Jomolhari Trek

Taktsang Monastery: The wooden structure built amazingly, stands bravely on a cliff. It is said that the great Guru Rinpoche flew here on the back of a tigress and set up this monastery when he brought the teachings of the Buddhist Dharma to Bhutan in the 8th Century. From the road, the hike toward Taktsang follows an uphill route and returning back takes approximately 5-6 hours at an average walking pace on a clear, sunny day.

Later we welcome you to visit Bhutanese homes for dinner with them and experience their hospitality. A visit gives you an interesting glimpse into the lifestyle of Bhutan. And try the Hot Stone Bath. A Bhutanese hot stone bath is the perfect way to relax and wind down after a long day of sightseeing and is also believed to have numerous health benefits.

We start from hotel at 8:00 am to Shana or Shanazam (2,800 Mtrs) is the last road point on Jomolhari trek.

The hike from Shana to Thangthangkha is basically along the riverbank and there isn’t much of a climb which will be a good warm up for the trekkers.

After couple of hours you will pass through Shinkharab (3,059 Mtrs) where you will see the only shop. Right after that we will come across a Junction to Jomolhari and Nubri. It is to the right where we have to continue the hike towards Jomolhari. Then comes Tshema Marp (Red forest) after crossing the metal bridge .The area is filled with different trees with varieties of colored leaves, that’s why it has the name Tshema Marp (Red forest).

After Four hours of hike we stopped for lunch at a location above Tshema Marp (3,300 Mtrs). It was another another 3-4 hours hike to the only Metal Suspension bridge. Right after crossing the Suspension bridge you will arrive at the Junction where it leads to Yaktsha if you take right and cross the wooden bridge and if you continue left without crossing the wooden bridge it will take only 20-30 minutes to Thangthankha camp site.

20KM | 8-9 HOURS | 900M ASCENT | CAMP ALT 3750M

If you are an early bird ,you can vividly catch the Sunrise touching on Mt. Jomolhari (7,326 Mtrs) from Thangthangkha camp site.

We will start our day two hike as early as 8:00 am in the morning and headed towards Jangothang which would take another three- four good hours. The climb is a gentle one towards Jangothang and again the route is along the same river which flows all the way from Jangothang. After 1 – 2 hours we come across the first settlement and also few scattered household along the route till we Soe Gewog.

Jangothang camp site (4,100 Mtrs) is about 20-25 minutes walk from Soe settlement.

After Lunch at campsite, we will and started hiking towards Tshophu to see the Twin Lakes. The hike from Jangothang to Tshophu is all uphill and takes up 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours. On the way to Tshophu we saw herd of Blue Sheeps on the left side of the Tshophu hill.

17KM | 4-5 HOURS | 290M ASCENT | CAMP ALT 4040M

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. You can also trek up to Tosoh or hike around the area. hike to the north of your camp on a open and endless slope till you see the view of Mt Jichu Drakye (6989m). You are likely to spot rare blue sheep, Himalayan rhubarb, griffon vultures, golden eagles and the remarkable blue poppy. If you do not wish to hike but simply wish to just relax in camp, whichever option you choose, its certainly going to be a memorable day.

CAMP ALT 4040M

Our day begins as early as 5:30 am in the morning so that we can see the Sun Rise on Mt. Jomolhari. Mt. Jomolhari is the second highest mountain in Bhutan at an elevation of 7,326 Mtrs. The mountain is also referred to as bride of Mt. Kanchenjunga. The water from the glaciers of Mt. Jomolhari is also one of the source of Paro Chhu.

We will start our hike from Jangothang to Lingshi at 08:00 AM in the morning. The expected hiking time is about 8-9 hours to Lingshi. Today we will be crossing one of the highest mountain pass, Neyleyla Pass which is about 4,870 Mtrs and it will take at least 5 hours to summit from Jangothang.

