Bhutan’s premier trek, the Jomolhari trek is undoubtedly the pinnacle of Bhutanese trekking not just for locals but tourists all over the world, taking you to the most sacred mountain in the kingdom. Trekkers go to the base of Mt. Jumolhari and beyond, on the border of Bhutan and the Tibet region of China. Jumolhari Trek is the most popular trekking route in Bhutan and offers a wide range of landscapes, fauna and flora. The highlight of this trek is the spectacular view of Mount Jumolhari from Jangothang basecamp. Last two days will be spent in exploring cultural sights of Thimphu and Punakha valleys to give the essence of authentic Bhutanese live and activities before your flight back home.
Trip Facts
INSURANCE
Package does not include insurance of any kinds, and that you are required to obtain separate coverage from your home country before your trip begins.
Fly into Paro Valley on our national airlines, Drukair or the Bhutan Airlines. In clear weather, you can witness magnificent views of the world’s highest peak. The first gift from Bhutan will be the cool, clean fresh air as you step out of the plane – a befitting introduction to the spectacular beauty of Bhutan. Our guide and driver will receive you with warm well come and lead you around on your Bhutan tour. Relax and enjoy the beauty of Bhutan as you proceed away from the airport for some sightseeing in Paro. Explore Paro town and getting yourself introduced to the first Bhutanese town. Drive to Tadzong and visit the National Museum. later walk down to visit Paro Rinpong Dzong. If time permits visit one of the holiest temples in Bhutan, Dungtse Lhakhang, built in 1421 by the famous Tibetan Lama, ThangtonGyelpo and Kyichu Lhakhang, built in 659 AD.
After breakfast,embark on an acclimatization hike to Taktsang or the Tiger’s Nest, Bhutan’s most famous monastery. Start by driving to the base for 20 minutes and then hike up to the monastery at 3100m. The trail leads through forests of pine, Mountain oak, fir and hemlock with the amazing views of Paro valley below. About the half way you will reach a flat portion marked witha prayer wheel. Little further there is a Cafeteria with wonderful view of Tiger Nest. Continue further up till the look-out point from where you can see the whole monastery – it’s a good opportunity for a photography. The walk from the look-out point is down through the stony steps to the small water fall and then finally to the monastery. After paying visit, you will return to the cafeteria for a lunch. Then walk to the base where your car will be waiting for you. Take a finale look back to the monastery and enjoy a sense of jubilation and satisfaction. Overnight at hotel in Paro.
You will drive 12km north of Paro valley from your hotel to the trek start point at the historic Drugyel Dzong (Rebuilt) (2580m). Your trekking crew will be waiting here for you. After a brief meeting, you will walk downhill on a wide trail following the Pachhu (river), which then climbs gently traversing through well-maintained rice terraces and fields of millet. Soon the valley widens and the route enters an area of apple orchards, traditional farmhouses and the tiny settlements of Mitshi Zampa and Sangatan. You reach the army post of Gunitsawa at 2,810 after walking for a while through blue pine forest. Here your trekking permit will be checked and stamped.You will then cross Pachu River on a wooden bridge and then climb to Sharna Zampa at 2,870m. Just beyond Sharna Zampa, there are several meadows surrounded by trees where you will camp for tonight.
This is a hard day as the altitude gain is above the limit. You will come across the first bridge enroute from Tibet to Bhutan that was used by the travellers once upon a time. The trail climbs steadily through beautiful thick forest consisting mainly of, Oak, Rhododendron, Bamboo, Fern, Birch, Fir, Larch, Maple and Blue Pine. The route has lots of small rises and drops with a vision of amazing snow-capped Jhomolhari on the north. The hard day of walking comes to an end at Soi Thangthanka camp, which is in a big meadow.
