Jomolhari Trek

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Paro (2200 m)
Upon arrival at Paro (Bhutan) airport, you are met and transferred to the Hotel. Depending on the arrival time, you may be able to see few places in the late afternoon or evening, along with a familiarisation tour of Paro town.Overnight in hotel.

Day 2 & 3: Paro valley & Hike to Taktsang (3120 m)
During this two full days, we will spend one for touring and short walks around serene Paro valley and also hike up to the famous Taktsang (Tiger’s nest) monastery. These two days should provide the required acclimatization before the trek.
Overnight in hotel.

Day 4, 5 & 6: Begin trek from Shana Zam (2860 m)
Drive north of Drugyal Dzong for about 2to 3hrs along the new farm road and begin trek from Shana into Jigme Dorji Wangchuk National Park. From Shana the trail runs parallel upstream Paro river with relatively small gain in height till Jangothang  base camp. First night is in Thongduzam (3200m/11 km/3 hours) . Second days follow similar trail pattern, overnight in Soi Thangthankhag (3575m/ 4 hrs/16 km) . Third day trek is  to Jangothang (4080m/ 15km/ 6 hrs), it follows a similar pattern like last 2 days till the army post from where the valley widen up.  Jangothang base camp area  is a beautiful grassy meadow beneath the enormous east face of Chomolhari.  This part of the trek is same as our Snowleopard trek. Overnight in Tent camp.

Day 7: Jangothang Rest day
Today is a scheduled rest day, intended to aid acclimatisation before crossing of the high passes. Jangothang is one of the most spectacular camping places in the entire Himalayas. On this rest day, you can choose to rest the entire day and explore yak herder community and  visit school . Alternatively,  you can also opt to visit Tshophu Lake  or walk toward Jhomolari to see moraines and glaciers. Overnight in Tent.

Day 8: Trek to Lingshi (4010 m/18 km/7 hrs)
By now, you will have well acclimated, but if you feel any attitude sickness, it is a best point from where to return back towards Paro instead of continuing on.
Climb steeply up with the views of Jichu Drake, Jumolhari, Tserimkhang and the adjoining peaks into a glacial valley with many moraines, above the tree lines. You may be able to spot blue sheep on the hillsides and see mountain marmots. Cross Nyile La pass (15,970’/4870m). descend steeply to camp beside the stream near Lingshi. Overnight in Tent.

Day 9: In Lingshi halt
Full day for exploration of Lingshi village, Lingshi Dzong etc; visit comunity school, medicinal plant collection center and surrounding mountains.Overnight in Tent.

Day 10: Lingshi to Shodu(4080 m/22 km/8 hrs)
After breakfast, trek south towards Shodu with gradual walk on the first phase. Our trail climbs up towards a small white chorten on a ridge above the camp, then turns south up the deep Mo Chu valley. The trail stays on the West side of this largely treeless valley, climbing steadily a short distance above the Mo Chu. It then crosses the river, and climbs steeply for two hours to Yeli-La (4820m). On clear day you can see Chomolhari, Gangchenta, Tserimgang and Masagang from this pass. The trail then descends alongside a stream to a rock shelter in a cliff face. It then continues on downstream until reaching Shodu (4100m)
Overnight at Tent camp.

Day 11: Trek to Barshong (3720m/14 km/5 hrs)
Our path follows the course of the Thimphu Chu, descending through Rhododendron, Juniper and mixed alpine forests. There are stunning views along the way. We stop at the riverside for a hot lunch. Then the trail takes us gradually upwards to the ruins of Barshong Dzong (3600m), near which we camp for the night.

Day 12: Trek to Dalamkencho-Dodena-Thimphu (2300m/22 km/8 hrs)
The trail descends gently through a dense forest of Rhododendron, Birch and conifers, then drops steeply to meet the Thimphu Chu. The trail runs along the left bank of the river, climbing over ridges and descending into gullies where side streams run down into the river. The final stage of the trail descend to Dodena village around a cliff face high above the Thimphu Chu. From Dodena transfer to Thimphu.
Overnight in Hotel

Day 13: Thimphu sightseeing.
Full day visiting cultural sights in Thimphu includes visit Memorial Chorten,Changangka Lhakhang, Tallest Buddha statue,Takin santurary,Zilukha Nunnery, Tashichodzong, School of art and craft,Weekend market as per available time.Overnight in Hotel.

Day 14:In Thimphu
Option for full day excursion-drive to Punakha & Wangdue (1350 m) and return to Thimphu in the evening. Or stay in Thimphu for further tour and to take it easy. Overnight in Hotel

Day 15: Departure
Transfer to Paro airport in time for your flight. If you are short on time, we can remove the rest day in Lingshi or the day 14 excursions to Punakha.