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  • Thimphu Drubchen, Tashi Chhodzong, Thimphu, 20th to 24th September
  • Wangdue Tshechu, Wangdi Dzong, Wangduephodrang, 23rd to 25th September
  • Gangtey Tshechu, Gangtey Gonpa, Phobjikha, 23rd to 25th September
  • Tamshing Phala Chhoepa, Tamshing Lhakhang, Choekhor, Bumthang, 24th to 26th September
  • Thimphu Tshechu, Tashi Chhodzong, Thimphu, 25th to 27th September
  • Gasa Tshechu, Gasa Dzong, Gasa, 25th to 27th September
  • Thangbi Mani, Tangbi Lhakhang, Choekor, Bumthang, 29th September to 01st October
  • Shingkhar Rabney, Ura, Bumthang, 20th to 24th October
  • Jakar Tshechu, Jakar Dzong, Choekhor, Bumthang, 22nd to 25th October
  • Jambay Lhakhang Drup, Jambay Lhakhang, Choekhor, Bumthang, 29th October to 02nd November
  • Prakhar Duchhoed, Prakar Lhakhang, Chummi, Bumthang,30th October to 1st November
  • Sumdrang Kangsol, Sumdrang Lhakhang, Ura, Bumthang, 11th to 13th November
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Jumolhari Trek

Trip length:12 Days
Level: Moderate / Hard
Season: March to May & September to October

 

DAY 1: Arrival at Paro International Airport

The flight to Paro across the Himalayan ranges affords spectacular sights of the sacred Jhomolhari and Jichudrakey mountain ranges. And if you arrive via Kathmandu, you get to enjoy breathtaking views of Mount Everest and Mount Kanchenjanga as well. Upon arrival at the Airport, you will be received by our representatives and escorted to Hotel Pema Cholling.

 

In the afternoon take a leisurely stroll across a traditional wooden bridge and a flagstone path up to Paro Rinpung Dzong. This massive structure was built in 1646 and its central tower or the ‘Utse’, clad in exquisitely superb woodwork is considered the most beautiful tower in the kingdom. It houses the government offices and religious institutions as do all the Dzongs in the country. Later, visit the 7th century Kichu Lhakhang, one of the 108 temples built in the Himalayas by the Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo. This temple also happens to be one of the oldest temples in the country.

 

And in the evening drive back to Hotel Pema Cholling in Paro. At Hotel Pema Cholling you can choose to stay at the Hotel or experience the traditional way of life untainted by the ills of modernity by availing the traditional home-stay facility whereby you will be lodged in a traditional farmhouse and be served delicious traditional cuisines. You can also pamper yourself with a relaxing traditional ‘hot stone bath’ amid absolutely rural settings but with all the modern amenities. However, given the amount of time, energy and resources that go into organizing the ‘hot stone baths’, you will be levied extra charges for it. Besides all these, you can also enjoy traditional cultural programs which can be arranged upon request. The ‘hot stone baths’ and cultural programs are not included in the total cost of the trip.

 

DAY 2: Acclimatization Hike to the Tiger’s Nest 

After breakfast we drive up to Satsam Chorten 10 kilometers from Paro town from where we hike up to Taktsang Monastery – the legendary Tiger’s Nest. We can either hike or opt for ponies. Taktshang is precariously perched on a seemingly impossible rock face at approximately 3,000 feet above Paro valley. It is a very sacred pilgrimage destination as well as a tourist hotspot. It is believed that Guru Rimpoche flew there on the back of a flying tigress. The Lhakhang was built around the cave in which Guru Rimpoche meditated. The hike to the viewpoint of the monastery makes for a nice half-day excursion with the round trip taking about 4 hours. The thrill of the experience and the view from up above is truly rewarding.

 

Night halt at Hotel Pema Cholling in Paro.

 

DAY 3: Paro to Shana
In the morning we drive to the Drukgyal Dzong, the ruined fort, which was once defended this valley from Tibetan invasions. The 5 to 6 hour trek starts from Drugyal Dzong at 2,580 m with a downhill walk on a wide trail. Initially you will pass through the serene pastoral life of the villages with their dogs and children playing in the fields. Then the trail climbs, gently traversing through well-maintained rice terraces and fields of millet. The route later enters an area of apple orchards and forests teeming with numerous birds and brightly colored butterflies. Soon the valley widens and you reach the army post of Gunitsawa at 2,810 meters, which also junctions as a checkpoint for the army. This is the last stop before Tibet.

 

Night halt at the camp in the meadows at Shana Zampa.

 

DAY 4: Shana Zampa to Thangthangkha

The 20 kilometer trail follows the Paro River, with a lot of small ups and downs through pine, oak and spruce forests. After going uphill through the river valley, we enter the Jigme Dorji National Park. En route, we pass a junction where another path leads over the Tremo La to Tibet. This route was formerly used by the Bhutanese people as a trading route to Tibet. We then climb up through rhododendron forests, crossing several traditional wooden bridges and finally arriving at the Thanthangka campsite at 3,750 meters. If the weather is clear you can enjoy incredible views of Mt. Jumolhari from there.

