Jomolhari Trek

Day 1: Flight to Paro – Thimphu

Arrive in Paro by Druk Air. You are met and taken to the capital Thimphu, Bhutan’s bucolic capital, nestled in a fertile valley at 2,300m. After lunch we will take a short tour to view some sights and get acquainted with Thimphu.

Day2: Thimphu. Halt & Sightseeing

A full day tour in Thimphu; around the city and the outskirts area. The popular destinations include Traditional School of Arts & Crafts, Indigenous Medicine Practice Center, Folk Heritage Museum, Buddha Dordenma, Memorial Chorten and more.

Day3: Drive to Punakha & Wangdue Phodrang

After further tour of Thimphu in the morning, we drive east to Punakha and Wangdue valley, which takes about 3 hours. En-route, we stop to take in the panoramic views from Dochula Pass (3,050m). In the evening, take a short walk to visit Chimi Lhakhang temple.

Day4: Punakha – Wangdue Phodrang. Sightseeing

In Punakha, we start a gradual hike through cultivated fields and little hamlets to the Khamsum Yuelley Namgyel Chorten, a shrine built for the present King when he was a crown prince and for world peace. We will later descent downhill, following ancient riverside trails and walk back to Punakha Dzong via Sonagasa village. We will visit the impressive Punakha Dzong, an architectural masterpiece at the confluence of Pho Chu & Mo Chu rivers. Later in the evening, we drive to visit Wangdue Phodrang town and the fortress on a ridge.

Day5: Drive to Paro

We will retrace our drive back from Punakha recrossing Dochula for one more opportunity to view panoramic views of the Eastern Himalayan range. Lunch at Thimphu or in Paro depending on the hour of the day. In Paro. we will try to cover some sights as well and later stroll through the town area. This is also an opportunity to shop for any items you may need for the trek. Overnight in hotel.

Day6: Start of Trek to Shana (Approx. 17km, 5 hours, 360m ascent, 80m descent)
Early morning we drive to the ruins of the Drugyal dzong, where the trek starts. Trek today is mostly through villages and does not include high passes. Picnic lunch and overnight camping at Shana

Day7: Trek to Soi Thangthanka  (Approx. 22km, 7-8 hours, 770m ascent, 10m descent)

Today the trek is much longer and tougher. The trek leads into the Jigme Dorji National Park through the thick forest of oak, pine and uniper. At the camp site, you get the first glance of the Jomolhari peak. Camping at Soi Thangthanka amidst the woods.

Day 8: Trek to Jangothang (Approx. 12km, 5-6 hours, 480m ascent)

We come across few yak herders’ villages along the trail. Not a long day but because of the altitude the pace gets slower. Camp at Jangothang below a ruined fortress with the great Mt. Jomolhari seemingly nearby.

Day9: Rest Day & Exploration

Explore the base camp and indulge in photography. We can choose to walk towards the glaciers of Jomolhari or walk up the view point where you can grasp a better view of the majestic mountains of Jomolhari & Jitchu Drakey. Overnight in camp.

Day10: Trek across Bonte La to Yaksa (Approx. 16km, 7 hours, 810m ascent, 1090m descent)

The trails lead to the lake of Tshophu and descends into a hidden valley  and then the sudden steep climb to Bonte La pass at 4890m. Chances of spotting the Blue Sheep. Descend to the nomad village of Soi Yaksa. Overnight in camping.

Day11: Trek to Thongbu Shong (Approx. 11km, 5 hours, 720m ascent and 340 descent)

Gradually we make our way to the Takhung La pass at (4520m) and after a short descent we reach a wide and grassy Thongbushong valley. Overnight in camp at Thangbushong valley at 4180m.

Day12: Thongbu Shong – Shana (Approx. 13km, 5 hours, 200m ascent, 1650m descent.)

We trek first few hours along the ridge crossing Thombu La pass (4380m) offering spectacular views of the mountains and valleys. Then descend into the pine forest most of the afternoon leading to the campsite at Shana (2730).

Day13: Shana – Paro (Approx. 17km, 5hours, 80m ascent 360m descent)

Last day of the trek through Gunitsawa and Tsento village. Follow the Paro river and we reach back to Drugyal Dzong. Overnight in hotel.

Day 14: Paro – Halt (Excursion to Tigers Nest)

Half day excursion to the Tigers Nest Monastery and in the afternoon you can explore the town at you own leisure. Overnight in hotel.

Day 15: Paro – See Off

After breakfast we drive to the airport for your departure.