Jomolhari trek

Duration: Nine days

Max. Elevation: 4,930m
Highest Camp: 4,080m
Standard: Medium
Best Seasons: March to June & September to November
Start: Gunitsawa village (Paro)
Finish: Dodena (Thimphu)

 

Summary

Experience the excitement of trekking to heights with altitude differences of 2,500m up-to 5,000m along breathtaking views of landscapes, fauna and flora.

Be one of the very few to get a spectacular view of Mount Jomolhari (Mountain Goddess) from Jomolhari basecamp (Jangothang).

 

Day 1: Gunitsawa village- Sharna Zampa

Highlights: Flora, fauna, landscape

This trek begins at Gunitsawa Village where you pass the army post. At the army check-point your trek permit (provided by your tour operator) will be checked and endorsed. The campsite is on the opposite side of the river, not far from Gunitsawa.

 

Day 2: Sharna Zampa – Thangthangkha

Highlights: Flora, fauna, landscape

On this long day, the trail continues with several ascends and descends. After an uphill trek through the river valley, the trail narrows gradually to a mere path and then descends to a meadow. This will be your camp for the night.

 

Day 3: Thangthangkha – Jangothang

Highlights: Flora, fauna, landscape, view of Mt Jomolhari

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 scenic beauty.

 

Day 4: Jangothang halt

Highlights: Flora, fauna, landscape, views of lakes and snow capped mountains. You could spot blue sheep

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.

 

Day 5: Jangothang – Lingshi

Highlights: Flora, fauna, landscape, lake

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.

 

Day 6: Lingshi-Shodu

Highlights: Flora, fauna, landscape, views of Majrstic mountains

The trail climbs up to the Yelila pass at an altitude of 4,930m. From the pass, on a clear day you will get an excellent view of Jomolhari, Tserimgang and Masanggang.

 

 

Day 7: Shodu – Barshong

Highlights: Flora (Rhododendron), fauna, landscape, waterfalls

The trail follows the Thimphu Chhu through rhododendron forests, past beautiful waterfalls along the way. The valley narrows till the path takes to the slopes and gradually ascends to the ruins of Barshong Dzong.

 

Day 8: Barshong- Dolam Kencho

Highlights: Flora (rhododendron, birch, conifer, maples and bamboos), fauna, landscape, Barshong Dzong

The trail descends down to the Thimphu Chhu river valley, through dense forests of rhododendron, birch, conifer, maples and bamboos and then ascends to pasture lands. The camp is in a meadow.

 

Day 9: Dolam Kencho – Dodena

Highlights: Flora, fauna and landscape

The trail continues through forested areas winding up and down and through a small pass. Langurs (monkeys) can be seen along the way. In Dodena, you will exit the Jigme Dorji National Park and drive to Thimphu.

Overnight at the hotel.