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Jumolhari Trek

Trekking

Jumolhari Trek - 10 Days

Trekking

Jumolhari Trek in Bhutan is one of the most enchanting adventure treks in the country. The beautiful Jumolhari Trek highlights the great diversity that the Bhutanese landscape has to offer. After an acclimatization hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery, you will start the trek from the historic Drukgyel Dzong ruins, north of Paro Valley. The first three days of this trek follow the Pachhu (Paro River) valley to Jangothang base camp, where you will have a stunning view of 7,315m Mount Jumolhari, the second-highest unclimbed peak in the world. You will have a day of acclimatization here in preparation for the next few days, which will be spent exploring nearby ridges and optionally visiting twin lakes.

As you traverse this trek, you will pass through thick pine forests, scattered hamlets, and alpine meadows, eventually leading to high pasturelands where yak herders graze their animals. The route is challenging, attaining a maximum altitude of 15,114 feet, and requires trekkers to have very good physical fitness. Highlights include the fabulous views of snow-capped mountains such as Mount Jumolhari and Mount Jichu Drake, as well as the experience of camping overnight at the base of Mount Jumolhari.

The next day, you will trek through high pasturelands and a loose, stony trail to arrive at Neyle La Pass (4,700m), marked by stone cairns and a few prayer flags. From the pass, descend with a view of Lingzhi Dzong fortress. The next high pass after Lingzhi is the Yaklayla Pass at 4,942m, offering astonishing views of Mount Jichu Drake (6,989m) and Tsherim Gang (6,789m). You will then descend gradually along the Thimphu Chu River until the end of your trek. The last two days will be spent exploring the cultural sights of Thimphu and Punakha Valleys before your flight back home. Before and after your trek, there will also be time to visit the sites of Paro and Thimphu.

Tour Costing:

  • 1 Pax: $ per person
  • 2 Pax: $ per person
  • 3 Pax and More: $ per person

Note: The above tour cost is inclusive of the Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) of US$100 per day (per adult, with concessionary rates for children). A non-refundable, one-time visa application fee of US$40 is also payable.

Entrance fees for monuments and festivals visits to be paid separately.

Included:

  • Accommodation (usually 3-star hotels, can upgrade at additional cost)
  • All meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner).
  • Transport within Bhutan including airport transfers.
  • Sustainable development fee (SDF).
  • Bhutan visa fee.
  • One trekking guide.
  • Sightseeing.
  • Bottled water.
  • Trekking cook
  • Helpers
  • Ponies and yaks
  • Tents (Sleeping tents, sleeping mats & pillows, Dinning tents, kitchen tent & toilet tent)
  • Tables, chairs, utensils, hot water bags

Not Included:

  • International airfare to/from Bhutan.
  • Entrance fees for museums and monuments.
  • Insurance premiums.
  • Payments for service provided on a personal basis.
  • Cost for any services not mentioned in the “Cost Include head”.
  • Cost incurred due to mishaps, strikes, political unrest etc.
  • Personal expenses (souvenirs, tips, additional beverages, etc.)
  • Sleeping bag

Detailed Itinerary

Upon arrival at Paro International airport, you will be welcomed by our company representative and the tour guide will receive and escort you to designated Hotels in Paro. After lunch, if time permits, you have four sightseeing in Paro — Rinpung Dzong or fortress, which was built in 1646 now houses government offices and district monk body; a traditional wooden bridge; 8 th century old Kichu Monastery and the Drukgyal Dzong ruins, which was built in 1646 to commemorate Bhutan’s victory over Tibetan invaders during the 1600s. In the evening you can stroll through the Paro town. Overnight at a hotel in Paro.

Hike to Tiger`s Nest, one of the most sacred Taktshang monasteries in Bhutan. It is perched on the cliff where Guru Rinpoche is said to have flown to the site riding on a tigress. He subsequently meditated here for three months. You can have lunch at the Taktshang cafeteria from where you get a spectacular view of the monastery. In the afternoon drive to the ruins of the 17th Century Drukgyel Dzong, an historic monument built by the Zhabdrung to commemorate his victory against invading Tibetans in 1644. In fine weather the towering peak of the sacred Mount Jomolhari (7314m) appears as a stunning backdrop. On the return drive to Paro, visit 7th Century Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the 108 temples constructed by the Tibetan king Songtsen Gampo. Overnight at Paro.

