The Jhomolhari Trek is to Bhutan what the Everest Base Camp route is to Nepal: a trekking pilgrimage. With two different versions, it’s one of the most trodden routes in the country, and almost 40% of all trekkers who come to Bhutan end up following one of the Jhomolhari routes.
Paro International Airport (Google Map)
3 Hours Before Flight Time
Fly into Paro. If you are flying in from Delhi or Kathmandu the flight over the Himalayas is one of the most spectacular experiences one will ever experience. You will fly past Mt. Everest, Kanchenjunga, and the entire Himalayan range visible on the left side. On landing, at Paro, you will be met by our representative. After Customs and Immigrations formalities, you will be escorted to the hotel.
Overnight at the hotel
Drive the winding road northwest up the Pa-Chu to Drukgyel Dzong, the ruined Fortress which once defended this valley from Tibetan invasion. This Dzong was built in the 17th century by Shabdrung Nawang Namgyel, the spiritual leader of Bhutan. It is believed that through the miraculous power of Shabdrung that the Bhutanese were able to defeat the Tibetans seven times. The name Drukgyel Dzong means ‘victorious fortress’. On a clear day, one can view Mt. Jumolhari the sacred Mountain. On the way back visit one of the Typical Bhutanese farmhouses. Lunch at the Hotel. After lunch drive to Ta-Dzong which was once the watchtower for Paro valley, now it houses the National Museum and then walks downhill past the Paro Dzong and crossing the typical traditional roofed bridge to Paro town.
Overnight at the hotel.
Jhomolhari Trek Day 1: Distance 17 km and walking time 5-6 hours. Starting at Drukgyel(2580m) and camp near Sharna Zampa(2870m). Gradual climb following the Paro river through the agriculture valley and villages. The campsite is opposite the Gunyitsawa Army check post in a meadow.
Jhomolhari Trek Day 2: Distance 22 km and walking distance 6-7 hours. Starting at Sharna Zampa (2870m) and camp at Thangthangka(3630m). The trial is a gradual ascent with plenty of ups and downs through conifer forest, ferns, and Rhododendrons. A magnificent view of Mt. Jumolhari can be seen from your campsite on clear days.
Jhomolhari Trek Day 3 : Distance 19 kms and walking distance 5-6 hours. Starting at Thangthangka (3630m) and camp at Jangothang (4090m)Todays trial passes an army post and the village of Soe and a small settlement at Takethang. Yak herders live here . Camp beneath a ruined fortress at the base of Mt. Jumolhari.
Jhomolhari Trek Day 4: Acclimatisation Day. You can spend the day relaxing or there are several day hikes to choose from. Two interesting hikes would be to get views of Mt.Jumolhari or Jichu Drake. If you are interested in a lake then you can take the hike to Tsophu.
Overnight at camp.
Jhomolhari Trek Day 5: Distance 18 km and walking time 5-6 hours. Starting at Jangothang (4090m) and camp at Lingshi (4010m) Today you encounter your first major pass at 4890m ( Nyile-la ). You also get snow peak views of Tserim Kang (6789m).
Camp near a stream in a meadow.
Jhomolhari Trek Day 6 : Halt : Its worth a visit to Lingshi Dzong. You can also make an excursion to Tsokha (lake) i.e. Base Camp of Jichu-Drake. During the excursion hundreds of Blue Sheep, Musk Deer could be seen. Tsokha is at 4500 m. and the hike is about 4-5 hours.
Jhomolhari Trek Day 7: Distance 22 km and walking time 8-9 hours. Starting at Lingshi (4010m) and camp at Shodu (4110m)The first half of the trek is mostly through the treeless valley until you start ascending to Yeli-La pass at 4820 m, from here Mt. Jumolhari, Mt. Tsherimgang, and Mt. Masagang can be seen on clear days.
Camp in a meadow.
Jhomolhari Trek Day 8: Distance 16 km and walking time 5-6 hours. Starting at Shodu (4110m) and camp at Barshong (3680 m). Today’s trial winds up & down following the Thimphu Chhu and crossing it six times. A final climb for about an hour’s walk will bring you to Barshong.
Camp just below the ruins of a small Dzong.
Jhomolhari Trek Day 9: Distance 15 km and walking time 5-6 hours. Starting at Barshong (3680m) and camp at Dolam Kencho (3430m). The trail descends gently down to meet Thimphu Chhu through the dense forest of Rhododendron, birch, conifer trees, and across the pasture land.
Camp in a meadow.
Jhomolhari Trek Day 10 End of Trek: Distance 8 km and walking time 3 hours. Starting at Dolam Kencho (3430m) and end of trek at Dodina (2600m). Today is an easy 3 hour descends till Dodina where your vehicle will meet you. It is a 30-minute drive to Thimphu.
Overnight at the hotel.
The morning starts the sightseeing with Zelukha Nunnery, National Library, Memorial Chorten of Late King, Handicrafts Emporium, Post Office and walk around Thimphu city for shopping of souvenirs from Bhutan. If this day falls on a Saturday or Sunday a visit to the Weekend Market is a must. After lunch drive to Paro en-route visit to Simtokha Dzong the first fort built in 1627-29 by Shabdrung who unified the Kingdom and continue the journey following the Thimphu river till Chuzom (Confluence) and taking the direction toward Paro following Pa-chu for 2 hours.
Overnight at the hotel.
Your Jhomolhari Trek terminates today so after breakfast, your representative will help you with the exit formalities and bid you farewell and wish you a happy journey back home.
