Bhutan Cultural Tours With Jhomolhari Trek |
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Starting at Drukgyal Dzong in Paro, this trek passes through scattered hamlets and farmland into a deep and richly forested valley, which leads to a high alpine pastureland where yak herders graze their animals. The trek offers a sampling of the diverse variety of the Bhutanese landscape. |
Season: April to June, September to November. |
Itinerary |
Day 01: Arrive Paro |
During the flight\ on a clear day, you can see breathtaking views of the Himalayan mountains, including the sacred Jumolhari and Jichu Drake peaks in Bhutan. On arrival, our representative will greet you and transfer you to your hotel. In the evening stroll through the Paro market and town. Overnight in Paro. |
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Day 02: Paro |
In the morning visit Ta Dzong built in 17 th century as watchtower to defend Paro Dzong and the valley. This fortress was later converted into the National Museum in 1967 and is filled with antique thangka paintings, textiles, weapons and Bhutan's renowned postage stamps. Below Ta Dzong, is the fascinating Ringpung Dzong meaning the " fortress of a heap of jewels". In the afternoon visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest and most sacred shrines of Bhutan. Overnight at the hotel in Paro. |
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Day 03: Paro-Shana (17 km, 5/6 hours) |
The trek starts from Drukgyal Dzong at 2,580 m with a downhill walk on a wide trail. The trail climbs gently traversing 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 2,810m. This is the last stop before Tibet. At 2,870m, just beyond Shana Zampa, there are several good camping places in meadows surrounded by trees. |
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Day 04: Shana- Sio Thangkha (20 km, 7/8 hours) |
The trail again follows Pa Chhu (Paro River), ascending and descending through pine, oak and spruce forests. A 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 the campsite at an altitude of 3,750m. |
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Day 05: Sio Thangkha- Jangothang (19 km, 7/8 hours) |
The path ascends for a while till you reach an army camp. Then follow the river above the tree line enjoying the stunning view of surrounding peaks. A 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 altitude of 4,040m. From here, the view of Mt. Jhomolhari and Jichu Drake are superb. |
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Day 06: Rest day at Jangothang. |
A day to relax and acclimatize. Explore nearby mountains and lakes. |
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Day 07: Jangothang -Lingshi (18 km, 7/8 hours) |
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 Jhomolhari, Jichu Drake and Tshering Gang. Then walk towards the valley on almost flat terrain for a while, until the climb to the Ngye La pass at an altitude of 4,700m. After the pass, it is a gradual descent to the Lingshi camp. Enjoy the panoramic view of the peaks and Lingshi Dzong. Camp at an altitude of 4,000m. |
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Day 08: Lingshi- Shodu (22 km, 8/9 hours) |
The Laya Gasa route leaves the Jhomolhari trek here. The trek route climbs towards a small white chorten on a ridge above the camp, then turns south up the deep Mo Chhu valley. The trail stays on the west side of the largely treeless valley, climbing steadily a short distance above Mo Chhu. It then crosses the river, and climbs steeply for two hours to Yeli La pass (4,820m). From the pass, you can see Jhomolhari, Gangchen Ta, Tshering Gang and Masang Gang on a clear day. Descend alongside a stream to a shelter, and then further downstream to a camp at Shodu (4,100m), a meadow with a Chorten. |
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Day 09: Shodu-Barshong (16 km, 6/7 hours) |
At this place, one comes back to the 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 lunches will be served by the riverside. After lunch the trail gradually ascends to the ruins of riversides. The trail gradually ascends to the ruins of Barshong Dzong reaching the camp at an altitude of 3,600m. |
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Day 10: Barshong-Dolam Kencho (15 km, 5/6 hours) |
The trail descends gently through a dense forest of rhododendron, birch and conifers, and then drops steeply to meet Thimphu river. It stays on the left of the river, climbs over ridges and descends to side streams. It then traverses steep cliff to Dolam Kencho, a camp among pastureland at 3,600m. |
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Day 11: Dolam Kencho-Dodena-Thimphu (8 km, 3 hours) |
The steep trail goes in and out (CHECK - not clear what do you mean by in and out - you meana into and out of the river? )to the river and follows it southward to the road head at Dodena, elevation 2,600m where you will be picked up by Bhutan Travelers' transport to drive to Thimphu. Overnight at hotel in Thimphu. |
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Day 12: Thimphu-Punakha |
Morning sightseeing in Thimphu valley that includes a visit to the National Memorial Chorten, Tashichodzong, National Library, Art School, Traditional Medicine Institute, Handicrafts Emporium and the Textile and Folk Heritage Museums. In the afternoon drive to Punakha across Dochula Pass (3150m), where on the clear days you will see the ranges of the Himalayan mountains. On arrival in Punakha, check into the hotel. Overnight Punakha. |
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Day 13: Punakha with excursion to Wangduephodrang |
Morning sightseeing in Punakha includes visits to: Punakha Dzong (ancient capital of Bhutan), Chime Lhakhang (temple dedicated to the Divine Madman). In the afternoon, you will make an excursion to Wangduephodrang to visit the town, Wangdue Dzong and Rinchengang village. Overnight in the hotel in Punakha. |
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Day 14: Punakha-Paro |
Drive to Paro with a stop in Thimphu for lunch. Visit Semtokha Dzong en route-- the oldest fortress built by the Shabdrung in the 17 th century. In Paro, stroll freely in town. If you wish you can visit the farmhouse and enjoy the traditional Bhutanese dinner. Overnight in the hotel in Paro. |
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Day 15: Paro Depart |
After an early breakfast, drive to Paro airport for the flight to your onward destination. |
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