Jomolhari Trek

The flight to Paro crosses the Himalayan Mountains, affording spectacular views of the awesome peaks, including the sacred Jomolhari and Jichu Drake peaks. Upon arrival, you will be greeted by our representative. In the afternoon, visit Paro Dzong (Rinpung Dzong), built in 1646. Then visit the National Museum, formerly the watchtower for the Dzong. Afterward, visit Kichu Lhakhang, the oldest temple in the country. In the evening, stroll through Paro town.

After breakfast, drive towards the base camp of Taktsang for the hike up to the Taktsang Monastery – Tiger's Nest. The trail is broad and the walk of approximately 2 hours uphill. The view of Taktsang Monastery built on a sheer cliff face 900 meters above the valley floor is a spectacular sight. The great Guru Rinpoche is said to have flown here on the back of a tigress in the 8th Century. In the afternoon, drive to the almost fully reconstructed Drukgyel Dzong. In fine weather, the towering peak of the sacred Mount Jomolhari (7314m) appears as a stunning backdrop.

Distance: 22 km, 7-8 hours, 770 m ascent, 10 m descent

The trek starts from Drukgyel Dzong (2580m) with a short downhill walk on a wide track. The trail then climbs gently through well-maintained rice terraces and a field of millet. Later on, we come to apple orchards and forests. Soon the valley widens, and we reach the army post of Gunitsawa (2810m). We camp near the river at Shana.

Distance: 19 km, 5-6 hours, 480 m ascent

The trail again follows the Pa Chu (Paro river), ascending and descending through pine, oak, and spruce forest. After crossing a bridge to the left bank of the river, we stop for lunch. The trail continues through beautiful forests to the camp at Thangthangkha.

The path ascends for a while until we reach the army camp. We then follow the river above the tree line, enjoying stunning views of the surrounding peaks. 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 (4040m), with magnificent views of Mount Jomolhari.

Today's halt allows time to acclimatize to the altitude. We can explore the valley or climb to the top of the mountain overlooking the camp and the glaciers beneath Jomolhari. You can also see the pointed Jichu Drake piercing the clear blue sky. It is worth waking yourself up in the middle of the night to observe the number of stars not usually seen from our cities.

Distance: 16km, 6 to 7 hours, 810m ascent, 1,090m descent

The trail follows a gentle stream for half an hour and crosses a bridge to the right bank. We now start our climb up 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 (4700m).

Distance: 22km, 8 to 9 hours, 940m ascent, 920m descent

Our trail climbs up towards a small white Chorten on a ridge above the camp, then turns south up the deep Mo Chu valley. The trail then descends alongside a stream to a rock shelter in a cliff face. It then continues on downstream until reaching Shodu (4100m), where we will camp in a meadow.

Distance: 16km, 5 to 6 hours, 250m ascent, 670m descent

Our path follows the course of the Thimphu Chu, descending through Rhododendron, Juniper, and mixed alpine forests. There are stunning views along the way. We stop at the riverside for a hot lunch. Then the trail takes us gradually upwards to the ruins of Barshong Dzong (3600m), near which we camp for the night.

Distance: 15km, 4 to 6 hours, 290m ascent, 640m descent

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. We camp near Dodena.

Distance: 8km, 3 to 4 hours, 500m ascent, 930m descent

The trail winds in and out of a side valley above the Thimphu Chu, making a long ascent through a forest of conifers and high altitude broadleaf species to a pass at 3510m. The trail then drops steeply down to the river, following it southward to the road head at Dodena (2600m). Our transport meets us here, and we drive to Thimphu. Overnight at a hotel in Thimphu.

Enjoy sightseeing in Thimphu beginning with a visit to the National Memorial Chorten. Other highlights include the 12th Century Changangkha Temple, Drubthob Monastery housing the Zilukha Nunnery, the National Library housing a collection of Bhutanese scriptures dating back to the 8th century, and a fascinating replica of a medieval farmhouse at the Folk Heritage Museum. In the early evening, depart for Paro. Overnight at your hotel in Paro. Breakfast the next morning, then drive to the airport for your departure flight.