Jomolhari Round Trek

Upon arrival at Paro airport, you will be received by our representative and you will be transferred to the hotel. Check into the hotel and rest of the time in leisure. Dinner and overnight at the hotel in Paro.

After breakfast, drive to the Drukgyel Dzong, Built by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal to commemorate the victory over the Tibetan invaders in 1644; the name of the Dzong means the “victorious Druk “.

The Dzong was used as an administrative center until 1951 when a fire caused by a butter lamp destroyed it. Then visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan’s oldest and most sacred monasteries dating from the introduction of Buddhism in the 8th century, and then visit Rimpung Dzong (Paro Dzong) built in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. The Dzong presently houses the administrative offices. After lunch visit the Ta Dzong, an ancient watchtower, dating since 1967, and the national museum of Bhutan. Drive back to the hotel. Dinner and overnight at the hotel in Paro.

Our trek to Shana starts at Drukgyal Dzong following the Paro River passing through the cultivated fields and tiny picturesque villages. The forests are alive with numerous birds and brightly coloured butterflies. Overnight at the camp in Shana.

The trail follows the river through a heavily forested area with a few isolated farmhouses. It narrows and closes in, the trail winds up and down along the drainage. We pass a junction enroute, where another path leads north to Tremo La (Tibet). The camp will be pitched near the meadow with a stone shelter. (Altitude 3610 m; Distance 21 Km; Time 7 – 8 hours.)

In the morning after passing a small army post, the trail slowly leaves the forest line and gradually climbs into a beautiful valley, passing Tegethang, winter homes for the yak herdsmen. Lunch will be served in one of these huts. Lots of yaks will be seen today before we arrive at the Mt.Jhomolhari base camp at 4,115 m. High Mountains overlooking the camp and visible nearby are the ruins of an old fortress used as an ancient watch tower against the Tibetan invasions. (Altitude 4,115 m; Distance 15 Km; Time 5 – 6 hours.)

Rest day at Jangothang. Relax and refresh yourself and enjoy the splendid view all around the area.

The trail follows the stream for half an hour and crosses the bridge to the right, climbing up to the first ridge with a breathtaking view of Jumolhari, JichuDrakey, and Tsrim Ghang. Then walk towards the valley, almost flat for a while, until a 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, enjoying the panorama view of the peaks and Lingshi dzong. (Camp altitude is 4000 meters. Walking time 7-8 hours.)

Lingshi to Shodu takes about 8 hours walk. The trail today climbs to Yalila Pass at 4820 m, from where we can experience the impressive views of Mount Jumolhari, Tserim gang, and Masagang, the glorious mountain peaks of Bhutan. (Gang means Mountains.)

This is the place where one comes back to the tree line. The path follows the Thimphu River, descending through rhododendron, juniper, and other alpine forests. The view of the cliff-facing rocks and waterfalls is stunning. Hot lunch will be served by the riverside. After lunch the trail gradually ascends to the ruins of the Barshong dzong, reaching the camp at an altitude of 3600 meters.

The road descends through the alpine forests and we once again join the Thimphu River for a while and climb up to Dolamkencho camp at an altitude of 3600 meters. (Walking time 4-5 hours.)

The path descends through bamboo forests all the way to Dolamkencho, again joining the Thimphu River. Arrive at Dodena where you will be picked up by the vehicle for your transfer to Thimphu (15 km). Dinner will be served overnight in the hotel in Thimphu.

After the Bhutan Trekking now is the time for cultural sights. The day begins with a visit to the National Memorial Chorten (1974) built in honor of our late King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk and the Dupthop Lhakhang one of the few surviving nunneries in Bhutan.

We then visit the National Library, stocked with ancient Buddhist manuscripts, and the Painting School where traditional art is still kept alive through art and painting of Thangkas (sacred Buddhist religious scrolls). Other highlights include a visit to the Tashichho Dzong, the seat of the national government, and the Central Monastic Body, including the summer residence of the Je Khenpo (Chief Abbot of Bhutan). We drive to Simtokha Dzong; the oldest Dzong of Bhutan built by Zhabdrung in 1627 and finally visit the Handicrafts Emporium followed by shopping for souvenirs in the shops of Thimphu. Overnight in Hotel.

Today is a very special day. Today you shall hike the secret temple at Paro. The hike takes 3 hours through the pinewood forest. The Tiger Nest temple is one of the most popular sights in Bhutan. The monastery is 500 years old. This incredible monastery clings to the edge of a sheer rock cliff that plunges 900 meters down into the valley.

Legend has it that Guru Padmasambhava, the tantric mystic who brought Buddhism to Bhutan in 747 AD, flew here on the back of a flying tigress. If you hadn’t had enough for the day, you can visit Ta Dzong (built in 1656 and renovated in 1968), an ancient watchtower, which now houses the National Museum. Below the museum is the Rimpung Dzong (literal meaning “Heap of Jewels”), the center of civil and religious authority in the valley, built in 1646 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. Overnight in the hotel at Paro.

Breakfast in the hotel then drives to the airport for a flight to your onward destination.

Tashi Delek!Best wishes!