The most admired and desired is the Jumolhari Trek which showcases the rich landscape of Bhutan with its never-ending peeks. Once the Trek begins, you immediately get immersed in the thick forest and waiting for you is the spectacular view of Mount Jumolhari as the main highlight. It’s the longest trekking route in Bhutan which in itself is worth the effort for.
Season: The ideal time for this trek is Apr-June & Sep- Nov.
Days:12
ITINERARY OVERVIEW
DAY 01: ARRIVE PARO
DAY 02: PARO
DAY 03: PARO – SHANA (6hrs)
DAY 04: SHANA – SOIL THANGTHANGKHA (8hrs)
DAY 05: SOIL THANG’KHA – JANGOTHANG (8hrs)
DAY 06: JANGOTHANG – LINGSHI (8hrs)
DAY 07: LINGSHI – SHODU (8hrs)
DAY 08: SHODU – BARSHONG (7hrs)
DAY 09: BARSHONG – DOLAM KENCHO (6hrs)
DAY 10: D. KENCHO – DODENA/THIMPHU (3hrs)
DAY 11: THIMPHU – PARO
DAY 12: DEPART PARO
DAY 01: ARRIVE PARO
The mystical Dragon land awaits for you, as you are about to land. Our team will be there to formally welcome you followed by a scrumptious lunch with few site visits in Paro itself which will help you to be familiar with the country before you take rest for the night. Your first visit is Ta Dzong (Fortress), the National Museum were you get to appreciate Buddhist paintings, local crafts and historic artifacts. Followed by a scrumptious lunch and then visit to Rinpung Dzong. The dzong houses the central monk body and as well as the administrative body.
DAY 02: PARO
A morning drive after breakfast takes you for your hike towards Tigers Nest, Taktshang Monastery as a warm-up before the trail. The hike is a short walk allowing you to enjoy the stunning view of the Monastery, it is known for its panoramic view. Your next spot is the Drugyal Dzong, the Dzong is the identity of Bhutan, built by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. The trueness of the Dzong had once been lost due to the accidental fire but now it’s stands tall and beautiful.
After lunch, you will visit Kichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest temple in Bhutan.
DAY 03: PARO – SHARNA ZAMPA 17Km, 5-6 hours
Gunitsawa is the army post where people used to have their last stop before heading towards Tibet. The trek starts from Drugyel Dzong with a short walk before you reach to Guintsawa. From that spot, you get to see Sharna Zampa which is opposite side of the river and that’s where your campsite for the night is.
DAY 04: SHARNA ZAMPA – THANGTHANGKHA ,20 km, 7-8 hours
Second day on the trail, it is quite an adventure day due to the landscape itself; climbing all up and then climbing all the way down along the river valley. Before you make your next climb, just across the river you get to re-energize with the meal and then you head on. To keep the spirit up, the place treats you with the view of Mount. Jomolhari as you rest for the night.
DAY 05: THANGTHANGKHA – JANGOTHANG ,19km, 7-8 hours
Still following the Paro river valley, you get yourself surrounded in forest with alpine meadows without blurring your view of Mount. Jomolhari. Soon, you arrive to the army check-point where you not only get to see the Yak herder’s settlement but you also get to enjoy their meal. Three beautiful yet authentic villages, Soe Takethang and Dangothang, and the specular view of Jomolhari as you call it night for the day.
DAY 06: JANGOTHANG – LINGSHI 18 km, 7-8 hours
The morning walk which is about half an hour near the streams of Paro Chhu(river) lets you appreciate the architect of the settlement before you make your climb up to Bhonte La pass then takings across a fairly level valley floor until the climb up to Nyele-la Pass (4700m). We descend gradually enjoying a panoramic view of the mountainous peaks and Lingshi Dzong from the pass until we reach our campsite at Lingshi (4000m). Overnight at campsite
DAY 07: LINGSHI – SHODU 22 km, 8-9 hours
The trek turns to the south, going in to the Mo Chu valley once we have crossed the climb above the camp. Here you get to see across the mountains and the valley, since there are no trees. Ascending down to the Yeli-La pass allows to you to enjoy the view of Mount. Jumonlhri, Mount. Tsherimgang and Mount. Masangang if the weather favors.
The trail takes a turn and you descend down till the chorten then you follow the river which joins the Jaradinthang later becoming Thimphu Chu. Since the trail is used by the Nomads, the path is clear and easy.
DAY 08: SHODU – BARSHONG,16 km, 6-7 hours
The trail becomes even more beautiful as it follows Thimphu Chhu, getting itself hugged by the rhododendrons and amazing waterfalls. Here, you will find yourself surrounded by big rocks which are used by the monks to mediate as you ascend up to the Barshong Dzong. Your stay for the night is near the Dzong.
DAY 09: BARSHONG – DOLAM KENCHO,15 km, 5-6 hours
The trail descends gently through a dense forest of Rhododendron, Birch and conifers, then drops steeply to meet the Thimphu Chu. The trail runs along the left bank of the river, climbing over ridges and descending into gullies where side streams run down into the river. The final stage of the trail climbs around a cliff face high above the Thimphu Chu, coming out onto Pastureland where we camp for the night at 3600m. Overnight at campsite.
DAY 10: DOLAM KENCHO – DODENA – THIMPHU,8 km, 3 hours
The trail is a short one taking you to the last stretch of Dodena with little ups and downs before you start to descend down to the forest area. This area will let you exit from the Jigme Dorji National Park and as you walk a little further, you will be driven to the hotel.
DAY 11: THIMPHU SIGHTSEEING- PARO
The day begins with the visit to the National Memorial Chorten which is at the heart of the city. The stupa is built to honor the third King of Bhutan. Followed by visit to the Takin preserve and the Folk Heritage Museum before you sit for your lunch.
Then, a visit to Tashichho Dzong, it’s the office for the King and the final visit is the Kuensel Phodrang (famously known as Buddha Point) to mark your last stay.
Drive to Paro for your nighthold.
DAY 12: DEPART PARO
Breakfast at the hotel and drive to the airport your departure.