Jomolhari Trek (11 Nights / 12 Days)
Embark on an extraordinary journey through Bhutan’s stunning landscapes, from sacred monasteries to breathtaking mountain passes, offering an unparalleled blend of adventure and cultural immersion.
Overview
- Day 1: Arrival and Sightseeing in Paro
- Day 2: Hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery
- Day 3: Trek Starts: Paro to Shana
- Day 4: Shana to Sio Thangthangkha
- Day 5: Sio Thangthangkha to Jangothang
- Day 6: Rest Day at Jangothang Base Camp
- Day 7: Jangothang to Lingshi
- Day 8: Lingshi to Zhodu
- Day 9: Shodu to Barshong
- Day 10: Barshong to DolamKencho
- Day 11: DolamKencho to Dodena to Thimphu
- Day 12: Final Departure
Day 1: Arrival and Sightseeing in Paro (2,250m/7,382ft)
During your flight near Bhutan, you will get the picturesque view of the Himalayas, including the sacred peaks Jomolhari and Jichu Drake. Our representative will be there at the airport waiting for you and will greet you and take you to the hotel. From day one itself, we will begin our trip by visiting Rinpung Dzong, constructed in 1646. Next, we will visit Kyichu Lhakhang, an ancient temple of Bhutan, and Ta-cho Dzong. Today, this palace has turned into a museum where you can observe various ancient paintings, teachings of Buddha, armours, and more. We will spend our night in Paro.
Day 2: Hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery (3,180m/10,433ft) then Return to Paro
Today, after breakfast, we will be hiking for around 2 hours to reach Taktsang Monastery, also known as Tiger’s Nest Monastery, Bhutan's eminent monastery. The monastery is high on a precarious cliff around 900 metres. It is believed that the Buddhist spiritual master Guru Rinpoche flew on the back of a tiger to meditate in this cave, which now stands as Taktsang Monastery. We will have our lunch at the cafeteria restaurant located midway up the mountain. After that, we will retrace our steps back to Paro valley. We will spend our night in Paro.
Day 3: Trek Starts: Paro to Shana (2,850m/9,348ft): 15 km, 5 – 6 Hours
Today, we will begin our trek from Dyrugyal Dzong at an altitude of 2,580 metres, trekking downhill and ascending slowly via rice and millet fields. After that, we will enter a path through lush forests and apple orchards. Our trail widens as we continue our trek to reach the army camp at Gunitsawa, located at an altitude of 2,810 metres. Continuing our trek, we will reach Shana Zampa, a perfect camping spot surrounded by huge trees. We will set up our camp at an altitude of 2,850 metres.
Day 4: Shana to Sio Thangthangkha (3,750m/12,300 ft.): 20 km, 7 – 8 Hours
Today, our trail follows the Paro River, with ascents and descents through oak, spruce, and pine forests. After crossing a bridge, we will have lunch close to the river. Following the river further, we will ascend through rhododendron forests and cross another bridge before reaching our campsite at an altitude of 3,750 metres.
Day 5: SioThangthangkha to Jangothang (4,040m/13,250 ft): 19 km, 7 – 8 Hours
Today, we will ascend for a while and then reach the army camp. Following the river, we will arrive at a high hill offering splendid views of several peaks. We will have lunch at a yak herder’s camp before trekking through the valley to reach our campsite, from where we will enjoy stunning views of Mount Jomolhari and Jichu Drake.
Day 6: Rest Day at Jangothang Base Camp
Today is for relaxing and adapting to the altitude for tomorrow’s journey. After breakfast, we will head north, enjoying striking views of Jichu Drake. We will stop at a picnic site to have lunch. Along the way, you might spot blue sheep and grazing yaks. This day is both enjoyable and essential for acclimatisation.
Day 7: Jangothang to Lingshi (4,000m/13,120ft): 18 km, 7 – 8 Hours
Following the river for an hour, we will cross a bridge and climb to a ridge. From the top, breathtaking views of Mount Jomolhari, Tshering Gang, and Jichu Drake await. We will descend to the valley, ascend further, and cross Ngye La Pass at 4,870 metres. Descending to Lingshi camp, we will enjoy views of several peaks and Lingshi Dzong. Our camp will be at 4,000 metres.
Day 8: Lingshi to Zhodu (4,100m/13,450ft): 22km, 8 – 9 Hours
Leaving the Chomolhari track, we will ascend to a small chorten above the camp, turning south to Mo Chu Valley. After crossing the river and ascending steeply for about 2 hours, we will reach Yeli La Pass at 4,820 metres, offering views of Chomolhari, Masang Gang, Gannchen Tang, and Tshering Gang. We will descend along the rivers to our campsite at Shodu at 4,100 metres.
Day 9: Shodu to Barshong (3,600m/11,810ft): 16km, 6 – 7 Hours
Today, we will trek along the Thimphu River, descending through juniper, alpine, and rhododendron forests. We will enjoy views of cascading waterfalls and have lunch by the riverside. After lunch, we will continue trekking, ascending slowly to Barshong Dzong. Our campsite is at 3,600 metres.
Day 10: Barshong to DolamKencho (3,600m/11,810ft): 15km, 5 – 6 Hours
Descend through lush birch, conifer, and rhododendron forests. The trail becomes steep as we reach Thimphu Chu River. Continuing alongside the river with ascents and descents, we will reach the cliffs of Dolam Kencho and set up camp in a beautiful pastureland site at 3,600 metres.
Day 11: DolamKencho to Dodena to Thimphu (2,350m /7,710ft): 8km, 3 – 4 Hours: Trek Ends
From Dolam Kencho, we will trek to Dodena, climbing about 500 metres and descending approximately 930 metres. Passing through dense forests and small passes, we will reach Dodena. From there, we will drive to Thimphu. Spend the evening strolling through Thimphu streets. Overnight in Thimphu.
Day 12: Final Departure
Today, your Chomolhari trek finally comes to an end. After breakfast, we will head to the airport. Druk Air departs in the morning to avoid harsh weather. Farewell!