From Neyleyla Pass which is all downhill, we will be descending from 4,800 Mtrs – 4,100 Mtrs. Our guide will take us to one of most breathtaking view point before reaching Lingshi. We can see Mt. Jichu Drake, Mt. Tsherim Gang (6,780 Mtrs) , Glacial Lakes and the glorious Lingshi Yugyal Dzong from the view point. This view point is about 15-20 minutes uphill hike from the main trek route.

18KM | 6-7 HOURS | 830M ASCENT | 860M DESCENT | CAMP ALT 4010M

The trek route ascends toward a small white chorten perched on a ridge above the camp, then heads south into the deep Mo Chhu valley. The trail follows the western side of the largely treeless valley, gradually climbing a short distance above the Mo Chhu River. After crossing the river, it takes a steep two-hour climb to reach Yeli La pass (4942m). On clear days, the pass offers stunning views of Jumolhari, Gangchen Ta, Tsherim Gang, and Masang Gang. From there, descend alongside a stream to a shelter, then continue downstream to reach the campsite at Shodu (4100m), a meadow featuring a chorten.

19KM | 7-8 HOURS | 940M ASCENT | 920M DESCENT | CAMP ALT 4100M

Today’s Jomolhari Trek 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.

From Barshong you will be picked up by a pickup truck and driven to Thimphu- the road may be bumpy.

16KM | 5-6 HOURS | 250M ASCENT | 670M DESCENT

After breakfast, visit the Buddha Dordenma Statue, also known as the “Buddha Point,” is a massive statue of Buddha Shakyamuni in the Kingdom of Bhutan. Royal Takin Preserve also known as the Mini Zoo by many is a small natural preserve for the Takin – Bhutan’s national animal. Painting School: The National Institute for Zorig Chusum, also known as the Arts and Crafts School, is an educational institution in Bhutan dedicated to preserving and promoting traditional Bhutanese arts and crafts. The Jungshi Handmade Paper Factory is reputedly the best place that manufactures traditional paper. You can buy this unique paper here which will make for interesting souvenir gifts. National Memorial Chorten: Probably one of the most popular Thimphu points of interest. 

After lunch, drive to Punakha. On the way, stop at Dochula Pass.
Dochula Pass is a mountain pass located in the Kingdom of Bhutan, a landlocked country in the Eastern Himalayas. It sits at an elevation of around 3,100 meters (10,200 feet) above sea level. The pass is renowned for its breathtaking panoramic views of the Himalayan mountain ranges, including the majestic peaks of the snow-capped Himalayas. Once here, you will witness 108 Druk Wangyal Chortens.
After that drive to Punakha (45 minutes to 1 hour).
In Punakha, walk across farmhouses to reach Chimi Lhakhang, A 15th-century fertility temple, blessed by Lam Drukpa Kuenley, who is known as the Divine Madman for his eccentric behaviors. He is also considered a symbol of fertility and many childless couples go to his temple for blessing. 

After breakfast, 45 minutes hike to Khamsum Yulley Namgyel chorten with the picturesque view of the rice terraces along the river. It is a beautiful chorten located on ridge at Kabesa Gewog in Punakha overlooking several villages. It is 30-minute drive from the Khuruthang Town and a 45-minute uphill hike from the base of the hill through suspension bridge and rice fields. Then visit Punakha Dzong, one of the majestic fortresses which is located between Pho Chu (Male River) and Mo Chu (Female River). Punakha was the ancient capital of Bhutan. Then visit the longest suspension bridge across the dzong, spanning 160m over the Phochu River, and connects the Punakha Dzong (fortress) with the nearby villages and agricultural lands.
Then drive to Paro. In Paro, visit Chencho Weaving Center in Paro Town is locally-run weaving center showcases the intricate art of traditional Bhutanese weaving, offering visitors a chance to witness skilled artisans at work and stroll around Paro down town for shopping or cup of coffee.
Namgay Artisanal Brewery: Did you know Bhutan has some of the most reputed and highly enjoyed brews? Well, if you are a beer lover and want to taste some of the finest brews, you must visit the Namgay Artisanal Brewery in Paro Valley.

Overnight in Paro

Drive to Paro International Airport (1 hour) from Thimphu and bid you farewell