Trekking Jomolhari in the Kingdom of Bhutan

paro bhutan - Kyichu Lhakhang - Paro Rinpung Dzong

Day 1: Arrival at Enchating Paro Valley

Put on your seat belts and get ready to get awestruck by the alluring sights of the highest snowcapped mountains in the world while sipping a hot coffee, from the windows of your plane.

These are million-dollar views you can rarely find anywhere else. The remarkable and steep descent into Paro international airport is an awe-inspiring beginning to the journey of a lifetime. This is where you begin the journey to the land of happiness.

Today, we will be doing some cultural sightseeing at Paro valley. We will be exploring the oldest temple in Bhutan built in the 7th century by a Tibetan king to pin down a demon, who was thwarting the spread of Buddhism in the Himalayan region.

You can stroll around the Paro town trying some of the local Bhutanese cafes with your hospitable guide if you are not tired after the busy day.

Taktsang -Tigers Nest - Parodrugyel Dzong - Paro Town

Day 2: Acclimatisation to Tigers Nest

Today, we will be hiking this monastery and we usually do it on this day as it will help you to acclimatise with the altitude and prepare you well for the Trek the next day.

No trip in Bhutan would be complete without the hike to Tigers Nest monastery. Shrouded in mystery and myths with stories of numerous miracles associated with the monastery. From great saints to famous Hollywood celebrities, not to forget the Prince of England to the Princess of Japan have hiked to witness the hidden beauty of this icon of Bhutan, which is perched at the edge of a cliff at 3120m above sea level. The hike to the temple is an awe-inspiring journey that will amaze you with its beauty and charm.

With glorious views of Paro valley amid the hike to the entrance of the monastery with alluring waterfalls is a treat for you and your camera for a #picoftheday Instagram post.

Paro - Shana - Thangthabgkha

Day 3: Jhomolhari Trek Begins

We will have an early morning drive from the hotel to Shana village. After driving through the rice terraces and apple orchards, we reach Shana village. We will meet our horsemen, chefs, and helpers and start the trek from Shana bridge. The trail takes you into Jigme Dorji Wangchuk national park, the largest protected area in Bhutan. The trail follows the river through a heavily forested area with a few isolated farmhouses. As we go up, the valley becomes narrow, wilder, and steeper. The trail winds up and down along the drainage. We pass 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. We cross several traditional wooden bridges finally arriving Thanthangka. The camp is in a meadow with a stone shelter

Thangthangkha - Yak Herders Camp - Jangothang

Day 4: Thangthangkha to Jangothang

Day two trek is more scenic than day one and with the 3 hours of hiking duration. As you keep following the Pa Chhu riverbank, you eventually see Mt. Jomolhari and other giant mountain vistas. Hot lunch is served at a yak herder’s camp. A short walk from here into the valley takes us to our campsite at Jangothang (4,040m). If you are lucky, you might get to see blue sheep grazing on the mountain top.

Jangothang - Nyela Pass - Ligzhi

Day 5: Jangothang to Ligzhi

The trail follows the stream for half an hour and crosses the bridge to the right bank. We now start our climb up to the first ridge, enjoying breathtaking views of Chomolhari, Jichu Drake, and Tserimgang.

The trail then takes us across a fairly level valley floor, until the climb up to Nyele-la pass (4,700m). We descend gradually from the pass to our campsite at Lingshi (4,000m), enjoying a panoramic view of the mountain peaks and Lingshi Dzong as we walk.

Lingzhi - Yeli La Pass - Shodu

Day 6: Lingzhi To Shodu

The trail climbs towards a small white Chorten on a ridge above the camp, then turns south up the deep Mo Chhu (river) valley.

The trail stays on the west side of the largely treeless valley, climbing steadily a short distance above Mo Chhu. It then crosses the river and climbs steeply for two hours to Yeli La pass (4,820m). From the pass, on a clear day, you can see Jumolhari, Gangchen Ta, Tshering Gang and Masang Gang.

Descend alongside a stream to a shelter, and then further downstream to a camp at Shodu (4,100m), a meadow with a Chorten.

Shodu - Barshong Dzong - Barshong

Day 7: Shodu to Barshong

Today you will come back to the tree line. The path follows the Thimphu River, descending through rhododendron, juniper and other alpine forests. You will be able to see stunning views of rocky cliffs and waterfalls. You can rest by the riverside and enjoy a hot meal. After lunch, you will gradually ascend to the ruins of Barshong Dzong. Continue to your campsite near a river, Domshisa which is at 3,400m.

Barshong - Thimphu Chhu - Dolam Kencho

Day 8: Barshong to Dolam kencho

There are several ups and downs and crossings of small streams. Reach a split in the trail, the one to the right descends to your campsite for tonight.

Dolam Kencho - Dodina - Thimphu

Day 9: Dolam kencho to Thimphu

Today is an easy walk with small ups and downs followed by a couple of short steep switchbacks to descend a vertical cliff before finally reaching the last stretch to Dodina.

The trails descend through bamboo forests, following the mule trail high above the river, and reach Dodina where your vehicle will meet you and drive you half an hour to Thimphu, the modern capital of Bhutan.

Thimphu - Buddha Dordoenma - 13 Arts And Crafts Centres

Day 10: Explore Timphu City

Thimphu is the capital city of Bhutan, it combines a natural small-town feel with a new commercial exuberance that constantly challenges the country's natural conservatism and Shangri La image. Thimphu has some cafes, bars, nightclubs, and restaurants.

Finding a balance between the esoteric and espresso – the old and the new – is the key to getting out the most of this charming city.

Paro - Paro International Airport - Delhi Airport

Day 11: Goodbye Bhutan!

Today, you will be departing from Bhutan to your preplanned destination. Our representatives will bid you farewell and see you off at the airport. We wish you a safe journey and hope to see you back in the near future.