Jhomolhari Trek

Day 1 - Arrival in Paro, Bhutan

Elevation 2,280m | Weather in Paro

Welcome to Bhutan, the Land of the Thunder Dragon.Touching down at Paro International Airport, you will be greeted by your guide upon exiting the arrival hall. Today, we will take it easy to acclimatise to the altitude.

Day 2 - Paro

Elevation 2,280m | Weather in Paro

Drukgyal Dzong - A morning drive, north of Paro valley brings us to the ruins of Drukgyal Dzong. Built in 1647 by the great Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, father and unifier of medieval Bhutan, the Dzong was destroyed by an accidental fire and left in ruins as an evocative reminder of the great victories it was built to commemorate.Explore the ramparts and relive the memories of a glorious past.

Taktsang Monastery - A one hour hike to the cafeteria is also a vantage view whereby you can enjoy the stunning view of the monastery. Prayer flags adorn the clifts and this is also where Guru Padmasambhava landed on the back of a tigress in the 8th century.

Kyichu Lhakhang - After a sumptuous local lunch, we will retrace our steps to visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest temples in Bhutan.

Day 3 - Shana

Elevation 3,575m | Weather in Paro

Morning drive the winding road to the Drukgyal Dzong, the ruined fort, which was once defended this valley from Tibetan invasions. Mount Jomolhari, the sacred summit, reaches skyward beyond the dzong. Our trek to Shana starts at Drukgyal Dzong. At first you have to walk down to the level of the Paro river, the path runs on the left (western) side of the river. We then follow the Paro river up the valley through cultivated fields and tiny picturesque villages. The forests are alive with numerous birds and brightly colored butterflies. Finally at "Gunichawa", a military camp, which also junctions as a checkpoint for the army. Here the permits for the trek have to be produced and is checked by the army. Our camp site is located about 1 km above the military camp. Overnight at camp Shana.

Day 4 - Thangthangkha

Elevation 4,044m | Weather in Paro

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 enroute, 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.

Day 5 - Jangothang

Elevation 4,010m | Weather in Paro

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. Hot lunch is served at a yak herder’s camp. 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.

Day halt at Jangothang and enjoy the scenary possible.

Day 6 - Lingshi

Elevation 4,080m | Weather in Paro

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.

Day halt at Lingshi enjoy the scenary possible.

Day 7 - Shodu

Elevation 3,575m | Weather in Paro

Start early and first half of the trek is mostly through treeless valley until you start ascending to Yale-la pass at 4950 m, from here Mt. Jumolhari, Mt. Tsherimgang and Mt. Masagang can be seen on clear days. Most people (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 becomes the Thimphu Chhu. At an 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.

Day 8 - Barshong

Elevation 3,720m | Weather in Paro

Today’s trail winds up & down following the Thimphu Chhu and follow the river through the limestone valley. Monks use the caves in the rocks and even Shabdrung is said to have mediated in these rocks when he fleed from Tibet in the 17th century. You will have the good opportunity to view the giant rockfaces and waterfalls and trail gradually ascends 130m to Barshong Dzongs in ruins. Barshong is a small village with an inhabitant of half a dozen houses.

Day 9 - Dolamkencho

Elevation 3,290m | Weather in Paro

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.

Day 10 - Thimphu

Elevation 2,280m | Weather in Thimphu

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 half an hour to Thimphu.,the modern 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.

Day 11 - Depart Paro

Elevation 2,280m | Weather in Paro

Today is your last morning in this mystical and memorable country of Bhutan. We will have breakfast and proceed to check in for your flight.We bid a fond farewell to Bhutan for the flight back to Bangkok.We hope you have enjoyed your trip immensely and will bring your friends to Bhutan in the future.