Jomolhari trek remains one of the most popular treks opening the country’s diverse landscape, flora and fauna. Trek through unspoiled pine and rhododendron forests, past scattered hamlets and meandering alpine meadows reaching high pasturelands, home of the yak herders and their animals. Soak in the incredible views of Mount Jomolhari and Mount Jichu Drake from the campsites. The elevation ranges from 2,500m to nearly 5,000m, and is advisable for trekkers to have good physical fitness level
Altitude in Paro: 2,280m
Onboard the aircraft, the flight is treated to spectacular views of snow peaked mountains and the Himalayan ranges. Paro airport (2,280m) is Bhutan’s only international airport where our dedicated team will receive you at the airport.
Paro Rinpung Dzong (Fortress of The Heap of Jewels)- Rinpung Dzong is an ancient fortress in traditional Bhutanese architecture with a complex of courtyards, temples, administration offices and open space surrounded by towering walls. All the buildings are equipped with huge windows with elaborate wooden carvings of traditional Bhutanese motifs. Paro Dzong is considered one of the finest examples of Bhutanese architecture and it’s one of the top tourist attractions in Bhutan. This impressive dzong is also seen during landing into Paro Airport.
Shagzo (Bhutanese woodturning at Sangay Wood Turning Factory) - The shagzo techniques use the age-old methods and each product is unique in shapes, sizes and colours. Learn the Shagzopa (Shagzo artisans), the essential steps in creating the elegant and functional products like wooden bowls (dapa), cups (dza phob) and plates with beautiful patterns, while keeping the ‘soul’ of the wood in it.
Altitude in Paro: 2,280m
Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest)- at 3,000m above sea level, this is one of the most sacred sites of Bhutan. It is believed that Guru Padmasambhava (Guru Rinpoche) came here on the back of a tigress in the 8th century. Lunch will be served at the Taktshang cafeteria and descend towards the Paro valley floor. The journey will take 6-7 hours in total.
Kyichu Lhakhang- one of the 108 temples built throughout the Himalayas by the Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo in the 7th century. The main chapel has roots as far back as the 7th century, with additional buildings and a golden roof added in 1839 by the penlop (governor) of Paro and the 25th Je Khenpo. Elderly pilgrims constantly shuffle around the temple spinning its many prayer wheels, making this one of the most charming spots in the Paro valley.
Distance: 22km
Estimated time: 7-8hrs
Ascent 770m, descent 10m
Camp altitude: 3610m
A 2-hour drive to Shana, the starting point of the trek.
The trail follows the river through a heavily forested area with a few isolated farmhouses. Ascending valley becomes narrow, wilder, and steeper. The trail winds up and down along the drainage. Passing a junction en route, where another path leads over the Tremo La to Tibet. This route was formerly used by Bhutanese people as a trading route to Tibet. Proceeding to cross several traditional wooden bridges before finally arriving at Thanthangka.
Camp is in a meadow with a stone shelter. At the camp site- if weather permits, view of Mount Jomolhari will be an experience.
Distance: 19km
Estimated time: 5-6hrs
Ascent 480m
Camp altitude: 4080m
The path ascends for a while until the army camp. Following the course of the river above the tree line, enjoy stunning views of the surrounding peaks.
Jangothang is one of the most stunning campsites of the Himalayas, which will offer you a spectacular view of Mount Jomolhari from a unique perspective.
The rest day provides an opportunity to explore the pristine landscape of Jangothang. On the upper slopes of this valley, it is common to see blue sheeps grazing the mountain side.
Jangothang also a rest day for acclimatization
Explore the Tsophu (sacred lakes) or hike around the area.
Distance: 17km
Estimated time: 6-7hrs
Ascent 810m, descent 1,090m
Camp altitude: 4,010m
The trail follows the stream for half an hour and crosses the bridge to the right bank. The start of the climb up to the first ridge begins, enjoying breathtaking views of Chomolhari, Jichu Drake and Tserimgang. The trail then goes past across a fairly level valley floor, until the climb up to Nyele-la pass (4,700m). Then a gradual descend from the pass to the campsite at Lingshi (4,000m), enjoying a panoramic view of the mountain peaks and Lingshi Dzong.
Distance: 22km
Estimated time: 8-9hrs
Ascent 940m, descent 920m
Camp altitude: 4,080m
The route leads up to Yali La pass at 4,820m, at which point Mount Jomolhari, Mount Tserim Gang, and Mount Masas Gang can be seen from this site on a clear day. Trek continues downhill from the pass until reaching the campsite at Shodu.
Distance: 16km
Estimated time: 5-6hrs
Ascent 250m, descent 670m
Camp altitude 3,710m
The trail follows the Thimphu Chhu river through dense forests of rhododendron, passing picturesque waterfalls. A gradual climb up to the ruins of Barshong Dzong. After which, the path descends for a few hours, leading through rhododendron forests before emerging into pastureland at Domshisa, where the campsite will be set up.
Distance: 16km
Estimated time: 5-6hrs
The trail continues following the Thimphu Chhu river, walking through forests of rhododendron, birch, conifer, maples, and mountain meadow in about an hour. After trekking up for 45 minutes and over a small pass, the trail descends downhill to Dolam Kencho, at which point vehicle pick up and transfer Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan will be organized.
Altitude in Paro: 2,280m
Altitude in Thimphu: 2,320m
National Memorial Chorten – one of Bhutan’s most prominent buildings. The Chorten is the monument of world peace and prosperity. For Bhutanese, the site also serves as the memorial to their Third King, His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuck (1928-72).
National Institute for Zorig Chusum (The Arts and Crafts School or Painting school)- The students here are enrolled in a different course that teaches the 13 traditional arts of Bhutan.
Buddha Point (Buddha Dordenma) - At a height of 51,5m, placed on top of a hill in Kuenselphodrang Nature Park, the sight of the enormous statue of Shakyamuni Buddha is stunning and unforgettable. This giant statue is one of the largest in the world and is said to emanate an aura of peace and happiness.
Tashicho Dzong (Fortress of The Glorious Religion)- Tashichho Dzong has been the seat of the Bhutan government since 1952. Through the years, the dzong has gone through expansions and renovation and presently houses the throne room and offices of the king, the secretariat and the ministries of home affairs and finance. Other government departments are housed in buildings nearby.
