Standard Itinerary: This is a strenuous adventure trek.
Day 01: Arrive at Paro
The flight to Bhutan takes you over the great Himalayas, offering the most scintillating scenery of the world’s highest glacial peaks. Upon your arrival representative from Himalayan Dragon Tours & Treks will receive you and transfer to hotel through fascinating valley of Paro.
Day 02: Excursion to Kila Gompa
After breakfast drive to Chele la Pass (4000m). From here you can view the Mt. Jomolhari (24,000 ft.), Mt. Tshering Gang (22,700 ft.) and Mt. Jichu Drake (22,300 ft.). Then hike to Kila Gompa, the Nunnery Monastery. This Goemba is nestled in a craggy patch on the mountainside below the Chele la pass, and surrounded by numerous huts, perched precariously along the rock face. Kila Goemba is serene homage for 32 Anim (Buddhist nuns) who lead an undisturbed life of religious studies, prayer and meditation. This Goemba is historically significant as a sacred meditation site for renowned saints including Dupthob Chilkarwa, a student of Pelden Drukpa of Kagyupa sect. Then stroll back to the bus to drive back to hotel for overnight.
Day 03: Paro sightseeing
Drive to Paro visit, Kyichu Lhakhang, built in 7th century during the reign of first Tibetan king. Afternoon excursion to Taktsang Monastery that takes about 15 minutes drive to the starting point. The hike to Taktsang takes about an hour uphill till the viewpoint. Initially, Guru Rinpoche visited and meditated in 8th century at this particular site. The Desi Tenzin Rabgye later built the temple in the 17th century. Overnight Hotel.
Day 04: Paro – Shana (distance 17km, 5/6 hours)
The trek starts from Drukgyel Dzong at 2580m with a short downhill walk on a wide trail. The trail climbs gently traversing through well-maintained rice terraces and fields of millet. The route later enters an area of apple orchards and forests. Soon the valley widens and you reach the army post of Gunitsawa at 2810m. This is the last stop before Tibet. At 2870m, just beyond Shana Zampa, there are several good camping places in meadows surrounded by trees.
Day 05: Shana – Soi Thangthangka (distance 18km, 7/8 hrs)
The trail again follows Pa Chu (Paro River), ascending and descending through pine, oak and spruce forests. Hot lunch will be served after crossing the bridge towards the left side of the river. After lunch follow the river climbing up through rhododendron forests and finally crossing the bridge again, reaching to the campsite at the alt. of 3,750m.
Day 06: Thangthangka – Jangothang (distance 19km, 7/8 hrs)
The path ascends for while till you reach the army camp. Then follow the river above the tree line enjoying the stunning view of the surrounding peaks. Hot lunch will be served inside a yak herder’s camp. A short walk into the valley will take you to the camp at Jangothang at an alt. of 4,040 m. From here, the view of Mt. Jomolhari and Jichu Drake are superb.
Day 07: Jangothang – Lingshi (distance18km, 7/8 hrs)
The trail follows the stream for half an hour and crosses the bridge to the right side. Start the climb up to the first ridge with a breathtaking view of Jomolhari, Jichu Drake and Tserimgang. Then walk towards the valley, almost flat for a while, until the climb to the Nyele la pass at an alt. of 4,700m. After the pass it is a gradual descent to the Lingshi camp, enjoying the panoramic view of the peaks and Lingshi Dzong. Camp at the alt. of 4000m.
Day 08: Lingshi – Shodu (distance 22km, 8/9 hrs)
The trek route climbs towards a small white Chorten on a ridge above the camp then turns south up the deep Mo Chu valley. The trail stays on the West Side of the largely treeless valley, climbing steadily a short distance above Mo Chu. It then crosses the river, and climbs steeply for two hours to Yeli la (4820m). From the pass, on a clear day, you can see Jomolhari, Gangchhenta, Tshering gang and Masang Gang. Descend alongside a stream to a stream to a shelter, and then further downstream to a camp at Shodu (4,100m) a meadow with a Chorten.
Day 09: Shodu – Barshong (distance16km, 6/7 hrs)
At this place, one comes back to tree line. The path follows Thimphu River, descending through rhododendron, juniper and other alpine forests. The view of the cliff facing rocks and waterfalls is stunning. Hot lunch will be served by the riverside. After lunch the trail gradually ascends to the ruins of Barshong Dzong, reaching the camp at the alt. of 3,600m.
Day 10: Barshong /Thimphu(distance 15km, 5/6 hrs)
The trail descends gently through a dense forest of rhododendron, birch and conifers, then drops steeply to meet Thimphu Chu. It stays on river left, climbing over ridges and descending to side streams. The trail goes in and out of side valleys above Thimphu Chu, making a long ascent through a forest of conifers and high alt. broadleaf species to a pass at 3,510m. The trail then drops steeply to the river and follow it southward to the road head at Dodena, elevation 2,600m where you will be picked up by Himalayan Dragon Tours & Treks and drive to Thimphu – the capital of Bhutan. Overnight at hotel.
Day 11: Thimphu sightseeing.
Sightseeing includes – Folk and Heritage Museum; Late King’s Memorial Stupa; Traditional Hand made Paper Factory; Painting School; Drubthob Lhakhang, Tashichhodzong; the textile museum; Sangay Gang to see Takin, the national animal of Bhutan. National Handicraft Emporium. Evening free walk in Thimphu City – the small but bustling capital of Bhutan.
Day 12: Thimphu/Paro exit.
After breakfast drive to Paro Airport about one and half hours for flight to onward destination. Season: September, October and Novermber
Jomolhari Adventure Trek Details:
Departures:
March – April
September – November
Tour length: 8 day trekking, 4 days touring
Activity type: Strenuous Trek
Note: This trek and tour can be modified
Highlights:
• Lush river side walks
• Alpine trekking
• High passes
• Remote villages
• Majestic mountans
• Glaciers and lakes
• Western style camp kitchen