Jomolhari Trek is longer than the Jomolhari Loop – the most popular trekking routes in Bhutan. With altitude differences of 2,500m and nearly 5,000m it offers a wide range of landscapes, fauna and flora. The highlight of this trek is the spectacular view of Mount Jomolhari from Jomolhari Basecamp (Jangothang).
You will be met at the airport by your guide and driver. Drive to hotel just outside Paro. Visit Paro Dzong, the National Museum and the famous Nyamai Zam Bridge.
Overnight: Paro
Altitude: 2,195 m
Paro, Tiger’s Nest excursion – a great acclimatization hike to Bhutan’s most famous monastery, Takstang | Tiger’s nest monastery clinging to the cliff above Paro valley. The hike is usually of 5 to 6 hours both way and in the evening visit Hotstone bath and relax.
Overnight: Paro
Altitude: 2,195 m
Early morning drive from hotel to Shana. The trail follows the river through a heavily forested area with a few isolated farmhouses. As we go up the valley becomes narrow, wilder and steeper. The trail winds up and down along the drainage. We pass a junction en route, where another path leads over the Tremo La to Tibet. This route was formerly used by Bhutanese people as a trading route to Tibet. We cross several traditional wooden bridges finally arriving Thanthangka. Camp is in a meadow with a stone shelter. From this campsite for the first time-in case of good weather the Mount Jomolhari may be seen.
Distance: 13.6 miles / 22 km
Duration: 6-8 hours
The path ascends for a while until we reach the army camp. We then follow the river above the tree line, enjoying stunning views of the surrounding peaks. A short walk from here into the valley takes us to our campsite at Jangothang (4,040m). From here, the views of Jhomolhari and Jichu Drake are superb.
Distance: 10.5 miles / 17 km
Duration: 4-6 hour
The trail follows the stream for half an hour and crosses the bridge to the right bank. We now start our climb up to the first ridge, enjoying breathtaking views of Chomolhari, Jichu Drake and Tserimgang. The trail then takes us across a fairly level valley floor, until the climb up to Nyele-la pass (4,700m). We descend gradually from the pass to our campsite at Lingshi (4,000m), enjoying a panoramic view of the mountain peaks and Lingshi Dzong as we walk.
First half of the trek is mostly through treeless valley until we start ascending to Yale-la pass at 4950 m. On clear day, we can see Mt. Jumolhari, Mt. Tsherimgang and Mt. Masagang. Nomads traveling between Lingshi and Thimphu use the Yale la so the trail is well marked. The descent from the pass joins the Jaradinthang Chhu which later becomes the Thimphu Chhu. At the altitude of 4150 m is a chorten (stupa) from where the trail takes an easterly direction following the river. The camp is at Shodu just after crossing the sandy slope.
250m ascent, 670m descent, camp altitude 3,710m Today’s trail winds up & down following the Thimphu Chhu through the limestone valley. Monks use the caves for meditation. Shabdrung is said to have mediated in these rocks when he fled from Tibet in the 17th century. We will have the good opportunity to view the giant rock faces and waterfalls. The trail gradually ascends 130m to Barshong Dzongs which lays ruins. Barshong is a small village with an inhabitant of half a dozen houses.
Distance: 8.7 miles / 14 km
Duration: 4-5 hours
There are several ups and downs and crossings of small streams. Reach a split in the trail, the one to the right descends to your campsite for tonight.
Today is an easy walk and with small ups and downs followed by a couple of short steep switchbacks to descend a vertical cliff before finally reaching the last stretch to Dodina. The trails descends through bamboo forests, following the mule trail high above the river and reach Dodina where your vehicle will meet you and drive you to Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan. Thimphu has a population of about 98,500. The town is made up of just three lines of shops and is the only capital in the world without traffic lights.
Distance: 4.3 miles / 7 km
Duration: 3 hours
The National Memorial Chorten was built in 1974 to honour the late King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. A chorten is a hemispherical shaped memorial stupa. Known as the most visible religious landmark in Bhutan, it is used as a place of meditation and then visit Buddha point.
Visit rows of Handicraft market and if time permits visit Simply Bhutan Museum.
Drive back to Paro and overnight in Paro
After breakfast drop to Paro Airport and we bid farewell to our clients.
Season: March, April, May, June, September, October and November