The trek starts from Drukgyel Dzong, the ruined fort, which was once defended this valley from Tibetan invasions. The trail then climbs gently through rice terraces and field of millet. Later on we come to apple orchards and forests. Finally at "Gunitsawa", a military camp, which also junctions as a checked point for the army. Here the permits for the trek have to be produced. We continue upwards to just beyond Sharma Zampa, where there are good camping places. Overnight at campsite.

The trail follows the Pa Chu River through a heavily forested area with a few isolated farmhouses. As we go up the valley becomes narrow, wilder and steeper. After crossing a bridge to the left bank of the river, we stop for lunch. Then continue along the river, climbing upwards through Rhododendron forest, and again we have to cross river to reach our campsite. Overnight at campsite.

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 (4,040m). From here, the views of Jhomolhari and Jichu Drake are superb. Overnight at campsite.

Today, you will tackle a four-hour acclimatization hike to the north of your camp. There is practically no trail but you will climb on an open and endless slope till you see the view of Mount Jichu Drakye (6989m). You can scramble further up till 4895m (higher than Mount Blanc) to see amazing view of Mount Jumolhari. You are likely to spot rare blue sheep, Himalayan rhubarb, griffon vultures, golden eagles and the remarkable blue poppy. Jangothang base is a flat grassy land with an old ruined fortress on a hillock in the foreground, beneath the colossal Mount Jumolhari and Jichu Drake. The other viable option is to go on two hours excursion to the twin Tshophu Lakes on the way to Bongtela Pass. Most people show signs of mountain sickness at this altitude and it is recommended that all trekkers halt here. If you do not wish to hike then simply relax in camp, either way it will be a memorable day.

The trail climbs gradually to Nyili La pass. Broad yak pastures can be seen along the length of the route. If the weather is clear, there is an excellent view of Lingshi Dzong as we descending into the Lingshi basin. Tstherimgang and its descending glaciers can be seen at the north end of the valleys. We camp in a stone shelter at 3915 m. Overnight at campsite

Your trail proceed ahead passing Lingshi Dzong built in the 17th century, perched on its hilltop, enjoying exhilarating views of green hills, the winding river, and magnificent peaks. After an hour form Lingshi, the trail reaches a cairn and prayer flags on a ridge and then makes a long descent to the pleasant settlement of Gayul. After leaving this village making a short ascent and descent, the route leads to Chebisa Village. Overnight at campsite.

Today's trail begins with a stiff climb of nearly four hours up a ridge to Gombu-La (4,500m) and then descends through rhododendrons bushes to a stream at about 4,170m. The trail further climbs over a small ridge through a cedar forest and then to the village of Shakshepasa. Overnight at campsite.

The trek starts with a climb to Jari-la pass (4,700m) then descending to Tasharijathang valley, the summer grazing ground of the rare Himalayan Takin. Camp is at Tsheri Jathang valley which has been declared a special Takin sanctuary.

Today's trail start with a long climb up to Shinje-La Pass (4,900m), the last and the highest pass on the trek which is about 5 hours walk from camp. After crossing the pass we descend to Limithang (4,140), a lovely campsite in a big meadow.

In the morning we walk to a superb view of Gangchenta peak infront of our camp. The walk to laya is extremely pleasant with wonderful mountain scenery and passing through forests filled with moss and singing birds. We set up a camp on arrival at laya village, the second highest settlement in the country at an altitude of 3,800m.

Spend the day relaxing visiting Laya Village or going on short hikes above the camp.

From Laya we descend to the army camp and continue following the river till the turn off point for Rhodophu. After lunch we continue climbing through rhododendron bushes till you reach a hanging valley where there are yaks grazing. Overnight at campsite.

After following the river for about half an hour you will have a steady climb to a high open valley at 4,600m and then further up to Tsomo La (4,900m). Tsomo La offers a superb view of Lunana, Mount Jomolhari and Jichu Drake, and the Tibetan border. The route then crosses a flat, barren plateau at about 5,000m. The campsite at Narethang is towered by the peak of Gangla Karchung (6,395m).

From the camp you will climb for about an hour to Ganglakarchung-La (5,080m). The view from the pass is breathtaking, encompassing the whole mountain range. After crossing the pass, it is a very long descends to Tarina Valley. Overnight at campsite

The path leads down through coniferous forest following the upper ridges of the Pho Chu. The trail then climbs over a ridge and drops to Woche at 3,800m, a settlement of a few houses, the first village in the Gasa region. Overnight at campsite.

