The Jomolhari Trek takes you from 2,600m up to 4,000m and even 5,224m if you choose and is the most popular route taken. This is partly because of its access to Paro and Thimphu and the fact that it is of moderate difficulty. In addition, the duration of the trek is ideal for most visitors. There is several variation of route but a trek to Jomolhari can last from 7 nights to 9 nights and offers flexibility in tour itineraries.
The Chance to trek to the base of the impressive Jomolhari Mountain, beautiful campsites and the amazing views of Mountain Jichu Drakey, Jho Drakey, Tshering Gang and Masang-Gang are the other reasons why this trek deserves it reputation.
The flight into Paro on our national carrier, Druk Air, is a befitting introduction to the spectacular beauty of our country. In clear weather, magnificent views of the world’s highest peaks, give way to the lush green Paro valley as you land. On arrival at Paro international airport, you will be received by our representative and will escort you to hotel. In the afternoon visit is Ta Dzong, an ancient watchtower, which now houses the National Museum. Below the museum is the Paro Rimpung Dzong, the centre of civil and religious authority in this valley. A short walk takes you to the base of the dzong and across a traditional cantilevered, covered bridge. A short distance further is one of the innumerable archery grounds. (Archery is the national sport of Bhutan). If we are lucky, we may catch a match in action.
Right after the breakfast drive towards the road point to Taktshang. Taktshang Monastery, the most famous of Bhutan’s monasteries. Taktshang means “Tiger’s Nest,” so named because Guru Rimpoche reportedly flew to the site of the monastery on the back of a flying tiger in the late centuries of the first millennium. The monastery is perched on a cliff nearly 3,000 ft above the Paro valley floor. This day hike is not only historically and culturally interesting, but also incredibly scenic! It takes about two hours to reach the cafeteria, which gives a breathtaking view of the Tiger’s Nest. If you still feel like hiking then you can take another hour to reach the temple. Then return back to hotel and free evening.
Altitude: 2,820m/3,580m (Total Alitude Gain: 760m), Duration 8 hours, Distance 16 Km. Level of Difficulty: Long but not difficult, Muddy and bumpy path.
Drive from our hotel to Shana (2820m) will take around 1 & half hours (15 KM). Then you your trek start and this is the longest trekking day, taking eight hours to reach the campsite. The trail continues to follow the river gradually ascending through a mixed forest of blue pine and oak and, later in the afternoon, tall rhododendron trees, birch, fir and maple. Though the trail is rocky and bumpy path, it is not strenuous but in rainy conditions it can be quite muddy. There are several simple wooden bridges to cross and sometimes the river reaches right up to the trail. The lunch break comes after about 4 hours of walking through an ever-narrowing valley: Shing Karap or Thombuzam are popular stopping places at around 3,305m.
Several trails leads in other directions, such as the trail to Tremo la, which was the old salt-trading route to Tibet. Not long before reaching the campsite the trail leads you up a ridge with a chorten. Beyond, in the distance, at the end of the valley the Jumolhari Mountain comes into view. Finally, after an 8 hours walk, you reach the campsite.
The camp site is located in spacious clearing and directly faces Mount Jumolhari. The view of early morning sun striking the tip of Jumolhari is breathtaking. Mount Jumolhari, at 7326, is among the world’s highest mountains.
Altitude: 3,580m/4000m (Total Altitude Gain: 420m), Duration 4 hours, Distance 11 Km. Level of Difficulty: Short and easy.
The third day’s trek is a short one so it is possible to set off a little later and progress at a leisurely pace. When you reach the army outpost you are required to stop and register your entry permits issued by the army headquarters in Thimphu. This matter will be taken care of by your guide.
The Pachu River is again to the right and the trail passes through some very small villages. It will take less then four hours to reach Jangothang, Base Camp. The altitude at the base camp is 4,000m and is a beautiful place to spend the night. The imposing, rounded bulk of the Jumolhari Mountain fills the view to the Northeast and in the evening the profile of the ruined Jangothang Dzong, populated by huge ravens creates a mystical atmosphere. The area is rich in bird life. Birds sighted en route include the Fire-tailed Sunbird, Ibisbill, White throated Dipper, Yellow-billed Chough, Rosy Pipit, Snow Pigeon, Blue-fronted Redstart, Plumbeous Water Redstart, Blood Pheasant, Snow Partridge and many more.
Today is a day to rest and acclimatize to the altitude. The body also needs times to adjust to the falling temperatures, especially during the night. There is an opportunity to explore the valley and enjoy wonderful views of the mountains. A 2 hour’s leisurely hike will take you to the twin lakes of Tshophu. For those taking the Lingshi variation of the trek, this day trek hike is important. You can also enjoy the view of Cone-shape Jichu Drakey cannot fail to remind the clear blue sky. Jichu Drakey cannot fail to remind you of the Matterhorn from this perspective. It is a sight to hold! Many rank this as the most beautiful mountain in Bhutan.
Altitude: 4000m/3915m (Total Altitude loss: 85m), Duration 5 hours, Distance 12 Km. Level of Difficulty: Strenuous
As you climb steeply above the base camp and into an area of glacial moraine, the views of Jichu Drakey and Jomolhari change along with your perspective. As steep and steady climb, sometimes through snow, brings you to the Nylie-La pass at 4890m. From the top of the windy pass enjoy the 380 degree view. Tshering Gang (6,789) also comes into full view. A fairly tough trek over scree or snow leads down to the valley and then follows the side of a ridge towards the impressively situated Lingshi Dzong (4,370m). The camp site is some distance below the Dzong on a flat area near a community building made of stones, at an altitude of 4000m.