The view of Jhomolhari fades away as you leave the camp inflowing forest on the way towards the Army camp. Late in spring, Blue Poppy (Bhutan’s national flower) has been spotted. The Military camp has Bhutanese and Indian army personnel guarding another pass to Tibet. The trail takes you through some remote villages and you might be invited into one of the houses for a cup of famous butter tea. After crossing the settlements, the summits of spiky peak JitchuDrakey, Tshering Kang and Jhomolhari appear to get closer. Cross a bridge and suddenly the irresistible snow-and-ice- covered east face of Jhomolhari appears, with its massive 3200m- high wall of granite, marble, and quartzite. You have reached Jhomolhari camp.
Rest day at Jhomolhari camp will help with acclimatisation as most people will feel the effects of ascending 1800m in three days. There are some good day hikes from the camp, and it is important to hike so that you will acclimatise. Follow the standard trek rule: trek high, sleep low.
It is a long climb to reach the first high and very windy pass of this trek, Nyile La pass (4830m). From the pass, you can get the views of overpowering mountains covered with snow, Jomolhari (7314m), JichuDakey (6989m) and Tshrim Gang (6789m). The route descends from the pass leading to a viewing point from which Lingshi Dzong can be seen in its full glory; a powerful, solitary structure in the middle of an enormous wilderness. Further descend, you reach Lingshi camp. You can walk around Lingshi village and visit the Dzong.
The Laya-Gasa route leaves the Jumolhari trek here. The trek route climbs towards a small white Chorten on a ridge above the camp, then turns south up the deep Mo Chhu valley. The trail stays on the west side of the largely treeless valley, climbing steadily a short distance above Mo Chhu. It then crosses the river, and climbs steeply for two hours to Yali La pass (4942m). From the pass, on a clear day, you can see Jumolhari, Gangchen Ta, Tsherim Gang and Masang Gang. Descend alongside a stream to a shelter, and then further downstream to a camp at Shodu (4100m), a meadow with a Chorten.
At this place, one comes back to the tree line. The path follows Thimphu River, descending through rhododendron, juniper and other alpine forests. The view of the cliff facing rocks and waterfalls is stunning. Hot lunch will be served by the riverside. After lunch the trail gradually ascends to the ruins of Barshong Dzong. This is a base from where it used to be supplying essentials to Lingzhi Dzong in olden days. You will camp in Barshong at an altitude of 3600m.
After a breakfast at the camp, you will start your hike first through the gradual ascent till you reach at the farm road. Walk through the farm road and make a detour descending gently through a dense forest of rhododendron, birch and conifers, and then drops steeply to meet Thimphu Chhu river. The trail stays on the left side of river, climbing over ridges and descending to side streams. Then the trail goes in and out steeply to the river and follows it southward to Dodena, elevation 2600m where you will be picked up by Bhutan Travelers transport and drive to Thimphu.
After breakfast, enjoy a scenic drive to Punakha with a stop at Dochu La pass 3,100m marked with 108 chortens where on a clear day you can get spectacular views of the Himalayan mountains. After a spending few minutes exploring the pass, you will drive downhill through the forests of rhododendron, fir, and hemlock. En route stop at Metsina and hike through rice paddies and up to the Chimi Lhakhang Temple. This temple is dedicated to the great Yogi of the 14th century known as Drukpa Kuenley, or the Devine Madman. Continue the drive to Punakha. You will arrive at Punakha after traversing through the rice field and along the bank of the Punakha River. After lunch, visit the Punakha Dzong, which is stunningly situated in between the male and female rivers like an anchored ship. The spot near the Punakha School and further ahead gives the best angle to capture wooden bridge, rivers and the dzong in one frame. Overnight at a hotel in Punakha.
Today you will drive back to Paro via the Dochula pass again and Thimphu. At Dochula, you can visit the new Druk Wangyel Monastery, which is the only of its kind in the country with elaborate paintings depicting the lineage of the present monarchy and their visionary works. After this continue to drive to Thimphu. If it is the weekend, head over the Centenary Farmers Market where
farmers come together to sell their farm produce. Make sure to capture the colourful hues of vegetables, fruits and condiments. Continue to drive to Paro. In the evening, you can stroll in Paro town of your own and absorb the lifestyle of the people. Overnight at a hotel in Paro.
Drive to the airport for departure. Have a pleasant flight back home. Goodbye!
