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Jomolhari Trek - Loop

Trip Overview

Jhomolhari trek is the most popular trek in Bhutan. It offers views of Mt. Jomolhari-7,314m, Jichu Darke - 6989m, Tsherim Gang - 6789m, and leads through lakes, high pastureland, passes like Bontela pass - 4890m, Tahungla pass - 4520m, Thombula pass - 4380m, gorges, and valleys. We also have rare opportunities to spot snow leopards and blue sheep. This trek is shorter and easier than other treks offering spectacular views of the snow-capped mountains.

Itenerary

After breakfast at the hotel, we will proceed on the Kathmandu sightseeing tour. Pashupatinath Temple: The temple, located by the riverbank of the Bagmati River, is a well-known Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is one of the most important Hindu temples in the world and is listed in the UNESCO World Heritage Site. The temple is designed in a golden pagoda style that is richly carved with silver doors. A large fair is held during the day of Shivaratri, and people/devotees from all around the world come to worship Lord Shiva. Boudhanath Stupa: It is one of the largest stupas in the world which is located on the eastern side of Kathmandu valley. It stands with four pairs of eyes in each of the four directions, keeping an eye out for good deeds and human prosperity. This magnificent stupa was erected by King Man Deva on the instruction of the Goddess Mani Jogini. The Mahayana Philosophy is reflected in the stupa. After the sightseeing tour, return to the hotel, take some rest, and prepare your gear and belongings for the upcoming trip. Overnight in a hotel.
Arrival at Paro on national carrier; Druk Air. It is the most exciting mountain flight and a befitting introduction to the spectacular beauty of our country. In clear weather, there are magnificent views of the world’s highest peaks. On arrival, you will be welcomed by the representative of Experience Bhutan Travel at the airport, assist you with your luggage, and drive to the hotel for lunch. After lunch, we drive and visit the National Museum, an ancient tower, which served as a watch tower to the Paro Rimpong Dzong until 1968 when it was converted into a museum. The museum collection includes displays of spectacular thankas (religious scroll paintings), ancient artifacts dating from the 7th century onwards, beautiful Bhutanese stamps, a temple with the tree of wisdom depicting the history of Buddhism, a collection of animals, birds, and butterflies, and the good collection of ancient armors such as canons, guns, shield, bows & arrows, spears, etc. Visit the Rimpong dzong (fortress), the administrative, and religious center of Paro district. This dzong was built in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyel, who unified Bhutan in the 17th century. Overnight at the hotel.
After breakfast at the hotel, we will drive 10km north and hike to Taktsang (Tiger’s Den) monastery hanging on a cliff 800m above the valley. It takes 2 hours to ascend to the closest viewpoint and 1 hour to descend to the valley. We stopped at a tourist café situated halfway for refreshment. The excursion to Taktsang is the highlight of the trip. Many tour operators abroad recommended this excursion. In the 8th century, Guru Rimpoche flew here on the back of a tigress in one of his eight forms (Guru Dorje Drolo) meditated for 3 months in a cave, and converted Paro Valley into Buddhism. Dinner and overnight at the hotel. An excursion at Taktsang is highly recommended to acclimatize yourself before you start your trek)
We will drive up to Drugyel Dzong where the road ends and the trek begins. Following the river and gently uphill through a narrow agricultural valley, we will pass by many village houses. It is a really worn trail with lots of huge stones and irrigation water running down it. Then we will cross Gunitsawa army camp, cross the river to the left, and continue for another 20 minutes to the camp at 2850m.
Continue uphill through the river valley. The trail gets narrower and closer, and it winds along the drainage. It is a long hard day with lots of quick ups and downs. One needs to have a good balance while hopping from one stone to another to avoid mud, especially when it rains. The trail makes a continuous but gentle climb through oak rhododendrons and ferns, birch, and firs, crossing several small streams finally arriving at Thangthangkha campsite at 3619m.
Continue up the Pa Chhu (river). We will pass a small army post where the valley begins to widen again. Now amazing views of high ridges and snow-capped peaks can be witnessed all around. You may see yak herders’ winter homes depending on the time of the year you are there. On this day we will be camping beneath a ruined fortress at the base of Mount Jhomolhari.
The trail will then lead us north to the last settlement in the valley and go down to the Paro Chhu, crossing a wooden bridge. Switch back up the side of the hill to a glare cirque and the lake of Tsho Phu (4380m), which is inhabited by a flock of ruddy shelducks. Stay on the eastern side of the lake, passing a second lake as the trail climbs across a slope to a crest. Descending into a hidden valley and climbing steeply to Bontela Pass at 4890m altitude. From the pass the route descends a steep slope, then winds down a ridge with a lot of crisscrossing yak trails, it finally switchbacks down to the Dhumzo Chhu. We will then trek downstream below the few houses of Dhumzo to a bridge, cross to the south side of the river, and continue a short distance to a camp at 3800m, overnight in camp.
