9 night 10 Jhomolhari Loop Trek (Shorter version of Jhomolhari Trek)
Starting at Shana after driving for about 2 hours from Drukgyel Dzong, Paro this trek passes through scattered hamlets and farmland into a deep and richly forested valley, which leads to a high alpine pastureland where yak herders graze their animals. The trek offers a taste of the great variety of Bhutanese landscape.
Seasons:The ideal time for this trek is April to June and September to November.
Day 1: Arrive Paro & Paro-Thimphu
(Distance: 54 km, estimated driving time: 1 hr)
Arrive Paro. After immigration formalities you will be received by our representative who will be your tour guide throughout your tour.
Then travel to Thimphu which will take you through Chunzom (confluence of Pachu- the river flowing through Paro valley & Wangchu –the river flowing through Thimphu valley). On the way, enjoy walking over a suspension bridge to view 15th century iron chain bridge suspended over the Pa chu.
After crossing Chunzom, the drive will take you along the Wangchu upto Thimphu city.
On arrival at Thimphu and after refreshment visit the following:
- Kuenselphodrang ( commonly known as Buddha Point) where the largest Buddha statue in the country is perched on the hillock overlooking the Thimphu Valley .
- Archery Match (National Sport of Bhutan) at Changlimithang National Stadium. Normally you will spot Bhutanese men playing archery game during weekends or public holidays. Good opportunity to interact with local people.
- Centenary Farmers’ Market (open from Thu-Sun only): Most of the Thimphu’s population and many valley dwellers converge on the bustling weekend market, held by the side of Wangchu River. A wide range of foodstuffs and local arts and crafts are sold at the market. A visit to the market provides great photo opportunities, as well as the chance to mingle with local people.
After lunch check into your hotel and relax for sometime after early morning flight then visit the following:
- Tashichhodzong, “the fortress of the glorious religion”. This is the center of government and religion, site of the monarch’s throne room and seat of the Je Khenpo or Chief Abbot. Built in 1641 by the political and religious unifier of Bhutan, Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, it was reconstructed in the 1960s in traditional Bhutanese manner, without nails or architectural plans. Yet another place for photographer’s delight.
- Takin Preserve, which houses the national animal the Takin that is only found in Bhutan. Then drive a little further for about 5 minutes to Sangaygang (BBS Tower) top and start the 2 hours hike to Wangditse. Hiking over the hill of Sangaygang takes you to Wangditse Ghoenpa (monastery). The trail takes you through nature and passes a stupa and follows the contours along the mountain side until you reach at Wangditse.The hike offers great views of Trashichhoe Dzong (fortress) and upper valley of Thimphu. From Wangditse Ghoenpa, you will decent down to Dechenphodrang Monastic school which will take about 30 mins walk .
- Craft Bazaar -A one stop place to witness Bhutanese culture and buy Bhutan made art and craft product. The Bazaar in its 80 stalls covers all aspects of the traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan. At this Bazaar craftsmen and artisans from across the country display and sell their handicrafts.
Dinner and overnight at Namgay Heritage hotel or Thimphu Tower hotel or similar in Thimphu.
Day 2: Thimphu short nature and cultural hike and Thimphu-Paro
After breakfast travel for about 25 minutes from Thimphu city towards the northern end of Thimphu valley, you will come to the base camp of Tango Monastery which is located at about 14 km from Thimphu city. Starting point of this nature & cultural hike is from the parking lot which is the end of motor road. You will hike up to the Monastery following the zig-zag trail through the forest filled with oak and pine trees as well as rhododendron flower trees. Since this area falls within Jigme Dorji Wangchuck National Park you will come across Gray Langur (monkeys) along the way and some bird species as well.
Hiking for about 40 minutes you will come to a Chorten (stupa). From here you have an excellent view of several meditation houses and the monastery straight ahead. Then hike up another 20 minutes to the monastery. The round trip hike is about 2.5 km and estimated hiking time is about 2 hours for a slow hiker.
The Tango Monastery was built in 1689 by Gyalse Tenzin Rabgyal. At present Tango Monastery is the center for higher studies for monks. The view from Tango Monastery is breathtakingly beautiful. You will experience complete peace and serenity in this area.
You may visit the monastery and have interaction with monks.
Then take a slow walk back to the base of Tango Monastery from where you will drive back to Thimphu and after lunch visit the following:
- The School of Traditional Painting of Arts and Crafts where students undertake a six-year course on the 13 traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan.
- National Textile Museum which is a good place to see the art of traditional weaving being kept alive and preserved through exhibition and has a good collection of old textiles which are rich in colors and designs.You will also see people weaving with intricate designs.
- Changzamtok Weaving Center to observe women weaving intricate patterns of colourful silk and cotton textiles into shawls, scarves and traditional Bhutanese dresses.
