T he Jhomolhari trek is a popular trek in Bhutan at an altitude that varies from 2500 m to 4930 m and offers a wide range of landscapes, flora & fauna and spectacular views of Mt Jhomolhari.

Location

Paro, Gasa and Thimphu

Difficulty Rating

Moderate/Strenuous (high altitude trek experience recommended)

Best Season

March to June & October to November

Duration

10 days and 9 nights

DETAILED ITINERARY

    Day 01: Jhomolhari Trek
  • Gunetshawa – Shana Zampa, distance – 80 m, time – 40 minutes.

    Depart from Paro by road via Drukgyel Dzong to the village of Gunetshawa (5 hrs). Your Trek permit will be checked and endorsed by the army post just outside Gunetshawa. The campsite 50 m is on the opposite side of the river near the village of Shana Zampa in a meadow surrounded by trees.

    Overnight Tented Campsite
    • Day 02: Chomolhari Trek
  • Shana Zampa to Soi Thangthangkha (distance – 22 km, time – 7/8 hours).

    The trail continues gradual climb alongside the Pa Chhu (Paro River) through forests of oaks, rhododendrons, and ferns amidst breathtaking vistas. Trek will enter Jigme Dorji National Park & the valley finally narrows to a small path which descends to a meadow where you will camp for the night. Weather permitting you will have your first great view of Mt Jhomolhari from the campsite (3,610m).

    Overnight Tented Campsite
    • Day 03: Chomolhari Trek
  • Soi Thangthangkha to Jangothang (distance – 19 km, time – 6/7 hours).

    The trek begins with beautiful landscape all around and summer pastures of yaks. Yaks and herds homes become a regular feature of the landscape. Passing villages of Soe, Takethang, and Dangochang. The herdsmen would gladly offer cheese, butter, meat and thick waterproof hair for making tents, caps, and blankets. The approach to Jangothang (4,090m) campsite is heralded by prayer walls, chortens, prayer flags fluttering in the wind and a spectacular view of Mount. Chomolhari (7,314m).

    Overnight Tented Campsite
    • Day 04: Chomolhari Trek
  • Exploring Jangothang.

    The day in Jangothang provides plenty of possibilities for hikes with great views of lakes and the snow capped mountains of Chomolhari & Jichu Drake. Keep on the lookout today as blue sheep can be spotted in the upper slopes of this region. Your hiking option today can be an expedition to Tshophu, a high altitude lake rich in spotted trout. Landscape all round is breathtaking and offers splendid opportunities for nature spotting and photography.

    Overnight Tented Campsite
    • Day 05: Chomolhari Trek
  • Jangothang to Lingshi (distance – 18 km, time – 6/7 hours).

    Jangothang is the last settlement in the valley. A mere ten minutes walk from it presents spectacular views of Mount. Jichu Drake (6,989m) and further ahead Mount Tserim Kang (6,789m). Enroute is Nyile la pass (4,890m) at about 4 hours travel from Jangothang. The trail ascends along a tributary of Mo Chhu River and gradually descends to the altitude of 4,010m, to the site of Lingshi camp. There is an alternate excursion from Lingshi to base camp of Mount Tserim Kang where they can enjoy fishing or may encounter en route blue sheep and musk deer, if lucky enough.

    Overnight Tented Campsite
    • Day 06: Chomolhari Trek
  • Lingshi Halt. Spend the day with an excursion to Tsokha, the base camp of Mount Jichu Drake.

    Overnight Tented Campsite
    • Day 07: Chomolhari Trek
  • Lingshi to Sodhu (distance – 22 km, time – 8/9 hours).

    The trek trails across Yele la pass (4,820m) leading to fascinating views of Mount Jhomolhari (7,314m), Gangchhenta (6,840m), Tserim Kang (6,789m) and Masang Gang (7,165m). Campsites located near a stream in a meadow at an altitude of 4,110m, too offers dramatic mountain scene all around.

    Overnight Tented Campsite.
    • Day 08: Jhomolhari Trek
  • Shodu to Barshong (distance – 16 km, time – 5/6 hours).

    The trek winds up and down along the Thimphu Chhu River through a steep-walled canyon with cliffs to the north and rich cypress forest to the south. One of the interesting aspects of the day is crossing Thimphu River as many as six times before reaching the campsite located at Barshong (3,680m).

    Overnight Tented Campsite.
    • Day 09: Jhomolhari Trek
  • Barshong to Dolam Kencho (distance – 15 km, time – 5/6 hours).

    The trail descends gently through the dense forest of rhododendron, birch, and conifers and later on drops steeply to meet Thimphu Chhu (river). After traversing a steep cliff it finally reaches to Dolam Kencho, the camp among pasture land at 3,430m amid a beautiful meadow.

    Overnight Tented Campsite.
    • Day 10: Chomolhari Trek
  • Dolam Kencho to Dodena – Thimphu (distance – 8 km, time – 3 hours).

    Initially ascending through conifer and high altitude broadleaf forests to a pass at 3,510m and then drops steeply to Thimphu River, following it southward till Dodena (2,600m), the terminating point of the ten-day trek.

    On completion of trek, you will be transferred by road to your overnight accommodation.