510-222-5307 (Call)
govind@himalayantravels.com
CST 2005360-10
Nothing in the world can prepare you for an astounding panorama that awaits you when you embark on a Jomolhari trek in Bhutan. Along this trek, you will come upon stretches of spectacular scenery, unending expanse of fields, green hills filled with flowers and quiet hamlets below snowcapped mountain peaks. This is one of Bhutan’s finest treks that offer spectacular views of 7,314m/23,996ft Jomolhari with its companions Jitchu Drake and Tserim Kang. These trio peaks are Bhutan’s highly revered custodians that loom large on the Tibet-Bhutan border close to an ancient trade route from India into Tibet’s Phari Valley. It is thought by many to be the most beautiful mountain in the whole length of the Himalayas. This trek has high chances of sighting the blue-sheep, Takin, and a wide variety of birds. In the spring, rhododendrons, azaleas, and masses of wildflowers carpet the high meadows, while pear and apple trees blossom in the valleys. In the fall, rice paddies ripen to a golden brown, and yak herders bring their charges down from high summer pastures. The trek combines attending one of the joyous festivals of Bhutan
| Starts From | Paro |
|---|---|
| Ends in | Paro |
| Country Visited | Bhutan |
| Best Season | Mar-May, Sep-Nov |
| Price (per person) | $3,675 |
| Internal airfare (per person) | N/a |
All transfers and sightseeing with entrance fees
Accommodation in best tourist category hotels as listed or similar during tours.
All meals including evening tea/coffee
English Speaking Wind Horse Local Tour Leader.
During the trek: Fully organized trek with all meals, bars and beverages. All trekking gears including Tents, Thermal mats, Blow pillow, Hot-water bag for warmth during night. Pressured Altitude Bag for emergencies. Pack animals to carry luggage and additional riding pony for emergency, Basic Medical Kit. Trekking staffs include Guide, Cook, assistants and horseman.
Sleeping bags can be requested for free ! (cleaning charges will apply)
Bhutan royalties
Visa fees
International airfare – we will be glad to book your international flights.
Travel/Medical and evacuation Insurance – purchased separately
Personal trekking gears such personal Day pack, clothing, shoes etc.
Tips and gratuities (optional)
Day 1: Arrive in Paro – Thimphu
Arrive in Paro by flight. You are met and transferred to the capital Thimphu, Bhutan’s bucolic capital, nestled in a fertile valley at 2,300m/7,546ft (1hr drive). After lunch we will take a short tour to view some sights and get acquainted with Thimphu.
Overnight in Hotel Druk, Khang Residency, Jumolhari or similar
Day 2: Thimphu Valley Tour
After breakfast, spend full day touring Traditional Art School, Indigenous hospital, Textile Museum, and many other cultural monuments in the capital. This evening we will take a stroll, and visit the colorful farmer’s market, which is best during the weekends.
Overnight in Hotel Druk, Khang Residency, Jumolhari or similar
Day 3: Drive to Punakha
After further tour of Thimphu in the morning, drive east across spectacular Dochula pass (3,050m/10,007ft) to Punakha and Wangdue valley, which takes about 3 hours. Along the way we stop for views etc. Upon arrival, tour in the valley, including taking a short easy hike to Chimi Lhakhang temple, dedicated to Bhutan’s famous Saint Drukpa Kuenley.
Overnight in Meri Phunsum resort or Punatsangchhu Cottage.
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Day 4: In Punakha & Wangdue Phodrang
Drive to the idyllic countryside north of Punakha, and start a gradual hiking ascent through cultivated fields to visit Khamsum Yuelley temple with great views of valley. Later walk along the ancient riverside trail to Punakha and visit impressive Punakha Dzong, an architectural masterpiece on the confluence of two rivers. In the evening, drive and visit Wangdue Phodrang town and a fortress on a ridge.
Overnight in Meri Phunsum resort or Punatsangchhu Cottage.
Day 5: Punakha – Paro
From Punakha, retrace our drive re crossing Dochula for one more opportunity to view panoramic views of the Eastern Himalayan range. Lunch at Thimphu or in Paro depending on the time of the day. In Paro, we will try to visit some attractions, as well stroll through the town area. This is also an opportunity to shop for any items you may need for the trek.
