Jhomolhari Trek
Jhomolhari trek can be one of the best treks in Bhutan. Jhomolhari is a week long trek going to the north of Bhutan and finishing in Thimphu. This trek can be done from Paro to Thimphu or vice versa. Along the trail you will see mount Jhomolhari. You even have the option to go till the mount Jhomolhari base camp and return through the village of Soi Yaktsa. Its returning to the same start point but through a different route.
BEST TIME: March, April, May, September, October and November
TREK GRADE: Difficult
DAY 01: – Arrive in Paro
On arrival you will be greeted by our representative and transferred to your hotel. In the afternoon you will visit the National Museum, formerly the watch tower for the dzong. It now houses a collection of fine arts, paintings, thankas, statues, and antiques. Later you will visit the Paro Rinpung Dzong. It was built in 1646 and now houses government offices and religious institutions, as do all the dzongs (forts) currently. You can then visit Kyichu Lhakhang, the oldest temple in the country. In the evening you can explore Paro town. Overnight in Paro.
DAY 02: Paro – Paro
Full day sightseeing in the Paro Valley. After breakfast drive to the Drugyel Dzong or the Fortress of Victory from where the Bhutanese repelled many Tibetan invasions. The Dzong though in ruins holds great historical importance to the Bhutanese. From there, in fine weather, one can view the majestic Mt. Jhumolhari standing at an altitude of 7329m above the sea. Other places of interest include the National Museum, Paro Rinpong Dzong and the local market. Overnight in Hotel.
DAY 03: Paro – Shana
Start of the Jhomolhari trek.
Distance 17Km 5-6hours.
Altitude of camp-2,800mtrs.
Drive up to the end of the road at Drugyel Dzong where the trek begins. The trail follows the river gently uphill through narrowing valley and agricultural fields of the Tsento Village. Overnight in camp near the army outpost.
DAY 04: Shana – Soi Thangthagkha
DISTANCE: 17km.
TREK TIME: 6–7 hrs.
The trail winds continues uphill following the Paro River until the valley narrows and leads to the slopes. Then it descends down into another valley. Camp in a meadow.
DAY 05: Soi Thangthangkha – Jangothang
DISTANCE: 19km.
TREK TIME: 6–7 hrs.
Altitude of camp : 4040m.
The trek is along a gradual uphill trail which passes an army out post. Pack lunch on the way. After lunch you will be passing through the bases of many, snow peaked slopes. Overnight in camp at the base of Mt. Jhumolhari.
DAY 06: Jangothang – Jangothang
A day of rest and acclimatisation. Hike to the beautiful lakes around Jangothang.
DAY 07: Jangothang – Lingshi
DISTANCE : 19km.
TREK TIME : 6-7 hrs.
Altitude of camp : 4150m.
Trek through wide yak pastures and beautiful snow clad mountains. As you approach the Lingshi basin, the breathtaking view of the Lingshi Dzong can be seen. The Tsarim Gang and its glaciers rise up at the north end of the valley. Camp near the stone shelter.
DAY 08: Lingshi – Shodu
DISTANCE: 22km.
TREK TIME : 7-8 Hours.
Altitude of Shodu : 4000m.
The trail climbs up to the Yalila Pass at an altitude of 4820m. Then it is down hill all the way to the camp. Camp beside a stone shelter for travelers.
DAY 09: Shodu – Barshong
DISTANCE: 13km .
TREKTIME: 4–5 hours.
Altitude of Barshong : 3700m.
The trail follows the Thimphu river through forests of Rhododendrons. It winds up and down the slopes and finally leads to the ruins of the Barshong Dzong.
DAY 10: Barshong – Dolam Kencho
DISTANCE : 12km.
TREK TIME : 4-5 hours.
Altitude of Dolam Kencho : 3628m.
Waterfalls and beautiful valleys can be seen along the way. Camp in a meadow.
DAY 11: Dolam Kencho – Dodena – Thimphu
DISTANCE : 14 km.
TREK TIME : 5 – 6hours.
The trail continues through forests winding up and down through a small pass. Monkeys can be spotted on the way. Overnight in Hotel.
DAY 12: Thimphu – Paro
DISTANCE: 14 km.
TREK TIME : 5 – 6hours.
The trail continues through forests winding up and down through a small pass. Monkeys can be spotted on the way. Overnight in Hotel.
DAY 13: Departure
Morning Transfer to Air-Port for your departure. Where your guide will bid you good bye.