Jomolhari Trek (13 Nights / 14 Days)

$4,340

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:
  • 1-2 Pax: $4,340 Per Person
  • 3-10 Pax: $4,088 Per Person
  • 11 Pax and More: $3,962 Per Person
Includes
  • All meals [breakfast / lunch / dinner and evening tea / coffee].
  • Tents
  • All transportation within the country including airport transfers.
  • Sustainable development fee.
  • Bhutan visa fee.
  • One trekking guide.
  • Trekking cook
  • Helpers
  • Ponies and yaks
  • Mattresses and all other trekking accessories.
  • Bottled water during the tour.
Excludes
  • Airfare.
  • Travel Insurance
  • Any Expenses of Personal Nature

Detailed itinerary for Jomolhari Trek

  • 1
    Day 01: Arrive Paro International Airport
    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.
  • 2
    Day 02: Hike to Paro Taktshang
    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.
  • 3
    Day 03: Paro to Sharna Zampa
    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.
  • 4
    Day 04: Sharna Zampa to Soi Thangkha
    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.
  • 5
    Day 05: Soi Thangkha to Jangothang base camp
    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.
  • 6
    Day 06: Jangothang acclimatization and exploration
    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.
  • 7
    Day 07: Jangothang to Lingshi
    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
  • 8
    Day 08: Lingshi to Shodu
    The trail ascends to the Yali la pass, from where Mount Jumolhari, Tserimgang and Masagang can be seen on a clear day. Nomads traveling between Lingshi and Thimphu use the Yali la so the trail is well marked. The trail then descends alongside a stream to a rock shelter in a cliff face. Then continues on downstream until reaching Shodu, where we will camp in a meadow with a chorten in it. Overnight at campsite.
  • 9
    Day 09: Shodu to Barshong
    The path follows the course of Thimphu Chu, descending through rhododendrons and waterfalls. Then the trail takes us gradually upwards to the ruins of Barshong Dzong, near which we camp for the night.
  • 10
    Day 10: Barshong to Dodena to Thimphu
    The trail follows the Thimphu Chu through dense rhododendron forest before emerging into pastureland. We climb to a mountain meadow at about 3428 m and over a small pass. Then drops steeply down to the river, following it southward to the road head at Dodena. Bhutan Tour and Treks vehicle will be waiting to collect us. Overnight at Thimphu
  • 11
    Day 11: Thimphu Sightseeing
    We will start our sightseeing tour visiting Memorial Chorten built in memory of the 3rd King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck who reigned the Kingdom from 1952-1972. Visit the National Library where ancient manuscripts are preserved. Further, we will visit the Zorig Chusum - 13 Arts & Crafts Institute where traditional arts and crafts are still kept alive. The visitors can see students of different trades at work like: Sculpting, Thanka Painting, Wood Carving and other skills.

    Afternoon visit to the Textile Museum, Handicrafts Emporium, Crafts Bazaar where Bhutanese textiles and other arts and crafts are displayed and can be purchased. In the evening free for a leisure walk to explore Thimphu. The walk around the city is easy and would be enjoyable to experience the Bhutanese way of life.
  • 12
    Day 12: Thimphu To Punakha
    In the morning drive to Punakha, the former Capital of Bhutan (77 Km) from Thimphu. Enjoy panoramic view of Black Mountain range at Dochu La, Visit Druk Wangyel Lhakhang, and Royal Botanical Garden on the way. Dochu La is a paradise for photographers.

    On arrival to Punakha we will visit Punakha Dzong built in 1637 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel, "the unifier of Bhutan" to serve as the religious and administrative center of the region. It is placed strategically at the junction of the Pho chu and Mo chu rivers. Damaged over the centuries by four catastrophic fires and an earthquake, the Dzong has been fully restored in recent years by the present monarch and displays some of the best works of Bhutanese arts and crafts.

    After lunch, enjoy a walk to Chimi Lhakhang, the temple of fertility, blessed by the Divine Mad Man in the 1500s. The walk to the temple will take about 45 minutes one way through rice paddy fields. Night at Punakha/Wangduephodrang.
  • 13
    Day 13: Punakha To Paro
    In the morning drive upstream of Phochu for a short hike/return from the view point. Depart for Paro after Lunch. Evening: Take a stroll through Paro town. The town is flooded with handicraft shops catering to tourist interest. There also fake jewelry shops. Bargaining is accepted and part of business deals.
  • 14
    Day 14: Paro International Airport
    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!!!