Then travel to Paro.
Dinner and Overnight at Tashi Namgay Resort or Khangkhu Resort or similar in Paro.
Day 3: A Day Hike to Taktsang Ghoempa (Tiger’s Nest Monastery)
After breakfast drive further for about 20 minutes to the base of Taktsang Monastery and then hike up to Taktsang Monastery, also known as ‘Tiger’s Nest’. The walk up to the viewpoint will take about 1 – 1 ½ hrs depending on your fitness and from View Point you will enjoy a spectacular view of the monastery clinging to the side of the cliff. Stop for refreshment at the View Point Cafeteria. Take photos with great view of Taktsang behind you.
Then walk further up to the monastery which will take about 1 hour. It is said that in the 8th century Guru Rinpoche flew on the back of a tigress from eastern Bhutan to this place and meditated in a cave here for 3 months. The principal Lhakhang (monastery) of the present monastic complex dates from 1692. Taktsang was damaged severely by fire in 1998 but has now been fully restored to its former glory. After visiting the monastery, walk downhill back to the road on the way stop for lunch at the view point cafeteria and then walk further downhill to the road point. Ten drive to your hotel.
In the evening relax in the Traditional Bhutanese Hotstone bath at a farmhouse in Paro valley.
You will also see around inside of the traditional Bhutanese house.
You will enjoy traditional Bhutanese dinner with the family members of the house.
Overnight at Tashi Namgay Resort or similar in Paro.
Jhomolhari Loop Trek for 5 nights 6 days Begins Here
Day 4: Shana-Soe Thangthangkha
Distance: 22km,
Trekking time: 7-8hrs
Camp altitude 3610m
In the morning drive through unpaved road from Drukgyel Dzong to Army camp from where trek starts. The trail continues uphill through the river valley, gradually becomes narrower and closes in after some distance. The winding trail with frequent climb and descend leads us to our camp site in a meadow with stone shelter at 3,720m. By then, we will have trekked about 23km in around 7-8hours.
Dinner and overnight camping at Soe Thangthangkha
Day 5: Thangthangkha – Jangothang
Distance: 19km
Trekking time:5-6hrs
Camp altitude :4080 m
Continue the trail along the Pachhu and the valley opens again after crossing a small army outpost. Trekking through the open valley affords view of high ridges and the snow-capped mountains with yaks and Yak herder’s camp on the valley floor. Trekking 15km of trek within 5 to 6 hours will find us near the ruined fortress at the base of Mt. Jomolhari at 4040m. Camp here for the night!
Dinner and overnight camping at Jangothang.
Day 6: Jangothang Rest Day
After two long days trek, you will have a good chance to relax under the sun just infront of the Jomolhari.
From here you can view a chain of snow-capped mountain peaks at the eastern side of Pachu (Paro river) which is a small brook here.There are yakherders (nomadic people who move with yaks), villages and trout filled lakes to visit on your rest day at Jangothang Jhomolhari base camp. You may also hike towards glaciers of Mt.Jhomolhari or towards the Tshophu Lake for magnificent views or explore the nomads’ houses /villages.
Dinner and overnight camping at Jangothang.
Day 7: Jangothang – Soi Yaktsa
Distance: 16km
Trekking time:6-7hrs
Camp altitude :3800 m
The trail leads to a last settlement in the valley and drops to the Paro Chhu. Passing the lake of Tshophu (4380m) you will climb up steeply to Bhonte La pass at 4890m, the highest point of this trekking route.
Reaching the Dhumzo Chhu River, you trek downstream passing the few houses of Soi Yaktsa (Dhumzo) to arrive at your campsite soon after.
Dinner and overnight camping at Soi Yaktsa.
Day 8: Soi Yaktsa-Thombu Shong
Distance: 11km
Trekking time:4-5hrs
Camp altitude :4180 m
The trail climbs 100m over a ridge to drop to another stream. Then after crossing the Takhung La pass at 4,520m you descend to Thombu Shong – three yak herder huts with your campsite next to them.
Dinner and overnight camping at Thombu Shong.
Day 9: Thombu Shong-Gunitsawa village-Paro
Distance: 13km
Trekking time:4-5hrs
You will finally reach Gunitsawa Village where your transport will be waiting to drive you to Paro through unpaved road .
On arrival at Paro check into your hotel .
After refreshment visit a farmhouse to relax in the Traditional Bhutanese Hotstone bath after a tiring trek.
Dinner and overnight at Tashi Namgay Resort or Khangkhu resort or similar in Paro.
Day 10: Paro Departure
After breakfast,your tour guide from Access Bhutan Tours will bid you farewell for your flight to your onward destinations.
