Jomolhari trek is an unforgettable journey through the pristine natural beauty of Bhutan, a land steeped in myth and mystery. This trek offers a unique opportunity to immerse oneself in the remote and rugged landscapes of the Himalayas, where soaring snow-capped peaks, ancient forests, and crystal-clear lakes create a backdrop of unparalleled beauty.
As you journey along the trail, you will encounter traditional Bhutanese villages and remote settlements, where you can experience the rich culture and customs of the local people. You will pass through verdant valleys and cross high mountain passes, where you will be rewarded with breathtaking views of the Jomolhari and Jichu Drake peaks, standing proud in the distance.
The trek will take you through the heart of the Jigme Dorji National Park, home to a rich and diverse array of flora and fauna. You may catch a glimpse of the elusive snow leopard, or spot a Himalayan blue sheep grazing on the slopes. The sparkling glacial lakes and rushing mountain streams provide a peaceful and serene atmosphere, making it the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of modern life.
The Jomolhari trek is a challenging and rewarding experience, and one that will leave you with memories that will last a lifetime. It is a journey through some of the most stunning landscapes in the world, where nature's beauty is truly at its most sublime.
Altitude: 2300m
Upon arrival at the airport, you will be greeted by a local representative who will escort you during your stay in Bhutan. As soon as you arrive in Paro, you can embark on a cultural journey to visit one of the most important iconic sites in Bhutan.
Rimpong Dzong, one of Bhutan's architectural marvels. Dzongs are historical structures strategically located across the country that serve as monasteries, administrative offices, and fortresses. The original Paro dzong dates back to 1645 but was destroyed by fire in 1907 and was promptly rebuilt in the same year. It currently houses 200 monks and the district administration. The dzong's central tower, Utse, is renowned as the most beautiful in the country. You can explore the Kuenrey, a prayer and study hall for the monks. Visitors are also permitted to take photographs in the courtyard.
Afterward, you will hike down to the old wooden bridge that was once guarded at night since it was the only entrance to the dzong in ancient times. Later, you can stroll around the town, visit local restaurants, and immerse yourself in the Bhutanese atmosphere. Overnight hotel
Altitude: 3150m, trek 4hrs
Today marks your warm-up hike for the upcoming trek tomorrow. You will explore one of Bhutan's most scenic and important pilgrimage sites, Takshang or Tiger's Nest, which has been a refuge for over 1200 years. The temple is perched 200 meters on a steep cliff overlooking Paro valley and has a rich history dating back to the 8th century when Guru Rimpoche, the founder of tantric Buddhism in Himalayan countries, visited the site. Legend has it that he rode on the back of a tigress and meditated in a cave for three months. Since then, numerous high Buddhist priests have come to meditate, attaining the highest levels of spirituality.
The original temple was built in the 17th century, but it was destroyed by a fire in 1998. In 2003, the temple was rebuilt to its fullest glory. It is considered the 10th holiest site in the Buddhist world. The hike to the temple will take approximately four hours, with one hour from the parking area to the tea house and another one and a half hours to the temple.
In the evening, you will visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest temples built in the 7th century by the Tibetan king Songchen Gyampo.
To end the day on a relaxing note, you can try the Bhutanese Jacuzzi or hot stone bath at a local farmhouse. Finally, you will spend the night at your hotel, preparing for the exciting trek ahead. Overnight hotel
Distance: 22Km, Duration: 6-8hrs, altitude: 4044m
After leaving behind the ancient fortress of Drugyel Dzong, which is a significant landmark in the history of Bhutan, you will embark on a journey along a rugged road that winds its way through the stunning natural beauty of the region. As you traverse this path, you will pass through several charming villages that are characterized by their traditional architecture and vibrant community life.
As you leave the villages behind, you will be greeted by vast expanses of lush agricultural fields, where the farmers toil tirelessly to produce crops that sustain the local population. This is a wonderful opportunity to observe the traditional farming practices of Bhutanese people and learn about the crops that are indigenous to this region.
After driving for about an hour, you will arrive at Gunitsawa, which is an important army check post that serves as a gateway to the pristine wilderness of the Bhutanese mountains. This is where your trekking adventure will truly begin, as you step out of the vehicle and take in the majestic beauty of the surrounding landscape.
It will be the longest day of the trek, with plenty of ups and downs that may leave you feeling exhausted. You will trek across the isolated farm of Shing Karap at an altitude of around 3100 meters. After some time, you will reach a cross point of trails marked by piled up rocks adorned with colorful prayer flags. If you choose the left side of the trail, it will lead you to Tibet, crossing the Tremo La pass. However, you will follow the right trail, marked by a rock with the words "way to Soi" and an arrow pointing in that direction. The steep climb, followed by a descent, will take you to a bridge, allowing you to cross the river and continue your ascent through the forest until you reach the clearing called Thongo Samba - an ideal spot for lunch.
The forest is breathtakingly beautiful, with varying vegetation. As you will be trekking at a high altitude, it is likely that you may come across yaks. However, it is important to be cautious around them as they may not be very friendly towards strangers. If you encounter yaks on the trail, maintain a safe distance and let them pass first. It is advisable to stay higher up the trail than below them.
The trail will eventually lead you to a small white stupa and a bridge. Avoid crossing the bridge as it leads to the village of Yaktsa. Half an hour from the bridge lies your campsite for the night at Soi Thangthangkha.
