Jomolhari Trek is one of the most popular treks in Bhutan. The altitude for the trek ranges from 2,500m to around 5,000m. You can expect to see a huge variety of flora and fauna. Highlight of the trek includes the spectacular view of Mount Jomolhari from Jomolhari Basecamp, Jangothang.
Difficulty level: Moderate to Difficult
You should have a fairly high level of fitness to complete the trek.
| DAY 1 |
ARRIVAL IN PARO Upon your arrival at Paro International Airport, you will see your tour guide waiting for you at the arrival hall. From Paro, you will take a one hour drive to the capital city of Bhutan, Thimphu. In Thimphu, you will check in to your accommodation and have your first Bhutanese meal! The city will provide you a glimpse into the local cultures and you will quickly notice Bhutanese in their traditional costumes, Kira for the ladies and Gho for the men. You will also realise that unlike other cities in the world, you will not see any traffic light on the roads! On the first day, your itinerary will be light to ensure that you have sufficient rest from the flight and are ready to explore Bhutan! Your first stop will be the Buddha Dordenma (also known as Buddha Point) to learn more about Buddhism in Bhutan. The scenic view from Buddha Dordenma makes great photo opportunities for travellers. It’s located near Kuenselphodrang Nature Park and the 169 feet bronze Buddha statue is considered one of the largest in the world. The night view from Buddha Dordenma is absolutely magnificent. After that, you will visit one of the largest ancient fortresses in Bhutan known as Tashichho Dzong or Thimphu Dzong. It is the office of the King as well as other government buildings nearby. Be awed by the architectural feat of Bhutan! Subsequently, you can take a stroll to check out the Thimphu Town and visit the Craft Gallery to learn more about the different arts and crafts available in Bhutan.
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| DAY 2 |
On the way to Punakha, you will drop by Dochula Pass, one of the most beautiful mountain passes in Bhutan. Dochula Pass comprises 108 chorten built by Queen Mother Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck to commemorate Bhutan’s victory over the Assamese insurgents from India. If you are lucky, you can also get a clear view of the gorgeous Himalayan range from Dochula Pass! You can visit Druk Wangyal Lhakhang located near the Dochula Pass. This beautiful temple was built in honour of the fourth King, Jigme Singye Wangchuck who led the battle against the Indian rebels. You will be able to see locals offering butter lamps at the temple. Upon reaching Punakha, you will first visit the Punakha Dzong, one of the most beautiful fortresses in Bhutan. It used to be the seat of the government until the capital shifted to Thimphu. The dzong continues to be a winter home for the clergy, headed by the Chief Abbot (Je Khenpo). The dzong is strategically located at the fork of two rivers, Mo Chhu and Po Chhu and beautiful jacarandas can be seen blooming at the courtyard during spring. You will explore one of the most popular temples in the Punakha District, Chime Lhakhang (also known as Temple of Fertility). You will start your journey from Sopsokha Village where you can witness traditionally built houses and shops. Do not be surprised by the amount of phalluses you will see around the village! You will get to learn more about the significance as you reach Chime Lhakhang after taking a 20 mins stroll across a serene terraced field. Travellers from all around the world visit Chime Lhakhang to receive fertility blessings. Then you will visit the Po Chhu Suspension Bridge, the longest suspension bridge in Bhutan measuring 160 metres long. You can feel a sense of calm as you stand atop the suspension bridge admiring the picturesque lush green valleys. The bridge offers you a spectacular view of the rivers and Punakha district.
