Bhutan - Jhomolhari Trek

Drive the winding road northwest up the Pa-Chu to Drukgyel Dzong, the ruined Fortress which once defended this valley from Tibetan invasion. This Dzong was built in the 17th century by Shabdrung Nawang Namgyel, the spiritual leader of Bhutan. On a clear day one can view Mt. Jumolhari the sacred Mountain. On the way back we visit one of the Typical Bhutanese farm house. After lunch at the hotel, we drive to Ta-Dzong which was once the watch tower for Paro valley, now it houses the National Museum and then walk down hill pass the Paro Dzong and crossing the typical traditional roofed bridge to Paro town. Overnight at hotel.

Start of Trek Day 1: Distance 17 kms and walking time 5-6 hours: Starting at Drukgyel (2580m) and camp near Sharna Zampa (2870m). There is a gradual climb following the Paro River through the agriculture valley and villages. We camp opposite to the Gunyitsawa Army check post in a meadow.

Trek Day 3: Distance 19 kms and walking distance 5-6 hours: Starting at Thangthangka (3630m) and camp at Jangothang (4090m).Todays trial passes an army post and the village of Soe and a small settlement at Takethang. Yak herders live here. We camp beneath a ruined fortress at the base of Mt. Jumolhari.

Trek Day 4: Acclimatisation Day: We can spend the day relaxing or there are several day hikes to choose from. Two interesting hikes would be to get views of Mt.Jumolhari or Jichu Drake. If we are interested in a lake then we can take the hike to Tsophu. Overnight stay at the camp.

Trek Day 5: Distance 18 kms and walking time 5-6 hours: Starting at Jangothang (4090m) and camp at Lingshi (4010m) Today you encounter your first major pass at 4890m ( Nyile-la ).You also get snow peak views of Tserim Kang (6789m) Camp near a stream in a meadow.

Trek Day 6: Halt: Its worth a visit to Lingshi Dzong. You can also make an excursion to Tsokha (lake) i.e. Base Camp of Jichu-Drake. During the excursion hundreds of Blue Sheep, Musk Deer could be seen. Tsokha is at 4500 m. and the hike is about 4-5 hours.

Trek Day 7: Distance 22 kms and walking time 8-9 hours: Starting at Lingshi (4010m) and camp at Shodu (4110m)The first half of the trek is mostly through treeless valley until you start ascending to Yeli-la pass at 4820 m, from here Mt. Jumolhari, Mt. Tsherimgang and Mt. Masagang can be seen on clear days. Camp in a meadow.

Trek Day 8: Distance 16 kms and walking time 5-6 hours: Starting at Shodu (4110m) and camp at Barshong (3680 m) Todays trial winds up and down following the Thimphu Chhu and crossing it six times. A final climb for about an hour walk will bring you to Barshong. Camp just below the ruins of a small Dzong.

Trek Day 9: Distance 15 kms and walking time 5-6 hours: Starting at Barshong (3680m) and camp at Dolam Kencho (3430m) The trial descends gently down to meet Thimphu Chhu through the dense forest of Rhododendron, birch, conifer trees and across the pasture land. Camp in a meadow.

End of Trek: Distance 8 km and walking time 3 hours Starting at Dolam Kencho (3430m) and end of trek at Dodina (2600m). Today is an easy 3 hour descend till Dodina where your vehicle will meet you. It is a 30 minute drive to Thimphu.

Morning start the sightseeing with Zelukha Nunnery, National Library, Memorial Chorten of Late King, Handicrafts Emporium, Post Office and walk around Thimphu city for shopping of souvenirs from Bhutan. If this day falls on a Saturday or Sunday a visit to the Weekend Market is a must. After lunch drive to Paro enroute visit to Simtokha Dzong the first fort built in 1627-29 by Shabdrung who unified the Kingdom and continue the journey following the Thimphu river till Chuzom (Confluence) and taking the direction toward Paro following Pa-chu for 2 hours.

After breakfast, our correspondent will come to depart you. We will transfer to airport for the departure. Fly towards your destination.