Here the trail climbs 100m over a ridge and then drops to another stream. Crossing that stream, the trail heads up the hillside; and then drops following a ridge. Here the route turns south, ascending past a few huts to Takhung La pass-4520m. A short descent leads to Thombu Shong-4180m with an open pastureland with 3 yak herders’ huts. Overnight in camp.
Climb out of the valley to Thombula pass(4380m), then drop gradually to about 4000m. The trail then starts making a steep descent, switching back down the ridge, and finally reaching the helipad at Itsawa at 2730m altitude. We have the option to camp here or walk further down past the army camp and camp below village houses near a stream. Overnight in camp.
Follow the day 3 program of the same trek in reverse. On arrival at Drukgyel Dzong, you will be picked up by our vehicle and driven to Thimphu. On arrival check in at the hotel. Good shower and a nice dinner.
Soon after your breakfast, you enjoy a full day of sightseeing that includes Memorial Chorten: This is the most impressive stupa built in memory of Bhutan’s third King, ordered by Grand Queen mother Ashi Phuntsho Chhoden in 1974. Changangkha lhakhang. One of the oldest temples in Thimphu Valley is situated on top of a knoll with commanding views of the valley below. This place is filled with a special magical atmosphere with prayer flags floating in the wind all around the place and gives us the feeling of riding above the hurly-burly of the city. This was built in the 15th century by one of the descendants of Pjajo Drukjom Shigpo, the founder of the Drukpa School in Bhutan. The main statue inside the temple is the god of compassion. Mini Zoo: We will then drive further north and visit the mini zoo where the Takins; the national animals of Bhutan are kept. Drive to the dead end of the road at Sangaygang viewpoint to enjoy the fresh air and view the whole valley of Thimphu below. The hill dotted with prayer flags gives the impression that one is near heaven. Nunnery (Drubthob Lhakhang). This small red temple is also called Zilukha nunnery. It plays a role in protecting the Dzong from fire. Now it houses Buddhist nuns. Handicrafts Emporiums: It displays a wide range of products such as beautifully woven fabrics for men and women, crafted products & and other decorative items. You can also visit many local handicraft products where you have a wide range of selections and prices to choose from. After lunch, visit Buddha Point where the tallest statue of Buddha Dordenma (51M) is installed. Finishing work is still going on, but the main statue is completed. There is a commanding view of the valley below. Towards the afternoon, visit an authentic Bhutanese craft bazaar for souvenir shopping. After 5 PM, visit Tashichhodzong: The biggest fort of Bhutan built in 1648. It houses the secretariat building, the King’s throne room, and other government offices. This place is also the summer residence of Chief Abbot. Overnight at the hotel.
Following breakfast, drive to Punakha which is about 75km and takes approx. 2.5 hours. Punakha is the winter residence of the chief abbot. Now we will climb for about an hour till you reach a pass at Dochula at an altitude of 3150m. Weather permitting, this pass offers the most spectacular view of the eastern Himalayas’ high peaks. You can stop at several places and even walk to the nearby forest to watch various species of birds. Lunch will probably be at Dochula cafeteria depending on the weather and the bit of hike that you decide to make on and around the pass. After having your nice lunch, continue driving on a windy road with many loops that make our drive cautious and slow. The road descends to Punakha and Wangdue through a temperate forest of rhododendrons, and magnolia bloom in spring then a semi-tropical zone where orange trees, banana trees, and cactuses are found in abundance. On arrival, check-in at the hotel. After lunch, it is a 10-minute drive to visit the most impressive Dzong of Punakha situated at the confluence of the Phochhu and Mochhu rivers. It looks like a giant ship with excellent woodwork and detailed paintings. This is the place where the first King was crowned in 1907. It was the capital of Bhutan until 1955. This dzong was built by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyel in 1637. This dzong still serves as a winter resident of the chief lama of Bhutan and houses both the administrative, and religious center of Punakha district. Return to hotel for overnight.
Following breakfast, visit the most famous temple called Chime Lhakhang, or the temple of fertility. It is just about a 20-minute walk through rice terraces and the village of Yoakha. The temple is situated on the spur above the village. It is believed that a barren couple will have children if they get a blessing from this temple. Continue your drive for a brief look at Wangdue Valley and then drive back to Paro via the same road taken earlier. Overnight at the hotel.
After early breakfast, drive to the airport for onward destination. Your guide will bid you farewell and wish you a safe journey back home.