You can rest and recharge for the next day's trek at the campsite, surrounded by the serene beauty of the Himalayas. Overnight camp
Distance: 17 Km, Duration: 4-6 hrs, altitude: 4010m
It is incredibly rewarding to rise early in the morning and bask in the glorious sight of the sun's rays illuminating the second highest peak, Chomolhari (7314m), nestled between two steep valleys. After an hour's walk along the left side of the Pa chhu or Paro River, you leave behind the tree level and venture into a breathtaking valley. The valley widens and reveals stunning views of high, snow-capped peaks. You will pass by a military campsite, which guards the border with Tibet, before encountering yaks and their winter camps.
As you continue your trek, you will come across several small houses in a place called Soia Yutey. It is worth stopping here for a cup of butter tea and lunch. The campsite is a mere few minutes' walk from the village, making it an ideal place to spend the night. Overnight camp
Altitude: 4010m
Today, on your day of rest, you have the opportunity to partake in some acclimatization activities. One such option is to take a walk to Tshophu, a stunning location boasting two lakes and an awe-inspiring view of the majestic Jomolhari and Jichu Drakey peaks. Alternatively, you can embark on a hike in multiple directions. Head west towards the towering Jomolhari and its subsidiary peaks, or venture to the north, where you will find the imposing Jichu Drakey. If you're feeling particularly adventurous, you can explore the eastern region by scaling the summits and ridges and following your own trail. However, it's essential to note that this hike lacks a proper trail, so it's best to exercise caution and stay on the lookout for potential hazards. Regardless of which option you choose, you're guaranteed to be surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty and will have the opportunity to acclimatize to the high altitude of the region.
Overnight camp
Distance: 18Km, Duration: 6-7hrs, altitude: 4010m
The trek to Chomolhari, Jichu Drakey, and Tserim Gang promises a magnificent view of the towering peaks, making it a must-visit destination for adventure seekers and nature enthusiasts. As you depart from the last house of Jangothang, the trail leads across a small bridge and continues up a steep hill to a beautiful opening. Along the way, be sure to keep your eyes open as it is not uncommon to spot Himalayan vultures and herds of marmots.
The climb up this beautiful valley towards the left is sure to leave you in awe. It takes approximately three hours to reach the pass of Nyle la, which stands at an altitude of 4880m. From the pass, you can enjoy a steep descent towards the stream before taking the left side of the mountain. This part of the trail is relatively flat until you reach the ridge, from where you can feast your eyes on the mystical Dzong of Lingshi. The dzong seems to dominate the entire range, offering a stunning view of Jichu Drakey and Tserim Gang.
After taking in the breathtaking views, it is time to descend through the forest to the campsite at Chha Chi Thang, where you can rest and rejuvenate for the night. The overnight camp allows you to immerse yourself in the beauty of the surroundings, creating a memorable experience that will stay with you for a lifetime. Overnight Camp
Distance: 22Km, Duration: 6-8hrs, altitude: 4080m
The trail leading to the opposite side of Lhingshi village offers a spectacular journey through a wide and beautiful valley. The trek lasts approximately four hours, followed by a steep climb to the Yelela pass, which stands at a staggering altitude of 4950m. This pass is the highest on the entire trek and provides trekkers with breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. In addition to the scenic views, hikers can also enjoy the beauty of glacial lakes along the way.
After reaching the Yelela pass, the trail leads to a long and gradual descent towards the campsite at Shodu, located at an altitude of 4110m. The descent offers a perfect opportunity to rest and recharge, while also taking in the stunning views of the surrounding scenery. The campsite at Shodu is an excellent place to spend the night, allowing trekkers to immerse themselves in the beauty of nature and soak up the peaceful atmosphere of the mountains. Overnight Camp
Distance: 16Km, Duration: 5-6hrs, altitude: 3710m
Today's trekking trail takes us through a picturesque route that meanders along the Thimphu Chhu river, through a limestone valley. The trail is characterized by several steep ascents and descents, offering trekkers a good workout while also taking in the stunning surroundings. Along the way, we will come across several caves that are used by monks for meditation. These caves are said to have been frequented by the revered Shabdrung in the 17th century when he fled from Tibet.
One of the highlights of this part of the trail is the opportunity to view the giant rock faces and cascading waterfalls that dot the landscape. The sheer size and beauty of these natural wonders are sure to leave a lasting impression on anyone who sees them. As we continue along the trail, we will gradually ascend 130m to reach the Barshong Dzong. This ancient fortress, now in ruins, is a testament to the rich history and culture of Bhutan.
This part of the trek is characterized by challenging terrain, breathtaking natural scenery, and a glimpse into the rich history and culture of Bhutan. It is an experience that combines physical exertion with spiritual enrichment, offering a unique and unforgettable journey. Overnight Camp
Distance: 15Km, Duration: 5-6hrs, altitude: 2300m
We proceeded with the trail, tracing the Wangchu River through thick hemlock and rhododendron forests, passing through Dolam Kencho. As we emerged from the forest, we ascended to a mountain meadow situated at an altitude of 3428 meters. From there, we crossed a small pass and arrive at the Dodena road point, which lies to the north of Thimphu. From there, we then embarked on a 30-minute drive to the capital city of Bhutan, Thimphu. Upon arrival, we checked into our hotel, take some time to unwind, and go for a leisurely stroll around the town. Thimphu is the modern capital of Bhutan and has a population of approximately 98,500. The town is comprised of just three lines of shops, and is notable for being the only capital city in the world without traffic lights. Despite its small size, Thimphu is a vibrant and bustling city, with a rich cultural heritage and plenty of attractions for visitors to explore. Overnight hotel
Transfer to Airport from Thimphu for departure.
