. After lunch, the route takes to the ruins of Barshong Dzong, reaching the camp at the height of 3, 600m.
Day 10: Barshong- Thimphu Sightseeing
After breakfast, trek for few hours or may car will pick up from the camp depending on where we camp. After reaching to Thimphu, take day off after trek or you may opt for local markets to explore and go around town. Overnight hotel in Thimphu!
Day 11: Thimphu to Paro
After breakfast, we start the tour. Visit the Takin enclosure, to see the national animal of Bhutan. Proceed to Kuensel Phodrang and have a sight of Buddha Dordenma Statue, the biggest of its kind in the world. After visiting Textile Museum, follow to Trashichhodzong, the throne room and the seat of Chief Abbot of the Central Monastic Body. Visit National Memorial Chorten, built in memory of the late Majesty, the Third King of Bhutan, Druk Gyalpo Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. Make a short trip to Paper factory where you will get to see the art of Bhutanese traditional paper making. Five miles from the town will reach you to Semtokha Dzong, the oldest fortress in the Kingdom built in 1629. Never miss an opportunity to visit Centenary Farmers Market, for you will get to herds of people come for market as variety of home-grown vegetables will be displayed for sell. In the evening drive to paro for Overnight.
Day 12 : Paro (Departure)
After early breakfast, we will drive you to Paro airport along the bank of Thimphu River; pass by confluence and along the Pachhu. Our representative will bid goodbye to you at the Airport from Bhutan!