Days on trek: 10
Grading: moderate to difficult
Distance: 125 miles/201.5km
Highest altitude: 5,204m/17,069ft
The Jhomolhari Trek is one of the finest treks Bhutan has to offer. The 10 days spent on the dirt road offers nothing but spectacular views and scenic pleasure which leads one through mountain passes, beautiful lakes and some spectacular views of Jichu Drakey and Tserim Kang, two of the highest Himalayan peaks.
Day 1: Arrive at Paro by Druk Air flight. You will be received by your personal guide to take you to the hotel. In the evening stroll in the town.
Night halt: Paro
Day 2: After breakfast visit Kyichhu Lhakhang en route to see the ruins of Drukgyal Dzong. After lunch, visit the National Museum and take a view of Paro Rinpung Dzong. Spent the evening in the town or visit a Bhutanese farm and meet the locals.
Night halt: Paro
Day 3: (Paro to Shana: Distance -15km/9.3 miles)
The trek starts from the ruins of Drukgyal Dzong with the magnificent Mt. Jhomolhari as the backdrop. The climb is gradual through fields and villages. Camp at Shana, in a meadow. Altitude 2800 meters.
Camping at Shana
Day 4: (Shana to Thang Thanka: Distance – 22km/13.6miles)
The trail is a gradual climb following Paro river through coniferous forests and rhododendron shrubs. It is a hard day with a lot of distance to cover. Camp at Thang Thanka at 3850 meters. You enjoy the magnificent view of Jhomolhari.
Camping at Thang Thanka
Day 5: (Thang Thanka to Jangothang: Distance – 17km/10.5miles)
As we start the trek, you will notice that the valley begins to widen. The winter residence/village of yak herders would be reached. Hot lunch would be served in the village. The camp would be set at the base of Mt. Jhomolhari. Camp altitude 4040 meters.
Camping at Jangothang
Day 6: (Jangothang Sightseeing)
One day halt at Jangothang. You can choose the day’s hike in any direction – towards Mt. Jhomolhari, Mt. Jichu Drake or Tsho Phu (lake). With permits, you can fish in the lake. Back to camp at sunset. Camp at Jangothang.
Camping at Jangothang
Day 7: (Jangothang to Lingshi: Distance – 21km/13miles)
The trail climbs across Nyili la pass at 4680 metres. From there, it is a descent with a view of Lingshi Dzong and Mt. Tshering kang and its glaciers and lakes. Camp overnight. 3915 meter.
Camping at Lingshi
Day 8: (Lingshi Halt)
One day halt at Lingshi to make an excursion to Tshokha (Lake). Rare animals like Blue Sheep and musk deer are seen at Tshokha. Hike takes about 4-5 hours.
Camping at Lingshi
Day 9: (Lingshi to Shodu: Distance – 22km/13.6miles)
Trail passes through deep valley and then ascends to Yeli la pass at altitude 4820 meters. From Yeli la, you can get a close view of Mt. Jhomolhari, Mt. Tsherim Gong and Mt. Masa Gong. Camp at a meadow. Altitude 3830 meters.
Camping at Shodu
Day 10: Shodu to Barshong, Distance – 14km/8.7 miles)
5-6 hours. The trail winds like a snake following the stream that is the source of Thimphu River. Gradual climb to ruin of Barshong Dzong, which was the Bhutanese outpost in olden times. Camp at base of the ruin. Altitude 3690 meters.
Camping at Barshong
Day 11: (Barshong to Dolam Kencho: Distance – 15km/9.3miles)
The trail descends down gently till it meets the Thimphu River. It passes through thick coniferous forests. Night halt at Dolam Kencho. 3430 meters altitude.
Camping at Dolam Kencho
Day 12: (Dolam Kencho to Thimphu: Distance – 7km/4.3miles)
Walk towards Thimphu along mule trail and through bamboo forests till you reach Dodena. Your vehicle will pick you up and take you to your hotel in Thimphu for the night halt.
Night halt at Thimphu
Day 13: A whole day sightseeing in Thimphu and visit the notable landmarks of the city – Zilukha nunnery, National Library, Handicrafts Emporium, Memorial Chorten, Textile Museum, and in the evening visit Simtokha Dzong en route to Paro.
Night halt at Paro
Day 14: After early breakfast, drive to the airport for departure.