Overnight in Tenzinling Resort, Gangtey Palace or similar
Day 6: Drive to Shana – Begin trek to Thongdu Zam
From Paro, we drive north to Drugyal Dzong, then continue drive along the new farm road to Shana Zam (2,850m/9,350ft), which takes about 2 hrs. After loading the pack animals (ponies) with your luggage and trekking gears/supplies, we begin 3-4 hr trek through the J.DW National Park. Accompanying the group are horseman, ponies, a Guide, a Cook and assistants. Approx. 8km/5ml. 3-4 hours trek. ascent about 300m/984ft.
Overnight in Tents Camp.
Day 7: Trek to Soi Thangthanka
Approx. 15Km/9ml. 4-6 hours trek. 480m/1,575ft ascent. 50m/164ft descent. Continue up through the valley, following Paro river, which gradually narrows as the trail leads higher, winding up and down through a thick, lush forest of oak, pine, cider and juniper, as we get closer to our camp for the night.
Overnight in Tents Camp at a round altitude of 3600m/11,811ft.
Day 8: Trek to Jangothang (Base Camp)
Approx. 19km/12ml. 5-6 trek. 480m/1,575ft ascent. Continue following Paro river as the valley begins to widen, opening to a spectacular area surrounded by high ridges and snowcapped peaks. A few yak-herding villages are based in this area. Today is not a long day but because of altitude gain, the pace is slower. Camp at Jangothang (4,080m/13,386ft) below a ruined fortress with Mt. Jomolhari seemingly nearby. There is a nice little trekker hut that can be used for dining and as fire place.
Overnight in Tents Camp.
Day 9: Rest Day or Explore
Jangothang is one of the most spectacular camping places in the entire Himalayas. You may wish to enjoy the view and rest for challenging ahead or take excursions towards the glaciers of Chomolhai or visit local village nearby.
Overnight in Tents Camp.
Day 10: Trek across Bhontela to Dumzo (Yaksa)
Approx. 16km/10ml, 7 hours trek. 810m/2,657ft ascent and 1090m/3,576ft descent. The trek is now more serious. The trail starts with a steep hike to Tshopu lakes and gradually climb up to Bhonte La pass (4,890m/16,043ft). Around these areas, we can often see blue sheep, fat marmots, and migrating Himalayan birds, as well as incredible views of Jichu Drake, a beautiful snowcapped peak alongside Jomolhari. After the pass, it is a steep descent downhill to small yak-herding village of Soi Yaksa or Dumzo at 3800m/12467.
Overnight in Tents Camp.
Day 11: Trek to Thongbu Shong
Approx. 11km/7ml. 5 hours trek. 720m/2,362ft ascent, 340m/1,115ft descent. Our hike starts with a gentle uphill trail to the top of the eastern ridge of the Soi Yaksa valley. From here, enjoy an incredible view of the amphitheater of mountains to the north. Cross Takhungla (4,520m/14,829ft) and descend to our camp site in a wide grassy Thangby valley at 4,150m/13,615ft.
Overnight in Tents Camp.
Day 12: Trek to Shana- Paro
Approx. 13km/8ml. 5hrs. 200m/656ft ascent and 1,650m/5,413ft descent.
After a short, steep climb out of camp, leave the remote mountain area by following a ridge to Thombu La (4,380m/14,370ft)). From this vantage point we get a glimpse of the Paro valley to the south and mountain views all around. Start steep descent and rejoin our route to Shana, where we first began our trek.
Overnight in Tenzinling Resort,Gangtey Palace or similar
Day 13: In Paro
This a contingent day in case of any delays on the trek, due to weather or other condition. If everything works out as per schedule, we have a full day to tour Paro valley, where we take short walks and visit Rinphung Dzong, 7th Century Kichu Lhakhang temple, walk to Dzongdrakha cave temples and stroll around.
Overnight in Tenzinling Resort,Gangtey Palace or similar
Full day for hike to famous Taktang (tiger’s nest) monastery, an quintessential Bhutan travel experience. As you will have covered more grounds on foot, we hope to take you beyond Takstang to visit more remote monasteries further uphill. Return to Paro for farewell dinner.
Overnight in Tenzinling Resort,Gangtey Palace or similar
Day 15: Departure (B)
After breakfast, transfer to Paro airport in time for your departure flight.
Note: For enjoyment and to make the group friendly experience, the maximum size for each departure is 9 participants strictly. Booking are on first-come basis. Price or costs are guaranteed on the land portion for those who have already signed up. If 3 or more sign-up together, there will discount of $200 per person (offer for limited time). April 7-21 Itinerary can be modified starting in Paro instead of Thimphu, so you can attend Paro Tsechu festival.