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| DAY 3 |
THIMPHU TO PUNAKHA On the way to Punakha, you will drop by Dochula Pass, one of the most beautiful mountain passes in Bhutan. Dochula Pass comprises 108 chorten built by Queen Mother Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck to commemorate Bhutan’s victory over the Assamese insurgents from India. If you are lucky, you can also get a clear view of the gorgeous Himalayan range from Dochula Pass! You can visit Druk Wangyal Lhakhang located near the Dochula Pass. This beautiful temple was built in honour of the fourth King, Jigme Singye Wangchuck who led the battle against the Indian rebels. You will be able to see locals offering butter lamps at the temple. Thereafter, you can embark on the Lungchutse hike starting from the chorten and end in Hongtsho Village. It is one of the most picturesque short hikes in Bhutan. You will be able to visit Lungchutse Gomba. From here, you will follow a trail through a forest of hemlocks, birch and rhododendrons until you reach an open meadow. A small trail will lead you past a row of fluttering prayer flags up to the Lungchutse temple. Upon reaching Punakha, you will visit the Punakha Dzong, one of the most beautiful fortresses in Bhutan. It used to be the seat of the government until the capital shifted to Thimphu. The dzong continues to be a winter home for the clergy, headed by the Chief Abbot (Je Khenpo). The dzong is strategically located at the fork of two rivers, Mo Chhu and Po Chhu and beautiful jacarandas can be seen blooming at the courtyard during spring. Then you will visit the Po Chhu Suspension Bridge, the longest suspension bridge in Bhutan measuring 160 metres long. You can feel a sense of calm as you stand atop the suspension bridge admiring the picturesque lush green valleys. The bridge offers you a spectacular view of the rivers and Punakha district.
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| DAY 4 |
PUNAKHA TO PARO Thereafter, you will head back to Paro for further exploration. In Paro, you can visit the Rinpung Dzong aka Paro Dzong that is located near the town. This 15th century massive fortress is the administrative centre of the district. It was built in 1647 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the unifier of Bhutan. The dzong is literally known as Fortress on a Heaps of Jewels. It is one of the country’s finest architecture. Scenes from Bernado Bertolucci’s 1993 film ‘Little Buddha’ were filmed in Rinpung Dzong! You will visit Kyichu Lhakhang - one of the oldest and most beautiful temples in Bhutan. It has a very calming ambience where you will see locals spinning prayers wheels and circumambulating the temple. Inside the temple also housed two mystical orange trees that bear fruits throughout the year! You will also be able to visit the national museum located immediately above the Rinpung Dzong. It was originally built as a watchtower. In 1968, Ta Dzong was inaugurated as the first National Museum that stores sacred religious artifacts. This excellent museum is not to be missed! Subsequently, you can explore and chill around the Paro town. There are plenty of shops selling handicrafts, eateries and souvenirs.
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| DAY 5 |
SHANA - THANGTHANGKA Today will be the beginning of your Jumolhari trek! The trail follows the river through an exhilarating adventure in the Himalayas. You will pass through a heavily forested area with a few isolated farmhouses. As you go up the valley into the wild, the trails will become narrower and steeper. Along the journey, you will pass a junction, and another path that leads over the Tremo La to Tibet. The locals traditionally used this route as a trading route to Tibet. You will cross several traditional wooden bridges before arriving Thangthangka. The campsite is located in a meadow with a stone shelter. From this point, you will be able to see Mount Jomolhari if the weather is clear. |
| DAY 6 |
THANGTHANGKA - JANGATHONG You will be waking up to the glorious sight of Mount Jomolhari. The morning trek will continue up to Paro Chhu that widens into patches of alpine meadow. Along the way, you will be crossing an army checkpoint. Enjoy the spectacular view of high mountain ridges and snow-capped peaks! You will also get to see some yak herders’ homes scattered around as you pass through Soe, Takethang and Dangochang villages. Upon reaching Jangothang, one of the most beautiful campsites of the Himalayas, you will have a breathtaking view of Mount Jomolhari. |
| DAY 7 |
