Jomolhari Trek

Day 01: Arrival in Paro and Local sightseeing. 

Once you land at the Paro International Airport(2250mtrs), you will be well received by our Professional Tour Guide and Driver.

After that, have lunch/snacks or proceed for the following sightseeing places:

Dungtse Lhakhang: The temple was built in the form of chorten(stupa) by Thang Thong Gyalpo in 15th century to subdue a serpentine force that was located at the foundation of the temple. It has three floors representing hell, earth and heaven.

Ta Dzong(National Museum): Built in 1649 as a watch Tower by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal so that they could watch over Paro Valley or enemies coming. Later in 1968, it was established as a National Museum of Bhutan.

Paro Ringpung Dzong(Fortress of Heap of Jewel):  Built in 1644 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal for administrative and monastic purposes for Paro Districts. In 1993 some scenes of a film named Little Buddha were also filmed in this Dzong. Later you can try wearing our national dress, Gho(male)/Kira(female) and take  photographs(optional). Stroll the Paro Market in the evening by walk. Overnight stay in Paro.

 Day 02:Taktsang(Tiger’s Nest) Hike

Day 03: Paro to Shana to Thangthangkha (Trek start-21kms and 8hrs trek and 3630mtrs). 
Drive to Drukgyel Dzong, the starting point of the trek. While the team prepares the pack animals
visit the ruins of the Drugyel Dzong built as a monument of victory over Tibetan and Mongolian
invaders in the 17th century by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel. From here you can view the
crown of Mt. Jumolhari (7326mtrs), the base of which will make our camp in few days. The
trail follows Paro River gently uphill through a narrowing valley of paddy fields. You will pass
many traditional farmhouses along the way. Overnight stay at the camp.

Day 04: Thangthangka to Jangothang( 16kms, 6hrs trek-4090mtrs)
Gradual climb as the vegetation turns rapidly alpine, past an army outpost until the landscape
opens up into wide valley. The view around is surrounded by high ridges and the snow-capped
mountains all the way to Jangothang(land of ruins). You will also come across yaks and yak herder camps. You will also have a very good view of Mt. Jomolhari from here. Overnight stay at the camp.

Day 05: Jangothang Halt
Rest day or explore the valley. There are many options for exploration including climbing the
ridge behind the camp for better view Jumolhari and Jichu Drake or walk to the glacial basin of
Jumolhari or to glacial lakes of Tsophu. A stop here does well for acclimatization since the route
here on goes higher. Overnight stay at the camp.

Day 06: Jangothang to  Lingshi(4150mtrs, 19kms, 6kms time).

The trail enters more serious climb, starting with a climb to a higher basin, from where it levels
for a while until the start for a long climb to Nyile La pass(4,890mtrs). After the pass, you will
descent into Lingshi basin. The vegetation is sparse and as you approach Lingshi you will see
great view of the frontier Fortress, Mt. Tserim Kang and its glaciers to the north.

Day 07: Lingshi Halt (Optional)
Spend the day resting or take day excursions to Lingshi Dzong and village or a trip to Tsokha
Lake(4,500mtrs), the base camp for Mt.Jichu Drake. You will most probably encounter Blue
sheep and Musk deer during the day hikes. Tsokha excursion is 15 kms and will take 3 – 4 hours
round trip.

Day 08: Lingshi – Shodu(3963mtrs, 22kms, 8hrs)
The trail climbs up gradually to a glacial basin with great view of Lingshi Dzong and further high
across Yelila Pass(4,820mtrs). From the pass, you will have an awesome view of Mt.
Jumolhari, Mt.Tserim Gang and Mt. Masagang on clear days.

Day 09: Shodu – Barshong(3785mtrs, 13kms, 4hrs time)
Following the Thimchu river through rhododendron meadows, the valley is narrow until the
climb to the ruins of Barshong Dzong, a 17th century trade-route guard post.

Day 10: Barshong – Dolam Kencho(3628mtrs, 11kms, 4hrs time)
The trail descends through thick rhododendron forest and makes the place almost surreal in the
right season. It is either on fairy level ground or downhill until camp by Thim chhu again.

Day 11: Dolam Kencho – Thimphu(Trek End-14kms, 5hrs)
The trail descends all the way to Dodina through progressively temperate vegetation. It is a
winding route downhill with great part of the day descending stone steps to the river again, which
you leave at mid-day. Shortly after you hit the river valley, it will lead you to the bridge and the
road which ends the trek at the base of two famous Buddhist Colleges and retreat center, Tango
and Cheri Momastery. Finally your car will pick and drop you to the hotel in Thimphu.

Day 12: Thimphu Local Sightseeing

Kuensel Phodrang(Buddha Point): Standing at a height of 169ft(51.5m) is The Buddha Dordenma which was built from 2006 to 2015 to have peace and prosperity in the world.

Takin Preserve Centre: Here you can witness the National Animal of Bhutan Takin who has the head of a goat and the body of a cow. Mythologically it was created by a great spiritual master Lam Drukpa Kuenley(Divine Mad Man) in the 15th century and it is an endangered species.

Painting School: It is a school where students learn 13 arts and crafts like wood carving, painting, embroidery, sculpturing, tailoring, etc. You can witness the students learning the skills in different classrooms.

Thangthong Dewachen Nunnery: Established in 1976 by the 16th emanation of Thangtong Gyalpo(Iron Bridge Builder),Drubthob Rikey Jadrel. Here the nuns they study Buddhism and dedicate their lives for community service. Currently is has about 70 nuns.

National Library and Archives: This Library was established in 1967 to preserve and promote the rich cultural and religious heritage of Bhutan where sacred religious books and manuscripts are collected. In addition, it also has the world’s Largest Book.

Folk Heritage Museum: Established in 2001 by the Queen Mother, the Museum provides the insights of Bhutanese culture and it’s way of life. It showcases the typical Bhutanese house with living room, storage room, alter room, kitchen, tools and utensils used by them. You will also witness the process of making the local wine(Ara) and the roasted rice(Zau).

Textile Museum: Established in 2001 by the Queen Mother, it showcases the textile and the art of weaving. Make a visit to know the textiles and the techniques used to weave the Bhutanese attire.

Centenary Vegetable Market: Explore the local vegetable market where you will find the local and organic fruits, vegetables, dairy products, etc.

Visit Changlimithang Archery Ground: Here you will witness the live Archery(National Game) matches.

Tashichho Dzong(Fortress): Built in the 17th Century by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal(First Governor of Bhutan), it is divided into two parts: Administrative block and Monastic block. It also houses the throne room of His Majesty the King of Bhutan. Moreover, the annual Festival “Tshechu” is also celebrated at this Fortress. In the evening explore Thimphu city by walk. Overnight stay in Thimphu.

Day 13: Thimphu to Paro(End of the Tour- 60kms and 1 hr drive)
Transfer to Paro taking the good memories of Bhutan, we will say “Lok jay gay”(will meet next time). Please visit Bhutan again and refer us to your friends and families at +97517236237 or mail us at travelmorebhutan@gmail.com.