Equipment Checklist

This list outlines the required things to bring during the trekking tours. There are various selections and brands that you can choose as per your interest. All required trekking equipment can be bought or even hired easily at a reasonable price in Kathmandu.

General

  • Down sleeping bag (you can borrow it with us if required).
  • Duffel or Rucksack bag (you can borrow it with us if required).
  • Daypack
  • Down Jacket (you can borrow it with us if required).
  • Fleece liner (you can borrow it with us if required).
  • Walking poles (Walking poles are optional but recommended, and you can borrow with us if required).
  • Water bottle with purification tablets.
  • Hand wash liquids.
  • Lip guard.
  • Sunblock cream.
  • Toiletry kit. Be sure to include toilet paper stored in a plastic bag, hand wipes, liquid hand sanitizer, towel, soap, etc.

Upper Body - Head / Ears / Eyes

  • Cap and ears covering hat. 
  • Glacier glasses
  • Head torch.
  • Earmuffs and neck warmers are another piece of gear for extra warmth (optional)

Hand

  • Hand gloves (One light pair and One warmer pair)

Body

  • T-shirts – few.
  • Light and weight thermal tops and warm thermal tops.
  • Light jacket and vest.
  • Wind and rain jacket.
  • Shirts and warm shirts.

Lower Body – Legs

  • Long and short hiking pants.
  • Lightweight and warm long underwear.
  • Rain and windproof trousers and warm trekking trousers.

Feet

  • Thin and thick socks.
  • Trekking boots, light shoes, and sandals.
  • Trekking Gaiters.       

Medicines and First Aid Kits

(Our guide will carry a first aid kit bag during the trek.  We still recommend you bring your personal first aid kit as you feel it necessary).

  • Headache and fever medicine.
  • Ibuprofen for general aches and pains.
  • Burnt cream.
  • Imodium or Pepto Bismol capsules for upset stomach and diarrhea.
  • Diamox (commonly prescribed as Acetazolamide). Please discuss this with us before starting to take this medicine.
  • Antibiotics.
  • Blister treatments such as moleskin, hand plants, and aids, some waterproof tape, anti-infection ointments, etc.

Miscellaneous

  • Passport and extra passport photos (2 copies).
  • Durable wallet/pouch for travel documents, money, and passports.
  • Pocketknife.
  • Bandanas.
  • Favorite snack foods and energy bars
  • Paperback books, cards, mp3 player. Avoid players with moving hardware as it may not function. Remember, keep these items lightweight
  • Binoculars.
  • Camera.

All garments should be kept dry using waterproof stuff sacks or large puncture-resistant plastic bags.

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