JANGOTHANG - SOI YAKSA (VIA BHONTE LA PASS) The trail leads to the last settlement in the valley and descends to the Paro Chhu (river), crossing through a wooden bridge. From here, it will be a smooth hike all the way to the Tshophu lakes (4,380m) a pair of high-altitude lakes inhabited by a flock of ruddy shelducks. You will then continue along the trail, climbing high above the eastern side of the first lake and passing the second lake. Finally, you will descend into a hidden valley before climbing steeply to Bhonte La pass (4,890m), the highest point on this trek. The route will continue along a lot of criss-crossing yak trails. You will then reach down the Soi Yaksa valley (Dhumzo Chhu valley) to settle down at your camp at 3,800m with rocky cliffs, wildflower meaders, nomadic settlements and a waterfall at the end of the valley. You may encounter some wildlife such as blue sheeps, golden marmots or the elusive snow leopards. |
| DAY 8 |
SOI YAKSA - THOMBU (VIA TAKHUNG LA PASS) The trail will take you past hillsides with azaleas and rhododendrons before you gradually climb above the tree line. You will also cross forests of birch and oak along the journey. The trail ascends 100m over a ridge, before ascending to a meadow with chorten and mani wall. Soon, you will arrive at a small side valley before emerging onto a ridge. You will follow the track on the right through a wooded area and climb steeply for an hour, then ascend past a few huts and chortens to Takhung La (4520m). If the weather is clear, you will be able to see the spectacular views of Jomolhari, Jichu Drakye, Tsherim Kang from the pass. You will gradually make your way down to Thombu Song (4,180m) to a grassy pasture with three yak herders’ huts. Your campsite will be located in the area. |
| DAY 9 |
THOMBU - GUNITSAWA From here, the track will begin to gain elevation and you will climb steeply for 200m. You will be traversing through beautiful garden of wildflowers and rhododendrons during the late spring and summer. Finally, you will cross over to Thombu La at 4,380m, where the trail eventually exits the valley. The trail begins to descend down steeply through upland forest. The first part of the descent is gradual, winding down to about 4000m, after which the trail makes a steep descent, zigzagging down the ridge before reaching Gunitsawa (2,730m). Cross the river and go upstream to reach Sharna Zampa (2,580m), your campsite on the first night of the trek. However, from there, we will head back to the capital Thimphu city where you will get a good hot shower and a good night sleep. |
| DAY 10 |
THIMPHU TO PARO From Thimphu, you will take a one hour drive back to Paro. You will be embarking to visit one of the most popular and iconic landmarks of Bhutan - Taktsang Monastery also known as Tiger’s Nest Monastery! The monastery is located 2,600 feet above the Paro Valley. Your day will begin early in the morning. The entire hike can take approximately 3 and half to 5 hours depending on your pace. You will reach a cafeteria after one hour hike where you can enjoy the stunning view of the monastery. You will be able to see many locals of all ages, from kids to the elderlies making their way up to the monastery - sometimes in sandals. Do not be surprised! Legend has it that Guru Padmasambhava (aka Guru Rinpoche) flew from Tibet to the monastery on the back of a tigress in the 8th century. He meditated in the cave for 3 years, 3 months, 3 weeks and 3 days before subduing a demon that was terrorising the inhabitants of the valleys. This monastery is considered one of the most sacred sites in Bhutan. A trip to Takstang is a holy pilgrimage for the locals. *Do remember to pace well and enjoy the views along the way! You will visit Kyichu Lhakhang - one of the oldest and most beautiful temples in Bhutan. It has a very calming ambience where you will see locals spinning prayers wheels and circumambulating the temple. Inside the temple also housed two mystical orange trees that bear fruits throughout the year! Subsequently, you can explore and chill around the Paro town. There are plenty of shops selling handicrafts, eateries and souvenirs.
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| DAY 11 |
DEPART FROM PARO The day that you will say goodbye to this amazing Himalayan Kingdom and vow to be back again to explore more of it someday! You will be departing Bhutan from Paro International Airport. Hopefully you would have made some great memories and new friends that will last you a lifetime. We certainly hope that you will come back to discover more charm of Bhutan in some other parts of the country! |