15 days | 14 nights
Treks
Jumolhari Round Trek
This is a classic 9 days Jumolhari Round Trek which starts from Drugyal Dzong near Paro and ends at Dodena just close to Thimphu. The trail goes through two high passes from Jangothang. The view of Jumolhari mountain (7,314 m) from Jangothang is spectacular. This is strenuous trek but a very popular.
Day 1 : Arrive Paro
Upon arrival our Rep. will meet you and transfer you to the hotel. Briefing about the trip, dinner and overnight at the Hotel.
Day 2 : Sightseeing Tour in and Around Paro
After breakfast we drive to Drugyal Dzong (a ruined fortress – 16 kms away from Paro town). The dzong, although in ruins, holds great historical significance. It was from this fortress that the Bhutanese repelled many Tibetan invasions. The name means “The Victorious Bhutanese.” This spot unfolds a magnificent vista of Mount Chornolhari, “Mountain of Goddess” (Alt. 7329 mtrs). Visit a typical Bhutanese farm house on the way back. Overnight at hotel.
Day 3 : Paro – Shana
Drive to Drugyel Dzong (2,580 m) from where our trek begins. The trail follows the river gently uphill through narrowing valley and agricultural fields. The night’s camp is just beyond an army outpost.
Day 4 : Shana – Soi Thang Thangkha
Today after breakfast we will continue our trek – the trail will continue uphill through the river valley. The valley narrows so much that the path takes to the slopes. There is quite a lot of descending along this stretch. Camp in a meadow.
Day 5 : Soi Thangthangkha – Jangothang
Though this is not a long day trek but it is a bit stressful trail as one needs to do bit of climbing. Today the trail goes up beyond the camp, then will pass through an army camp at 3,730 m – then the trail crosses a wooden bridge over a fast flowing stream a short distance beyond the army post. A short climb leads to a small chorten on a ridge. The valley begins to widen again. All around high mountain ridges and snow-capped peaks come into view. Yaks and yak herders’ winter homes become a regular feature of the landscape. The night camp is beneath a ruined fortress at the base of Mt. Chomolhari.
Day 6 : Jangothang
Trek upto Tsophu or hike around the area. There are good short hiking trails in three directions. Chomolhari and it subsidiary mountain chains lie directly West, Jitchu Drake to the North and a number of unscaled peaks to the East. Overnight halt at camp.
Day 7 Jangothang – Lingshi
Trek through wide yak pastures and up and down passes. As you come down into the Lingshi basin, you get a wonderful view of Lingshi Dzong on a clear day. Tsarim Kang and its glaciers rise up at the north end of the valley. Night halt is a choice between a stone hut or the tent.
Day 8 : Lingshi
A day excursion to Tsokha (Lake) which is at the base camp of Jitchu Drake. Blue sheep and musk deer are plentiful along the trek route. Distance 15 kms. About 3 – 4 hours journey. Altitude of Tsokha – 4500 mtrs.
Day 9 : Lingshi – Shodu
The trail climbs up to the Yalila Pass at an altitude of 4820 mtrs. From the pass, you can get an excellent view of Mt. Chomolhari, Tserim Gang and Masagang on a clear day. The trek from the pass to camp site at Shodu is steep down hill. Camp can be made in a stone shelter or in tent.
Day 10 : Shodu – Barshong
The trail follows the Thim – Chu through forests of Rhododendron. Waterfalls can be seen along the way. The valley narrows till the path takes to the slopes and gradually ascends to reach the ruins of Barshong Dzong. Camp can made in stone shelter or tent.
Day 11 : Barshong – Dolam Kencho
The trail descends through thick forest of Rhododendron to meet the Thim- Chu and then ascends to pasture lands. Camp is in a meadow.
Day 12 : Dolam Kencho – Thimphu
The trail makes a long ascent through conifers forest areas to a pass at 3,510 m. From here then the trail goes down to the river and follows it southward to the road opposite the bridge that leads to Chari Goemba. Overnight Hotel
Day 13 : Thimphu Sightseeing
Visit Tashichho Dzong – the main Secretariat Building. It is from here that the the country is administered. The Head Abbot and the central monastic body also reside here during the summer. Wander through the town, visit shops and the Handicrafts Emporium, where Bhutanese textiles and other handicrafts are available. Visit the workshop where the handicrafts are made.
Visit the painting and woodcrafts schools where traditional painting and other arts are kept alive. Also we will take a tour of the National Library and see the ancient manuscripts preserved there. Simtokha Dzong (6 kms. from Thimphu), the oldest Dzong in Bhutan built by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1629 AD will also be visited.. The Simtokha Dzong houses the largest monastic school in the country.
Day 14 : Thimphu – Paro
Drive to Paro – Overnight in the Hotel
Day 15 : Paro [Departure]
Drive to Paro International Airport where our representative will bid you Bon Voyage.