JHOMOLHARI TREK

After completing the necessary formalities, our representative will meet you at the Paro airport and bring you to your accommodation. the town and market of Paro in the evening. Spend the night at the Paro hotel.

Visit Ta Dzong, which was originally constructed as a watchtower in 1651 and opened as Bhutan’s National Museum in 1968, in the morning. The collection consists of works of art, relics, religious thangkha paintings, postal stamps, coins, and handicrafts, in addition to a minor collection of natural history items. The district government and Paro’s monastic body have offices in Rinpung Dzong (Paro Dzong), often known as “the stronghold of the mound of gems,” which was built below Ta Dzong in 1646. Visit Kyichu Lhakhang in the late afternoon. It is one of the oldest and most revered shrines in Bhutan and was built by the Tibetan king Songtsen Gampo in the seventh century. In the motel in Paro for the night.

The hike begins with a little descent on a wide trail from Drukgyel Dzong (2,580m), where it ends. The trail then gently ascends through millet fields and immaculately kept rice terraces. Later, we reach woodlands and apple orchards. Soon, the valley widens, and we arrive at the Gunitsawa army post (2,810m). The last stop before Tibet is here. We continue climbing till just below Sharma Zampa (2,870), where there are a number of excellent camping spots in meadows with tree cover.

The trail ascends and descends through pine, oak, and spruce forests as it once more follows the Pa Chu (Paro river). We pause for a delicious meal after going over a bridge to the river’s left side. Then, before arriving at our campsite, we continue along the river, ascend through rhododendron forests, and cross it once more (3,750m).

Up until we reach the army camp, the path gradually climbs. Then, as we continue along the river beyond the tree line, we are treated to spectacular views of the nearby mountains. At the camp of a yak herder, hot lunch is served. We travel a short distance into the valley from here to reach our campground at Jangothang (4,040 m). The views of Jomolhari and Jichu Drake are spectacular from this location.

After 30 minutes of streamside walking, the trail crosses a bridge to the right bank. Now that we have begun our ascent, we can see Chamolhari, Jichu Drake, and Tserimgang in all their spectacular beauty. When we reach the climb up to Nyele-la pass, the trail then leads us across a very level valley floor (4,700m). We travel from the pass to our camp site at Lingshi (4,000m) while descending gradually while taking in the expansive view of the mountain peaks and Lhuntshi Dzong.

Here, the Jomolhari trek path splits off onto the Laya-Gasa route. Our route ascends towards a tiny white chorten perched on a ridge above the campsite before turning south and ascending the broad Mo Chu valley. The trail continues to ascend slowly a short distance above the Mo Chu while staying on the west side of this largely treeless valley. After crossing the river, it makes a two-hour, strenuous ascent to Yeli-la (4,820m). On a clear day, this pass offers views of Chomolhari, Gangchenta, Tserimgang, and Masagang. Then, continue downstream until you reach Shodu (4,100m), where you can camp in a meadow with a chorten in it. Begin by descending alongside a stream to a rock shelter in a cliff face.

Now that we are back in the trees, our path descends through mixed alpine forests of rhododendron, juniper, and other trees along the course of the Thimphu Chu. Along the trip, there are breathtaking vistas of rugged cliff walls and waterfalls. We make a pit halt for a nice meal along the river. When we reach the remains of Barshong Dzong (3,600m), we set up camp nearby and continue on the trek in a progressively ascending direction.

The trail descends gently through a dense forest of rhododendrons, 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 3,600m.

The track ascends steadily through a forest of conifers and high-altitude plant species to a pass at 3,510m, winding in and out of side valleys above the Thimphu Chu. The route then descends steeply to the river, which it then follows to the road’s southern terminus at Dodena (2,600m). We are met by Etho Metho conveyance and then drive to Thimphu. Hotel in Thimphu; overnight stay.

A full day of sightseeing in the Thimphu valley should include stops at the National Memorial Chorten, Tashichhodzong (the fortress of the glorious religion), National Library, Institute for Zorig Chusum (a school for traditional arts and crafts in Bhutan), National Institute of Traditional Medicine (outside only), and Handicrafts Emporium, depending on time.

Drive to Paro in the evening. Stopover the night in a motel in Paro.

Drive to the Paro airport for your trip to your next location after breakfast.