Jomolhari Trek

Altitude: 2280m

Upon arrival at Paro airport, a Representative from Yak Holidays will take you to the hotel. After lunch, we will visit the Ta dzong, a National Museum housed in an old watchtower above Paro Dzong, drive to the ruins of Drukgyel dzong, and take a trip Kyichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan’s oldest and most sacred monasteries dating from the introduction of Buddhism in the 8th century. We’ll enjoy dinner and spend the night in the hotel in Paro.

Altitude: 3610m. Distance 22Km. Time 7-8 hours (Ascent 770m, Descent 10m).

After breakfast we’ll drive to Shana and begin our trek. The trail follows the Paro river through a lush forested area with a few isolated farmhouses, narrowing and closing in, eventually winding up down along the drainage. We will camp in a meadow with a stone shelter for the night.

Altitude: 4080m. Distance 19Kms. Time 5-6 hours (Ascent 480 meters).

In the morning, after passing a small army post, the trail will slowly leave the forest line and gradually climb into a beautiful valley, passing Tegethang, a winter home of yak herdsmen. Lunch will be served in one of these huts. Lots of yaks will be seen today before we arrive at the Jomolhari base camp (4,115 m). High mountains overlook the camp and visible nearby are the ruins of an old fortress used to guard Bhutan against Tibetan invasions. We’ll have dinner and spend the night in camp.

Rest day at Jangothang, enjoy the superb view all around.
For Day hikes, you have 3 options on this day at Jangothang.
1. Hike to Jumolhari Glacier which is around 4 ½ hours (Back and forth).
2. Hike to Jichu Drake Glacier which is around 3 hours (Back and Forth).
3. Walk up the mountain between Jumolhari and Jichu Drake, the summit is at 5200 meters with a great view of both the mountains. This is 8 hours (Back and forth).

Altitude 4010m. Distance 18kms. Walking time: 6-7 hours (Ascent 840 meters, Descent: 870 meters).

We’ll follow the trail alongside the stream for half an hour and cross the bridge to the right side to start the climb up to the first ridge with a breathtaking view of Jumolhari, Jichu Drake and Tsrim Ghang. Then we’ll walk towards the valley, almost flat for a while, until the climb to the Nyeley la pass at an altitude of 4,700 meters. After the pass it’s a gradual descent to the Lingshi camp which will provide a stunning panorama view of the peaks and Lingshi dzong.

Altitude: 4080m. Distance: 22kms. Walking time: 8-9 hours (Ascent 940 meters, Descent 920 meters).

On this day the trail climbs to Yalila Pass (4930 m), from where on a clear day, we’ll get impressive views of Mount Jumolhari, Tserim Kang and Masagang. That evening we’ll have dinner and camp.

Altitude: 3710m. Distance 16kms. Walking time: 5-6 hours (Ascent 250 meters, Descent: 670 meters).

Today we’ll find our way back to the tree line as we follow the Thimphu River, descending through rhododendron, juniper and other alpine forest. We’ll get gorgeous views of the cliff facing rocks and waterfalls before enjoying a hot lunch by the riverside. After lunch the trail gradually ascends to the ruins of the Barshong dzong, reaching the camp where we’ll have dinner and stay for the night.

Altitude 3320m. Distance 15kms. Walking time 4-6 hours (Ascent 290 meters, Descent 640 meters).

Today the road descends through the alpine forest and we once again meet the Thimphu river for a while. After lunch we’ll climb up to Dolamkencho camp.

Distance 8km. Walking time: 4 hours (Ascent 500 meters, Descent 930 meters).

Today we’ll descend through beautiful bamboo forests and meet the Thimphu River once again before arriving at Dodena where you will be picked up for the drive to Thimphu. We will spend the night at the Hotel in Thimphu

Today begins with a visit to the National Memorial Chorten, and the Dupthop Lhakhang, followed by a visit the impressive National Library, and the Painting School where traditional art is kept alive through the art of painting Thangkas (sacred Buddhist religious scrolls). After lunch we’ll drive and view these various sights: the Traditional Medicine Institute, Lungtenzampa to observe the Royal silversmiths and Bhutanese paper factory at work, Tashichho Dzong, and the Handicrafts Emporium, ending the day by shopping for souvenirs in the shops of Thimphu. We will spend the night at the Hotel in Thimphu.

Travel to paro international airport where Omkara Tours will give you a nice farewell to your next destination