Altitude: 4000m/3,815m (Total Altitude loss: 185m), Duration 6-7 hours, Distance 19 Km. Level of Difficulty: Long and difficult.
The trail to Shodu starts with a climb towards a chorten on a ridge opposite the camp and into the Mo-chu valley. After crossing the river theascent towards the Yele-La (4,950m) begins. It take 2 to 3 hours to reach the pass from where there are views of the snowy peaks of Jumolhari, Gang-Chenta, Tshering-Gang and Masang-Gang. In places the paths are sometimes quite narrow and cut into the rock face. At Jimenameshing there are many large boulders and switchbacks. Many find this route quite difficult because of the rocks, boulders and pebbles. After a tiring day’s ascent, the descent to the camp site in a meadow at Shodu (3,815m) is quite short. Since this is the mail trail to Thimphu, you many meet other Bhutanese travelers en route or at the camp.
Altitude: 3,815m/3,685m (Total Altitude loss: 130m), Duration 5-6 hours, Distance 16 Km. Level of Difficulty: Moderate and pleasant.
The River that you are now following is the Thimphu Chu and you will stick closely to the river all day, criss-crossing back and forth over log bridges and passing through an area with steep rock faces and beautiful waterfalls. After crossing to the left bank the trail then ascends towards the ruins of Barshong Dzong (3720). The campsite is here but, since it is quite muddy and steep, another campsite called Domshisa, 1 to 1 ½ hours further down, near a river, is a popular option.
Driving time 3 hours, Distance 8 Km. Level of Difficulty: Moderate and short.
Today we will drive to Thimphu via Dolam Kencho, following the Thimphu-Chu (Thimphu River) most of the time. At points the river is far below you. After reaching a pass at 3510m the descent then starts towards Dodena. Again, there are some very steep cliffs and beautiful mixed forests of rhododendron, bamboo and conifer. After about 2 hours drive through bumpy road you will emerge at Dodina, and the black tooped road. Then drive back to Thimphu from Dodena now takes about 45 minutes, past villages and farms. Over night at the hotel.
Today sightseeing includes visit to After lunch drive to Buddha Dordenma site; The Buddha Dordenma is located atop a hill in Kuenselphodrang Nature Park and overlooks the Southern entrance to Thimphu Valley. The statue fulfils an ancient prophecy dating back to the 8th century A.D that was discovered by Terton Pema Lingpa (Religious Treasure Discoverer) and is said to emanate an aura of peace and happiness to the entire world.
This massive statue of Shakyamuni measures in at a height of 51.5 m, making it one of the largest statues of Buddha in the world.
The National Post office (Mon-Sat 12:00); Our tour start with the visit to the National Post Office, along the Chang lam, is an institute itself where the most famous Bhutanese export is exhibited and sold: the various stamps. Stamp collectors all over the world know that Bhutan is the first country to diversify and export quality stamps. Interesting thing is that you can make your own personal stamp with your photo and then can sent to your friends and family.
The National Library (Mon-Fri; Established in 1967, National Library of Bhutan (NLB) has extensive collection of about 6,100 Tibetan and Bhutanese books, manuscripts and xylographs and about 9000 printing boards and the wood printing blocks for religious books. The stock of books is growing. The library boasts of one the largest holdings of Mahayana Buddhist literature in the world, originally written in classical language of the lamaist world, called choekad choekad (chos skad). It also has a sizeable and rich collection of English or Western books related mostly to Himalayas, Bhutan and Buddhism. It is dedicated to the collection, preservation and promotion of the cultural and religious heritage of Bhutan, especially its ancient written and printed resources related to Bhutanese history, religion, social traditions and culture.
Paper Factory (Mon-Sat): Jungshi handmade paper factory; The Paper Factory is situated on the other side of the river, about a 10-minute drive from the city. The art of handmade paper in Bhutan dates back to the 8th century, although usage was limited mainly to religious purposes. Today it is considered an important element in the preservation of Bhutan’s cultural heritage. The factory allows guests to view the papermaking process and purchase samples and gift items from their shop.
The Trashichodzong: the fortress of the glorious religion is the seat of government and the headquarters of the clergy in the capital Thimphu. The original dzong was built in 1216. It suffered three major fires over the centuries and was rebuilt three times. It was enlarged in the 1960s to become the symbol of the new capital after Punakha. This dzong housed the original National Assembly of Bhutan in one of its temples. It still houses the secretariat and throne room of the King of Bhutan and the headquarters of the Royal Government’s Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Home and Cultural Affairs. The Dzong is the summer residence of the clergy.
The Centenary Farmers Market (Open: Friday, Saturday & Sunday); Located below the main town, near the Wang Chhu River, Thimphu’s weekend market is by far the largest domestic market for the farmers in Bhutan. Farmers come from all over the country to sell their farm products in the market. With its wide assortment of fresh and organic produce, the Farmer’s Market has become a favourite spot for tourists and a recreational place for people from all walks of life. Across a cantilever footbridge, Kuendeyling Bazaam, to the west bank is a collection of stalls selling clothing, textiles and handicrafts.
After breakfast in the hotel, drive to the airport in time to catch up your onward flight. Your escort from Charlotte Travel will bid you farewell and soon the remote and legendary Dragon Kingdom disappears again behind its guardian mountains.