Jomolhari Trek is the famous trek in Bhutan. Every year, hundreds of tourists visit Bhutan to trek through this route. It is not only challenging but also thrilling and fascinating. With altitude differences of 2,500m and nearly 5,000m, it offers a wide range of landscapes, fauna, and flora. The highlight of this trek is the spectacular view of Mount Jomolhari from Jomolhari Basecamp (Jangothang).
Day 1: Arrival and sightseeing in Paro
Arrive at the Paro International Airport. After lunch, visit the National Museum, Paro Rinpung Dzong, and watch the archery match, the national game of Bhutan. In the evening, ramble through the small and quiet town of Paro.
Overnight stay will be at Bhutan Mandala Resort
Day 2: Hike to Taktsang(Tiger Nest)
Hike to Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) Monastery in the first half of the day. Afternoon, visit Kyichu monastery (one of the oldest temples of Bhutan which was built in the 7th Century)
Overnight at Bhutan Mandala Resort (or similar)
Day 3: Paro to Sharna Zampa
(17KM | 5-6 HOURS | 230M ASCENT | DESCENT 60M | CAMP ALT 2870M)
Drive about 12 km north of Paro valley from your hotel to the historic Drugyal Dzong ruins at 2,580m. From there, your trek starts. You will pass through Mitshi Zampa and Sangatan, and also the Gunitsawa army post.
You will halt at Sharna Zampa.
Day 4: Sharna – Thangthangkha
(Distance 22 km, 6-7 hours, 770 m ascent, 10 m descent, camp altitude 3,610 m)
Begin the trek from Sharna. The trail continues with lots of small ups and downs. Walk uphill through the river valley. Then descend down gradually to a mere path to a meadow where a camp will be set up.
We will have a great view of Mt. Jhomolhari from the campsite at Thangthangkha.
Day 5:Thangthangkha – Jangothang
(Distance 19 km, 5-6 hours, 480 m ascent, camp altitude 4,080 m)
Begin trekking toward Jangothang. The trail continues up the Paro Chhu valley which widens into patches of alpine meadow and scanty growth of the forest.
Overnight stay will be at Jangothang campsite.
Day 6: Halt at Jangothang
Explore hiking in the vicinity. Hike to Tshophu (4,500 m), a twin lake on the north of the campsite.
Spend the night at the campsite.
Day 7: Jangothang – Lingzhi/Chershithang
(Distance 18 km, 6-7 hours, 840 m ascent, 870 m descent, camp altitude 4,010 m)
Resume the trek. Begin from Jangothang to Lingzhi. The trail begins climbing rapidly towards the Nyilila pass (4,870m). Through the trek, we might see herds of Blue sheep and Marmots.
Halt overnight at a campsite at Chershithang
Day 8: Chershithang – Shodu
(Distance 22km, eight to nine hours, 940m ascent, 920m descent, camp altitude 4,080m)
The trail follows the stream and climbs up to the Yelila pass (4,930m) from where one can have a clear view of Jumolhari, Tserimgang, and Masanggang.
Spend the night at Shodu.
Day 9: Shodu – Barshong
(Distance 16km, five to six hours, 250m ascent, 670m descent, camp altitude 3,710m)
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.
Overnight stay will be at a campsite near the Dzong.
Day 10: Barshong –Dodeyna/Thimphu
(Distance 15km, five to six hours)
The trail descends down to the Thimphu Chhu valley, through dense forests of rhododendron, birch, conifer, maples, and bamboo, and then ascends to pasture lands. If time permits, a visit to Tashichoeddzong (fortress of the glorious religion) which houses His Majesty the King’s office and central monk body is highly recommended.
Overnight stay will be at Hotel Tara Phendeyling (or similar)
Day 11: Depart, Thimphu -Paro
Drive to Paro Airport for departure.