 

DAY 5: Thangthangkha to Jangothang

This morning the 19 kilometer trek continues up the Paro Chhu valley which widens into patches of alpine meadow and scanty growths of forest. The path ascends for a while till you reach the army camp. Views of high ridges and snow-capped peaks are seen all around, and close by are yaks and yak-herders camps. Only when you reach the villages of Ko, Taketang, Dangochang will you notice a change in the scenery. A short walk into the valley will take you to the camp at Jangothang at an altitude of 4,040 meters. You will truly enjoy magnificent vistas of Mt. Jhomolhari and Jichu Drake from this point.

 

DAY 6: Rest at Jangothang Base Camp 
Today is a day of rest and acclimatization. You can go for day hikes with great views of the nearby lakes and the snow capped mountains of Jomolhari and Jichudrakey. In the process you may spot blue sheep on the upper slopes of the valley. There are good short hiking trails in three directions – Jumolhari and Jichudrakey to the north, un-climbed summits and ridges to the east and to Tsophu. You can either enjoy these hikes or opt for visiting the village in the vicinity or take rest and prepare yourself for tomorrow’s grueling trek.

 

DAY 7: Jangothang to Lingshi

The 18 kilometer trail follows the stream for half an hour and crosses the bridge to the right side. After about 45 minutes of walking distance from the camp, there is a rapid accent to the Nyilila Pass at 4,870 meters. From the Pass you will enjoy spectacular views of Mt. Jomolhari, Jichudrakey and Tsherimgang, all of them rising above 7,000 meters. Along the way you might also come across herds of blue sheep, fat marmots and migrating Himalayan birds as well. After the Pass, it is a gradual descent to the camp at Lingshi.  As you drop down into the Lingshi basin, if the day is clear, you will get wonderful views of the Lingshi Dzong. Tserimgang and its glaciers rising up at the north end of the valley.

 

Night halt at the camp at an altitude of 4000 meters.

 

DAY 8: Lingshi to Shodu

The first half of the 22 kilometer trek is mostly through treeless valley until you start ascending the Yale-la pass at 4950 meters. From here Mt. Jumolhari, Mt. Tsherimgang and Mt. Masagang can be seen on clear days. Descend alongside a stream to a shelter, and then further downstream to the camp at Shodu at 4,100 meters.

 

DAY 9: Shodu to Barshong

The 16 kilometer trail follows the Thimphu Chhu through fir, hemlock and rhododendron forests and past beautiful waterfalls. Mediating monks use the caves in the rocks. Even the Zhabdrung is said to have mediated in these rocks when he fled from Tibet in the 17th century. The valley narrows till the path takes to the slopes and gradually ascends to the ruins of Barshong Dzong. Barshong is a small village consisting of about half a dozen houses.

 

Night halt at the campsite at an altitude of 3,600 meters.

 

DAY 10: Barshong to Dolam Kencho

The 15 kilometer trail descends down to the Thimphu Chhu river valley, through dense forests of rhododendron, birch, conifer, maples and bamboos eventually ascending to the pasturelands. The route stays on river left, climbing over ridges, descending to side streams and finally traversing the steep cliff to Dolam Kencho.

 

Night halt at a camp among pastureland at 3,600 meters.

 

DAY 11: Dolam Kencho to Dodena and finally to Thimphu

The 8 kilometer trail is an easy walk and with small ups and downs followed by a couple of short steep switchbacks to descend a vertical cliff before finally reaching the last stretch to Dodina. The trails descends through bamboo forests, following the mule trail high above the river and reaches the road head at Dodena where you will exit the Jigme Dorji National Park. Your trek ends at Dodena where your pick-up transport team will be waiting to escort you to Thimphu.

 

Night halt at Thimphu.

 

DAY 12: Thimphu sightseeing and drive to Paro in the evening
Past experiences resulted in our coming to the conclusion that different guests have different opinions about what is interesting and what is not, about what they want to see and what they don’t.  And therefore we decided that instead of us giving our guests stiff directions regarding which places they are to visit or what activities they are to do, we will leave the choice entirely up to them. Below is a list of some of the major attractions in Thimphu from which our guests can choose and decide for themselves. Your designated guide will always be at hand to provide you with their valuable suggestions.

