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Jhomolhari trek

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Jhomolari is the abode of the protecting deity Jhomo. Covered with snow year round, it is one of the highest unclimbed mountains of the Eastern Himalayan ranges in Bhutan. The trek takes you through alpine shrubs upto the base camp of Mount Jhomolhari.

Day 1: Arrive at Paro
Arrive at the Paro airport after a great view of the Himalayan ranges and the Everest from the flight. Changshe Norbu respresentative will receive you and then take you Rinchenling lodge.

Day 2: Paro Sightseeing & Excursion to Takshang
In the morning you will experience a small hike of 3 hrs to the Taksang monastery (The tiger’s nest). A small history on this monastery will help you understand further and appreciate the monastery.

As believed by the Bhutanese, Guru Padmasambhava flew here on a tiger’s back in the 8th century and mediated there for three months. Later in 1684 this holy place was built. When you finish your climb you will reach a cafe where you will get a very good view of the monastery. There you will be served tea and snacks. For some tourists who wants to get a very close view of the monastery, they can further climb for the next 45 minutes and enjoy the 50 meter close view of the Tiger’s Nest. You can ask your guide to give you a detailed explanation.

Later when you reach back then the first sightseeing will be to visit the Drukgyel Dzong (fortess). This Dzong was built by Shabdrung Nawang Namgyel in 1647.This Dzong was built to celebrate the victory over the Tibetains. In the early 18th century a candle fire accidentally burned down this Dzong and still at present this Dzong is in ruins.

You can proceed to go for lunch either in town or back to your hotel. After lunch you can then proceed to visit the Tag Dzong which was later converted into the National Museum in 1967.Inside the museum you will find many antique thankas, different kinds of textiles, a small temple of life, different statues, etc. After this you can drive to the Rimpung Dzong or the Paro Dzong which was built in the 17th century. This Dzong is now the administration center and school for the monks. In the evening you can take a short walk in the town. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 3: Paro to Shana
Drive upto the Drukgyel dzong, 15 Klms and from there your trek will begin. The trek today is a little gradual following the stream and a distance of 5-6 hours .You will reach your camp at Shana at an altitude of 2,500 meters.

Day 4: Shana to Soi Thangthangkha
This trail follows the Pa-Chu (Paro River) cutting through some narrow paths. You will trek up and down through the pine, oak, and spruce forests. You will be climbing to Soi at an altitude of 3750 meters. This trek will at least take 9-10 hours of walking. Finally you can camp at Soi.

Day 5: Soi Thangthangkha to Jangothang
You will come across snow capped mountains on the way and see a lot of Yaks and the Yak herder’s camps. The path ascends till you reach army camp. Lunch will be probably served at the base of the Chomolhari camp. Today you have covered a distance of 19 Klms with an average time of 5-6 hours.

Day 6: Jangothang Halt.
Since you will be taking a day of the trek you can go for fishing or for a small hike to the Tshopchu.

Overnight at Base camp.

Day 7: Jangothang to Lingshi
The path passes through the Yak pastures and some ascending and descending trails. You will be able to get the view of Lingshi Dzong from the Lingshi basin. Today, covering 19 Klms (5-6 hours) you will reach your camp. Night halt in Camp/Stone hut.

Day 8: Lingshi Halt.
On this halt you will be experiencing an excursion to Tshoka (lake). If you are lucky you will see a lot of Blue sheep and at times Musk deer also. You will be at an altitude of 4500m and would have already covered a distance of 15 Klms (3-4 hours).

Day 9: Lingshi to Shodu
You have to pass the Yalila pass (4820m). If it is a clear day you can see Tserim Kang and Masakhang Mountains. The trek is actually a little up & down.You will reach camp after 7-8 hours, 22 Klms. The camp is in a stone shelter at 3963 meters.

Day 10: Shodu to Barshong
This path follows the Thimphu River through the Rhododendrons. Ascending up to the ruins of the Barshong Dzong, camp is just below the ruined fortess. It is at an Altitude of 3785m with distance of 13 Klms( 3-4 hours) from Shodu camp.

Day 11: Barshong to Dolam Kencho
The trek here will be descending further down along the Thimphu River. Your camp will be in a Meadow at an altitude of 3628m, which might take you 3-4 hours of walking (11Klms).

Day 12: Dolam Kencho to Thimphu
Today you will trek a little upwards through the forest and you might come across the Golden Languars. The distance to Dodina where your transportation is waiting is 14 Klms about 4-5 hours. Overnight at hotel in Thimphu.

Day 13: Thimphu to Punakha/Wangdi/Back
This day consists of your drive to Punakha and Wangdiphodrang, which is 4 hours drive from the capital. On the way you will stop at Cafe called the Dochula Pass which is at 3050 meters. From here you will experience a superd view towards your north of the Himalayan ranges. You will then drive down further through temperate forests into semitropical range of orange and cactuses. Before you reach a junction you will see Chime Lhakang built by a famous divine madmonk, Drukpa Kinley. This monastery is a famous pilgrim site for infertile women who wish to bear children. As you drive further you will pass Khuruthang which is the Punakha town. This town has been shifted from the pervious town near the dzong and is a new settlement of the Punakha People. When you reach near the dzong you will see the Punakha dzong built on the meeting of the Phochu (Male River) and the Mochu (Female River). This Dzong was the winter capital 300 years ago; today it is the winter residence of the Jekhenpho the chief abbot and also serves as the administration center of the Punakha district.

You can then proceed to Wangdiphodrang. On your way you will see a different kind of village called the Richengang village. Here you will see the houses are built very close together. You can visit the Wangdiphodrang dzong built in 1647 by Shabdrung Nawang Namgyel. After a satisfying view over the dzong you can have your lunch in Wangdi town. You can then turn back the same road to Thimphu. Overnight Thimphu hotel.

Day 14: Thimphu Sightseeing
The first thing you will visit is the Memorial Chorten which was built in memory of the third king in 1974.You can further go inside the Chorten and enjoy the most exotic statues of the gods. You can then visit the Indigenous hospital, the Painting school where the art of ancient painting is used by the students. Then you can visit the Tashichhodzong from outside which is the seat of the Royal Government and central monastic body. After this you can go back to your hotel for some tea and relaxation. Then you can further continue your sightseeing by going to the Post office, Paper factory, a small weaving practice center, Changangkha monastery, ZangtoPelhri monastery and Zilukha nunnery. In the evening you can drive to the viewpoint from which you can view the whole Thimphu City. On the way you can also stop and visit a small zoo to see the National animal of Bhutan, the Takin. Later you can go for a walk on your own in the town.

There are other places like The Royal Academy of Performance & Art where the national folk and Bhutanese dances are practiced. You can then visit the Handicraft in the town for some shopping.

Please note that if you are in Thimphu during the weekends then you can visit the Subji Bazar i.e the vegetable market where you will witness a lot of natural people in their own style of selling and buying vegetables.

Day 15: Thimphu to Paro Airport
Drive to Paro and then see off.