Jomolhari trek

The fight to Paro crosses the Himalayan Mountains, affording spectacular views of the awesome peaks, including the sacred jumolhari and jichu Drake in Bhutan. On arrival in Paro  Airport, you will be received by our guide and transfer to restaurant for lunch . After lunch, you will visit the Rinpung Dzong, the 15th century massive fortress which now serves as administrative and monastic center of the valley. From the Dzong, you can walk down to the road head crossing a traditional wooden bridge. After that you will be taken to Kichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest and the most sacred temple built in 7^th century. In the evening, you can stroll in Paro town.

5Km | 4-5 hours | 900m Ascent

After breakfast, you will hike to Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) Monastery, Bhutan’s most famous monastery, which is located at face of the cliff( 3100m) offering the best view of Paro valley. Today’s hike will be the acclimatization for the next day’s trek. According to the legend, it is believed that Guru Rimpoche, the 8th century Spiritual Master, flew to this location on the back of a tigress to meditate. Lunch will be served at Cafeteria Restaurant halfway up on the mountain. Explore the monastery and hike back to Paro. Overnight in hotel

17Km | 4-5 hours | 450 Ascent | 70Descent Camp| altitude 2850m

Drive 30 minutes North of Paro, where trek starts from Drugyal Dzong at 2400m with a downhill walk on a wide trail. The trail gradual ascents through Chentoe village of rice terraces and fields of millet and area of an Apple orchards.  . After about four hours walk you will reach the army post at Gunitsawa (2,800m). At the army check point your trek permit (provided by your tour operator) will be checked and endorsed, then walk for another 20 minutes to reach our campsite. The campsite is on the opposite side of the Paro river.

21Km | 6-7 hours | 900 Ascent | Camp altitude 3750m

Today will be the long day trek, following Paro river crossing several time wooden bridges and Paro river. The trail enters National Park after crossing the wooden Bridge, continues with lots of small ups and downs in the forest of Dhododendrons,fir,hemlock,Larch,sprouse and Birch. After crossing the last bridge for the day, climb uphill gradually through the meadow where a camp will be set up at the altitude of 3750m. From here, if weather permits, you will see amazing view of Mt. Jumolhari.

19Km | 4-5 hours | 300 Ascent | Camp altitude 4050m

This morning see Jomolhari Peak, if you have not seen last night, the trek continues up through the forest for 40 minutes, then widens into patches of alpine meadow following the Paro river. Today you will cross above treeline(4000M) and cross an army checkpoint along the way and enjoy a spectacular view of high mountain ridges and snow-capped peaks. The trail becomes easier, in this area, where yaks, Yak- herder’s camp can be seen, passing through the villages will be another highlight on this trek. Before reaching to our campsite,,we will come across community school and basic health care center, this is the place where Jomolhari Festival is held, where Highlander comes to exchange their culture and tradition and products. From here you will catch  the most beautiful view of Jichu Darke and Tsheringmagang peaks.. Then, the trail gradually ascents to reach the most beautiful campsite for the trek facing majestic Jomolhari peak, just nearby we can also see ruin fortress.

Today is rest day in Jangothang provides plenty of possibilities for day hikes with great views of lakes and snow capped mountains such as Jumolhari and Jichu Drake. There is the great opportunity to spot some blue sheep and Marmot on the upper slopes of the valley. Jangothang is a perfect environment for your acclimatization. You can also trek up to Tsophu Lake (Twin Lake) or hike towards Jomolhari Peak.

19Km | 6-7 hours | 800 Ascent | 730 Descent | Camp altitude 4100m

From the camp, walk on the valley for 20 minutes, then cross Paro river, the trail follows steep ascents for about one an half hour to 2 hours to reach  the Nyele La Pass at an altitude of 4830m,if weather permits you can see scenic view of Jomolhari, Jichudarke and Tsheringmagang peaks. From the pass steep descents to the Lingshi camp, from here trail becomes easy through wide meadow from the ridge catch breathtaking view of the valley, Lingzhi Dzong.

22Km | 8-9 hours | 940 Ascent | 920 Descent | Camp altitude 4100m

The Laya Gasa route leaves the Jumolhari trek here. The trail ascents gradual climbs to small white Chorten on a ridge. Then keep trekking one to 2 hours following  Mo Chhu valley, cross the river then steep ascents around 2 hours to reach the rocky Yalela Pass(4820m), if fortunate, you can see exotic view of Jomolhari, Jichudarke, Tsheringmagang,Masagang and Gangchentag peaks. From here steep descents on rocky trail following source of Thimphu rive, finally at the camp.

16Km | 5-6 hours | 250m Ascent | 670m Descent | Camp altitude 3600m

Today trail will be easy descending and comes back to tree line. The trail follows the Wang Chhu through the forest of rhoddendrones,fir,larch,wild Maple tree and Birch .  The valley narrows till the path takes to the slopes and gradually ascends to the ruins of Barshong Dzong, if possible trek further an hour at Domshesa camp.

15Km | 5-6 hours | 250 Descent | Camp altitude 3320m

The trail descends gradually through a dense forest of rhododendron, birch and conifers, and then drops steeply to meet Thimphu Chhu, nice spot for birding , climbing over ridges and descending to side streams. Then steep climb to Dolam Kencho, a camp among meadow at 3320m.

8Km | 3-4 hours | 680 Descent

Today the trail continues through forested areas winding up and down and through a small pass. Langurs (monkeys),monal and blood pheasant can be seen along the way. In Dodena, you will exit the Jigme Dorji National Park . Our car will be waiting for us to take to the cozy hotel. In the evening, you can stroll in Thimphu city and absorb the life style of the people. Overnight hotel in Thimphu.

In the morning, you will drive to airport for departure. Our representative will bid you farewell.