 

  • Tashichho Dzong – houses the throne room as well as the offices of the King of Bhutan, the Je-Khenpo (Chief Abbot) and other government offices. It is also the summer residence of the monastic body. The present Dzong was erected in 1968 around an older building, of which the central tower is a visible feature.
  • National Memorial Chorten – was built in memory of the Third King of Bhutan. Glimpses of the Chorten in the early morning hours are indeed worthy of being deemed priceless. It is almost perpetually teeming with devotees circumambulating it because it is believed that it is a wish fulfilling monument.
  • National Institute of Traditional Medicine – continues to nurture Bhutan’s reputation as ‘Lho Jong Men Jong’ or ‘Southern Land of Medicinal Herbs’ by continuing and promoting the age old healing and medicinal practices. Medicinal herbs are abundant in the kingdom and indigenous medicines are prepared here. The Institute also conducts training courses for practitioners.
  • The Buddha Dordenma Statue – is a colossal and the largest Buddha statue in the world seated atop the Kuensel Phodrang Mountain, directly overlooking the city and affords a fabulous view of Thimphu valley.
  • The National Post Office – is where the very famous Bhutanese stamps can be got hold of to cater to all your philatelic needs.
  • The Clock Tower Square – is a recently renovated square splat in the middle of the city. Fountains and miniature traditional Bhutanese prayer wheels add to making it a pleasant site to relax and chill out in the evenings.
  • National Folk Heritage Museum – provides rare insights into the traditional Bhutanese ways of life within the setting of a traditional Bhutanese house. Bhutanese dances and exhibits are also held regularly inside the museum compound.
  • Changangkha Lhakhang – built in the 12th century by Phajo Drugom Zhigpo, this temple hovers over a ridge above the Thimphu valley. It is the oldest temple in Thimphu and it houses Chenrizig: a 11-headed, thousand-armed manifestation of Avolokitesawara as the central statue.
  • The Handicrafts Emporium – puts at your disposal a wide assortment of beautiful hand-woven and crafted products to choose from as souvenirs and gifts.
  • BBS Radio Tower – is well worth the ten minute extra drive beyond the Takin Reserve. It offers splendid views of the city from a hilltop festooned with prayer flags. This is where the tower for the Bhutan Broadcasting Service – the National Television channel is located.
  • Takin Reserve – this is the only place in Thimphu where the National Animal of Bhutan, Takin (budorcas taxicolor) is found. Bhutanese call it ‘Drong Gyemtse’. Legend has it that this animal was given life by the scandalously famous Drukpa Kinley, also known as the ‘Divine Madman’. It is said that since he was offered second-rate meat than the others during a meal he commanded the remaining bones of whatever animals that they were eating to rise saying ‘looks like you haven’t eaten well during your life time, so go and feed’. The bones miraculously merged into one and trotted off into the jungles. People believe that this is the reason for the Takin’s goat face and cow body. In addition to the Takin there are a few musk deer and barking deer as well.
  • Zilukha Nunnery – the biggest nunnery in Bhutan is perched on a promontory overlooking the Tashichhodzong. The view of Tashichhodzong from the Nunnery is exquisite.
  • National Library – provides a permanent home for the sacred religious books and manuscripts.  The repository rooms of the archives houses an extensive collection of many rare and important documents including old records, letters, microfilms and around seven thousand important photographs. Thus the archive is the foundation of Bhutan’s National Memory Bank. Here one can also come across the largest published book in the world.
  • The National Institute for Zorig Chusum (Traditional Arts and Crafts) – is a school of arts that trains students in Bhutan’s 13 traditional arts and crafts. Tertoen Pema Lingpa, the renowned Treasure Discoverer is credited to have introduced these art forms to the people of Bhutan. These traditional crafts are a representation of the centuries of knowledge and ability that has been handed down through generations of master craftsmen and artisans and has played a vital role in shaping the Bhutan’s unique culture and heritage. The wood working, black smithy and sculpting that are taught and practiced do make for an interesting visit.
  • Semtokha Dzong – built in 1627 it is the oldest Dzong in the country. Today it houses the School for Buddhist Studies.
  • Dochula Druk Wangyel Chorten – was built to commemorate the bravery of the Bhutanese forces who successfully managed to dispel the Indian insurgents who had illegally infiltrated the country in 2003. The 108 chortens were built in 2004, in memory of those that lost their lives during the military operations. Because of the unique dance movements, costumes and setting, the recently initiated Druk Wangyel Festival is an exclusive treat and a must see for locals and visitors alike.

 

***We can also check out the National Stadium at Changlimithang for archery matches or just take a leisurely stroll through the streets of Thimphu.

 

In the evening we drive on to Paro where we check into Hotel Pema Cholling where you can choose to either stay at the Hotel or experience the traditional way of life untainted by the ills of modernity by availing the traditional home-stay facility whereby you will be lodged in a traditional farmhouse and be served delicious traditional cuisines. You can also pamper yourself with a relaxing traditional ‘hot stone bath’ amid absolutely rural settings but with all the modern amenities. However, given the amount of time, energy and resources that go into organizing the ‘hot stone baths’, you will be levied extra charges for it. Besides all these, you can also enjoy traditional cultural programs which can be arranged upon request. The ‘hot stone baths’ and cultural programs are not included in the total cost of the trip.

 

Night halt at Hotel Pema Cholling in Paro.

 

DAY 13: Departure from Paro