Jhomolhari Trek

Jhomolhari Trek: A Journey Through Bhutan's Majestic Landscapes

The journey to Bhutan begins with a breathtaking flight to Paro, offering a panoramic view of some of the world's highest peaks. Upon landing, our Bhutan Travel Bureau representative will greet you at Paro Airport. After a leisurely lunch, we embark on an afternoon of sightseeing. The first stop is the National Museum, housed in the Ta Dzong. This museum offers an impressive collection of religious relics, artworks, and handicrafts, providing an enriching glimpse into Bhutan's cultural heritage. Next, we visit the Rimpong Dzong, where you can see a beautiful painting of Milarepa, a revered saint known for his mastery of meditation. The day concludes with a stroll across a charming cantilever wooden bridge. Overnight at your hotel in Paro.

After breakfast, we set out for the iconic Taktsang Monastery, also known as the Tiger's Nest. The hike is a challenging yet rewarding journey, taking about 1.5 to 2 hours uphill. Perched on a sheer cliff 900 meters above the valley floor, Taktsang Monastery is a sight to behold. Legend has it that Guru Rimpoche meditated here in the 8th century, bringing Buddhism to Bhutan. We enjoy lunch at a nearby teahouse before descending. In the afternoon, we visit the reconstructed Drukgyel Dzong. Destroyed by fire in 1951, this monument was initially built to commemorate Bhutan's victory over Tibetan invaders. On clear days, the sacred Mount Jomolhari forms a stunning backdrop. Overnight at your hotel in Paro.

Our trek begins from Drukgyel Dzong at an altitude of 2580 meters. We start with a short downhill walk on a wide track, gradually climbing through rice terraces and millet fields. As we progress, we pass through apple orchards and dense forests. The valley widens as we approach the army post of Gunitsawa, the last stop before Tibet. Continuing upwards, we reach our campsite just beyond Sharma Zampa, surrounded by tranquil meadows and trees. Overnight at campsite.

Today's trek covers 20 kilometers and takes about 7-8 hours. We follow the Paro River, with the trail ascending and descending through pine, oak, and spruce forests. After crossing a bridge to the left bank of the river, we pause for lunch. The journey continues through rhododendron forests, with another river crossing before reaching our campsite at 3750 meters. Overnight at campsite.

We begin with a steady ascent to an army camp, then follow the river above the tree line, taking in spectacular views of the surrounding peaks. After a hot lunch at a yak herder’s camp, a short walk brings us to our campsite at Jangothang, situated at 4040 meters. From here, we are treated to stunning views of Chomolhari and Jichu Drake. Overnight at campsite.

The trail follows a gentle stream for half an hour before crossing a bridge to the right bank. We then climb the first ridge, with breathtaking views of Chomolhari, Jichu Drake, and Tserimgang. The trail traverses a level valley floor before ascending to the Nyele-la Pass at 4700 meters. We descend gradually, enjoying panoramic mountain views and spotting Lingshi Dzong in the distance. Our campsite for the night is at Lingshi, at an altitude of 4000 meters. Overnight at campsite.

Today's trek is one of the longest, covering 22 kilometers in 8-9 hours. We start with a climb towards a small white chorten on a ridge above the camp, then turn south up the Mo Chu valley. The trail stays on the west side of this largely treeless valley, climbing steadily above the Mo Chu. After crossing the river, we embark on a steep two-hour climb to Yeli-La Pass at 4820 meters. On clear days, you can see Chomolhari, Gangchenta, Tserimgang, and Masagang. The trail then descends alongside a stream to a rock shelter, continuing downstream until we reach our campsite at Shodu, at 4100 meters. Overnight at campsite.

Our path today follows the course of the Thimphu Chu, descending through rhododendron, juniper, and mixed alpine forests. Along the way, we enjoy stunning views of the surrounding landscape. After a riverside lunch, the trail climbs gradually to the ruins of Barshong Dzong, near which we camp for the night at an altitude of 3600 meters. Overnight at campsite.

Today's trek is 15 kilometers and takes about 5-6 hours. The trail descends gently through dense forests of rhododendron, birch, and conifers before dropping steeply to meet the Thimphu Chu. We follow the river, climbing over ridges and descending into gullies, crossing side streams along the way. The final stage involves a climb around a cliff face high above the Thimphu Chu, emerging onto pastureland where we set up camp at 3600 meters. Overnight at campsite.

The last day of trekking covers 8 kilometers in about 3 hours. The trail winds through a side valley above the Thimphu Chu, ascending through forests of conifers and high-altitude broadleaf species to a pass at 3510 meters. From here, the trail drops steeply down to the river, following it southward to the road head at Dodena, at 2600 meters. Our transport awaits to take us to Thimphu. Overnight at a hotel in Thimphu.

Our day in Thimphu begins with a visit to the National Memorial Chorten, a monument depicting Buddhist faith through paintings and statues. This temple was initiated by the Third King as a protection against modernization's negative elements and completed by the Royal Queen Mother as a memorial for the Third King. Other highlights include the 12th-century Changangkha Temple, Drubthob Monastery housing the Zilukha nunnery, the School for Arts and Crafts, the National Library with Bhutanese scriptures from the 8th century, and the Folk Heritage Museum's medieval farmhouse replica. In the early evening, we drive back to Paro. Overnight at your hotel in Paro.

Savor a final breakfast amidst the serene beauty of Paro before bidding farewell to Bhutan, enriched by memories of a journey that transcended boundaries of luxury and cultural immersion. Reflect on the transformative experiences and spiritual discoveries that have enriched your soul, leaving an indelible imprint of Bhutan’s timeless allure and profound spirituality.