The trek starts with a walk through juniper and fir forests, and further ahead through rhododendron bushes. We climb up to Keche-La Pass (4,480m) where one can have the great views of surrounding mountains. We walk upstream as far as Lhedi Village(3,659m), where we camp overnight.

Today the route continues to follow the river, rising gradually to Chozo Village (4,090m) which has a Dzong still in use. After Lunch we will visit the village temple, and then walk for some time to suspension bridge to cross the river. Although there are possibilities to camp at Thanza, most prefer to camp in Thoencha.

In Thanza walk around and experience some village life or climb up the ridge for yet other splendid views of lakes and mountains.

You will climb to a large boulders hill towards south of Thanza and after few hours of easy walk, we reach Danji (4500m), which is a summer grazing ground for the yaks. At Danji, you may also see herds of blue sheep grazing on the meadows. From Danji, we climb few hundred meters up to the top of the ridge, which offers excellent views of surrounding mountains. Walking for another 20 minutes, will reach at the junction of trails leading to Gangkar Phunsum and Tshochena. We take the trail to the right that leads to Jaze La pass. The Jazela pass, which is at 5200m, offers majestic views of surrounding mountains in all directions. From the pass, the trail descends through snow-capped peaks and lakes to Tshochena 5000m

We follow the shore of a blue-green lake and then climb to a ridge at 5150m, which offers panoramic views of snowy peaks in 360-degree. From here, the road and the microwave tower at Dochu La can also be viewed in far distance. The trail goes up and down over a small, rounded hill. We then pass a glacial lake and reach Loju La pass (5170m), which is a yak pasture with many crisscrossing yak trails. We take a trail that crosses a small saddle-like hill at 5120m to a wide glacial valley. We descend further down to Jichudramo camp (5050m) – this is the highest campsite on our entire trek.

We will climb through a moraine path to the picturesque Rinchen Zoe pass (5350m), which divides Phochu and Mangdechu basins. The Gangkar Puensum (7520m), the highest mountain in Bhutan can be seen from this pass. Further, the demarcation between the forests and the barren high-altitude areas are remarkably seen from here. Descending through a broad marshy valley with strings of lakes, steep face of moraine and yak pastures, we reach Tampe Chu, which is amidst rhododendron and Juniper forests. We camp at Thongsa Thang (4400m) some distance away from Chukarpo.

We descend following the right bank of a river to a Galapang yak pasture at 4025m. We will then climb steeply through forests of junipers and silver firs until we reach Tampetsho. The trail to Tampetsho follows a stream to a beautiful clear, turquoise-colored lake, which is set like in a bowl surrounded by steep ridges. We will camp at end of the lake at 4320m.

Today, we will climb steeply to the Tampela Pass (4600m). The sight of blue sheep on the mountain slopes above trail is common here. We then descend to the Omtsho Lake. The legend has it that, in 15the century, the famous saint Terton Pema Lingpa miraculously discovered a treasure from this lake. The trail goes toward the shore of the lake and reaches its outlet marked by the prayer flags and then descends steeply pass a waterfall to a small lake. The trail finally meets the left bank of Nika Chu River. After some time, we reach to a large open area close to the confluence a major tributary flowing from east. We will then cross a wooden bridge and walk along mixed forests to reach Maraothang (3620m), which is a wide-open area with yak herder’s camp and your last night camp.

The last day of the trek goes gradually downhill through mixed deciduous and bamboo forests. We further descend through forests and pastures connecting to large grassy area overlooking the motor road and Sephu Village (2650m). Your car will be waiting here to transfer you to Wangdue. Overnight hotel in Punakha.

Today you will drive to Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan. En route visit Punakha Dzong, which is stunningly situated in between the male and female rivers like an anchored ship. Then drive to Thimphu via Dochula pass. Check into hotel on arrival. After settling in, drive to Kuenselphodrang where the 169ft giant Buddha statue sits. It is supposedly the largest bronze statue in the world. You can spend some time exploring and clicking pictures. Evening is at your leisure. You may explore Thimphu town on your own. Overnight hotel Thimphu.

Morning: Breakfast timing may depend on the return Flight time. All hotels serve early morning Breakfast by 6.00 am. The guests will be Seen Off by a Representative of our company and the Tour Guide at the Exit Gate. Wish Bon Voyage!!!
$ / per person

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