Jomolhari Trek

Total Duration: 11 Days – 10 Nights | Trek Days: 6 Days – 5 Nights

Difficulty: Moderate

Highest Altitude: 4220 Meters

Best Seasons: April – June and Mid September – Mid November

Jomolhari Loop is the shortest of the Jomolhari trekking routes, which are the most popular and challenging treks in Bhutan. With altitude differences of 2,500 metres and nearly 5,000 metres. It offers a wide range of landscapes, fauna and flora. The highlight of this trek is the spectacular view of Mount Jomolhari from Jomolhari Basecamp Jangothang. Trekkers who want to avoid high passes and high altitude can chose an easier version of the Jomolhari Loop by retracing their steps from Jangothang (see days 1-3), while still have the majestic impressions of Mount Jomolhari.

Day 1: Arrival in Paro Airport.

Our representative will be there at the Airport to greet you and transfer you to the hotel. After lunch, visit Ta Dzong (the national museum) and Paro Rinpung Dzong. Dinner and overnight stay at hotel in Paro.

Day 2: Paro to sharna zampa – Trek Day 1.

After breakfast, your transportation will drive you until Gunitsawa village from where the trek begins.

• After you reach the Army Post, your trek permit (provided by your tour operator) will be checked and endorsed. The 40 minutes’ walk serves as a warm up to the journey further. The campsite is on the opposite side of the river in Sharna zampa, not far from Gunitsawa located at an altitude of 2,850 m.

Lunch will be served on the way. Dinner and overnight halt will be in Sharna zampa campsite.

Day 3: Sharna Zampa to Thangthangkha – Track Day 2 .

The second day is going to be a long one. The trail continues with lots of small ups and downs. After going uphill through the river valley the valley finally narrows gradually to a mere path which descends to a meadow where a camp will be set up , located at an altitude of 3,610 metres. From here, if weather permits, you will have the first great view of Mt. Jomolhari.

• Lunch will be served on the way.
• Dinner and overnight halt will be in Thangthangkha campsite.

Day 4: ThangThangkha to Jangothang – Track Day 3 .

• If you did not see Mt. Jomolhari the previous evening, you will still have a chance to get a great view early this morning. This morning the trek continues up the Paro Chhu valley which widens into patches of alpine meadow and scanty growths of forest. You will cross an army checkpoint along the way and enjoy a spectacular view of high mountain ridges and snow-capped peaks. In this area yaks and their herder’s homes become a regular feature of the landscape. Passing the villages Soe, Takethang and Dangochang is another asset on this day. After reaching Jangothang, one of the most beautiful campsites of the Himalayas, you will again have a spectacular view of Mount Jomolhari.

Lunch will be served on the way. Dinner and overnight halt will be in Jangothang campsite.

Day 5: Jangothang Halt – Trek Day 3 .

• 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. There are good chances to spot some blue sheep on the upper slopes of the valley. Jangothang is a perfect environment for your acclimatization. You can also trek up to Tosoh or hike around the area. There are good short hiking trails in three directions. Jomolhari and its subsidiary mountain chains lie directly west, Jichu Drake to the north and there are a number of unclimbed peaks to the east.

Dinner and overnight halt will be in Jangothang campsite.

Day 6: Jangothang to Soi Yaktsa – Trek Day 4 .

• The trail leads to a last settlement in the valley and drops to the Paro Chhu. Passing the lake of Tshophu (4,380m) you will climb up steeply to Bhonte La pass at 4,890 m, the highest point of this trek route. Reaching the Dhumzo Chhu river, you trek downstream passing the few houses of Soi Yaktsa (Dhumzo) to arrive at your camp soon after.

Lunch will be served on the way. Dinner and overnight halt will be in Soi Yaktsa.

Day 7: Soi Yaktsa to Thombu Shong – Trek Day 5.

• The trail climbs 100m over a ridge to drop to another stream then. After crossing the Takhung La pass (4,520m) you descent to Thombu Shong, with 3 yak herder huts with your campsite next to them.

Lunch will be served on the way. Dinner and overnight halt will be in Thombu Shong.

Day 8: Thmobu Shong to Paro – Trek Day 6.

After breakfast, being your trek. After Crossing Thombu-La pass (4,380m) you will finally reach Gunitsawa where your transportation will be awaiting you. You will be transferred back to the hotel. Dinner and overnight stay in a hotel in Paro.

Day 9: Paro to Thimphu .

After breakfast drive to Thimphu,

• visit KuenselPhodrang, Changgangkha Lhakhang and The Takin Preserve Center.

After lunch, visit

• National Memorial Chorten and the Handicrafts emporium in Norzin Lam.
• In the afternoon, free to roam around the Capital city Thimphu.

Dinner and overnight stay in hotel in Thimphu.

Day 10: Thimphu to Paro .

After breakfast, visit

• Dechenphu Lhakhang.

After lunch drive to Paro. Dinner and overnight stay will be in a hotel in Paro.

Day 11: Departure from Paro.

After breakfast, drive to the airport and farewell.