Jomolhari Trek

Day 01: Arrive Paro

Day 02 : Paro Taktshang hike

Day 3: Gunitsawa Village – Sharna Zampa

40mins, 80 m descent, camp altitude 2,850 m.

This trek begins at Gunitsawa Village were you pass the army post. At the army checkpost your trek permit (provided by your tour operator) will be checked and endorsed. The campsite is on the opposite side of the river, not far from Gunitsawa.

Day 4: Sharna Zampa - Thangthangkha

Distance 22 km, 7-8 hours,  770 m ascent, 10 m descent, camp altitude 3,610 m.

On this long day, the trail continues with lots of small ups and downs. After going uphill through the river valley the valley finally narrows gradually to a mere path which descends to a meadow where a camp will be set up. From here, if weather permits, you will have the first great view of Mt. Jomolhari.

Day 5: Thangthangkha – Jangothang

Distance 19 km, 5-6 hours, 480 m ascent, camp altitude 4,080 m.

If you did not see Mt. Jomolhari the previous evening, you will still have a chance to get a great view early this morning. This morning the trek continues up the Paro Chhu valley which widens into patches of alpine meadow and scanty growths of forest. You will cross an army checkpoint along the way and enjoy a spectacular view of high mountain ridges and snow-capped peaks. In this area yaks and their herder’s homes become a regular feature of the landscape. Passing the villages Soe, Takethang and Dangochang is another asset on this day. After reaching Jangothang, one of the most beautiful campsites of the Himalayas, you will again have a spectacular view of Mount Jomolhari.

Day 6: Jangothang Halt

The rest day in Jangothang provides plenty of possibilities for day hikes with great views of lakes and snow capped mountains such as Jomolhari and Jichu Drake. There are good chances to spot some blue sheep on the upper slopes of the valley. Jangothang is a perfect environment for your acclimatization. You can also trek up to Tosoh or hike around the area. There are good short hiking trails in three directions. Jomolhari and its subsidiary mountain chains lie directly west, Jichu Drake to the north and there are a number of unclimbed peaks to the east.

Day 7: Jangothang – Lingshi

Distance 16km, six to seven hours, 810m ascent, 1,090m descent, camp altitude 3,800m.

The trail leads to a last settlement in the valley and drops to the Paro Chhu. Passing the lake of Tshophu (4,380m) you will climb up steeply to Bhonte La pass at 4,890 m, the highest point of this trek route. Reaching the Dhumzo Chhu river, you trek downstream passing the few houses of Soi Yaktsa (Dhumzo) to arrive at your camp soon after.

Day 8: Lingshi – Shodu

Distance 22km, eight to nine hours, 940m ascent, 920m descent, camp altitude 4,080m.

The trail climbs up to the Yelila pass at an altitude of 4,930m. From the pass, on a clear day you will get an excellent view of Jumolhari, Tserimgang and Masanggang. The trek from the pass to the campsite at Shodu is a steep downhill.

Day 9: Shodu – Barshong

Distance 16km, five to six hours, 250m ascent, 670m descent, camp altitude 3,710m.

The trail follows the Thimphu Chhu through rhododendron forests, past beautiful waterfalls along the way. The valley narrows till the path takes to the slopes and gradually ascends to the ruins of Barshong Dzong.

Day 10: Barshong – Dolam Kencho

Distance 15km, four to six hours, 290m ascent, 640m descent, camp altitude 3,320m.

The trail descends down to the Thimphu Chhu river valley, through dense forests of rhododendron, birch, conifer, maples and bamboos and then ascends to pasture lands. The camp is in a meadow.

Day 11: Dolam Kencho – Dodena

Distance 8km, three to four hours, 500m ascent, 930m descent.

The trail continues through forested areas winding up and down and through a small pass. Langurs (monkeys) can be seen along the way. In Dodena, you will exit the Jigme Dorji National Park and reach the road head next to a impressive cantilever bridge. The trek finishes at the beautiful Cherri Monastery, while it is a 40 min hike to the monastery it is well worth it.

Day 12: Thimphu sightseeing

Day 13: Departure

The Bhutan tour package prices includes the following:

• Bhutan Government Royalty/ Sustainable Development Fee of USD $ 200 per person/night
• FIT surcharges of US$40/person/night for a single traveler and US$30/person/night for a double
• Twin sharing hotel rooms at 3 Star hotels
• All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner & light refreshments) at 3 Star hotels/tourist standard restaurants 
• English speaking tour guide
• All transfers and excursions by private vehicles
• All entrance fees to museums and monuments
• All internal taxes and fees
• Mineral drinking water
• Bhutanese Tourist Visa fee of US$40/person.

The tour prices do not include the following:

• Single room supplement of US$40/room/night during low season and US$ 50/room/night during high season (optional)
• Travel insurance (recommended)
• 4 star and 5 star accommodations and meals (optional)
• Other personal expenses like overseas calls, laundry, etc.