11 DAYS - JUMOLHARI TREK

The beautiful Jomolhari Trek highlights the great diversity that the Bhutanese landscape has to offer. You will pass through thick pine forests, scattered hamlets and alpine meadows that lead to the high pastureland where yak herders graze their animals. Highlights include the fabulous views of snow-capped mountains such as Mt. Jomolhari and Mt. Jichu Drake and camping overnight at the base of Mt Jomolhari. It is a difficult route attaining a maximum altitude of 15,114 ft, and requires trekkers to have very good physical fitness. Before and after your trek, there will also be time to visit the sites of Paro and Thimphu.

11 DAYS JUMOLHARI TREK (10 NIGHTS/11 DAYS)

DAY 1: ARRIVE PARO

The flight to Paro is one of the most spectacular mountain flights in the world, with a constantly changing panorama of some of the highest mountains on earth. Our representative will meet you at Paro airport. After lunch enjoy afternoon sightseeing around Paro, including a visit to the National Museum, Ta Dzong. This museum houses many religious relics, works of art, and handicrafts offering a great orientation into Bhutan’s historical and cultural past. Next, visit the Rimpong Dzong. Dzong’s are large monasteries and district administrative centers, which were once strategic forts. Afterward walk to the beautiful cantilever wooden bridge still in use.

Overnight at your hotel in Paro.

DAY 2: PARO (HIKE TO TAKTSANG)

Hike up to Taktsang Monastery ‘Tiger’s Nest Monastery, perched on the ledge of a cliff high above the Paro Valley. There is a chance to walk another 2 hours to the actual monastery for anyone feeling energetic. Return to your hotel in the afternoon and spend some time exploring Paro town.

DAY 3: PARO - SHANA - THANGTHANGKHA

Begin your trek after a drive to Shana. The trail follows the river through a heavily forested area with a few isolated farmhouses. As we go up the valley becomes narrower, wilder, and steeper. The trail winds up and down along the Pa Chu (Paro river), ascending and descending through pine, oak and spruce, and Rhododendron forest, and crossing the river once more before reaching the campsite (3750m).20km, 6-8 hours

Day 4: THANGTHANGKHA - JANGOTHANG

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 (4040m). From here the views of Jumolhari and Jichu Drake are superb.19km, 6-8 hours

DAY 5: JANGOTHANG – LINGSHI

The trail follows a gentle stream for half an hour and crosses a bridge to the right bank. We now start our climb up the first ridge, enjoying breathtaking views of Jumolhari, Jichu Drake, and Tserimgang. The trail then takes us across a fairly level valley floor until the climb up to Nyele-la Pass (4700m). We descend gradually enjoying a panoramic view of the mountainous peaks and Lingshi Dzong from the pass until we reach our campsite at Lingshi (4000m).

18 km, 7-8 hours

DAY 6: LINGSHI – SHODU

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 a clear day, you can see Jumolhari, 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)

22 km, 8-9 hours

DAY 7: SHODU – BARSHONG

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.

16 km, 6-7 hours

DAY 8: BARSHONG – DOLAM KENCHO

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 climbs around a cliff face high above the Thimphu Chu, coming out onto Pastureland where we camp for the night at 3600m.

15 km, 5-6 hours

DAY 9: DOLAM KENCHO – DODENA – THIMPHU

The trail winds in and out of a side valley above the Thimphu Chhu, making a long ascent through a forest of conifers and high altitude broadleaf species to a pass at 3510m. The trail then drops steeply down to the river, following it southward to the road head at Dodena (2600m). Your transport meets you here, and we drive to Thimphu.

8 km, 3 hours

DAY 10: THIMPHU - PARO

We have most of the day to tour the capital of Bhutan. Places of interest are the Big Buddha Dordenma, Memorial Chorten, Traditional Art School, and the Centennial farmers’ market, which is more vibrant over the weekend (Fri-Sun).

You can decide on these activities with your guide when you are here. Afternoon drive to Paro.

DAY 11: DEPART

Drive to airport after breakfast for flight to onward destination.

INCLUDED IN OUR TAILOR MADE BHUTAN TREKS

Bhutan Tourist Tariff Royalty & Visa fees.
Vehicle for all private excursions and transfers
.Local English speaking trekking guide/tour leader.
Cook and camp hand to take care of camp chores and provide wholesome meals.
Services of horsemen who will look after the yaks & ponies that transport luggage and camp gear.
Experienced driver.
Accommodation in high standard government approved hotels & guesthouses.
All meals in Bhutan.
All entrance fees and permits

NOT INCLUDED

All personal expenses such as bars, beverages, laundry, telephone and tips.
Medical / Travel Insurance.