Mount Chomolhari is also known by many names like Mount Jhomolhari, Jumolhari or Jomolhari. Its how people write the name out. Its the One and Same Mountain Peak tin Bhutan that we refer to.
This moderate trekking package is one of the most popular among enthusiastic trekkers. It provides the opportunity to see a great variety of flora and fauna including rhododendron and blue sheep and Bhutan’s National Animal TAKIN. We pass many mountain lakes and get some really magnificent mountain views.
The highlight of this trek is the majestic view of the Mount Jumolhari/Chomolhari Peak, which beautifully stands tall and clear from the Jangothang Base Camp.
During this trek, you will meet the nomadic Yak Herders and pass by their humble settlements and reach the far and remote region of Lingshi.
Day 01: Arrive at Paro International Airport, clear immigration and customs, Bhutan Jewel Travel Representative will meet as you at the airport, and take you to the hotel. Orientation. Visit the National Museum of Bhutan and Paro Dzong. Overnight at hotel.
Day 02: Sightseeing in Paro Valley. Overnight at hotel.
Day 03: Walk/hike to Tiger’s Nest, Taktshang Monastery. Lunch at Taktshang teahouse with its spectacular view of the famous monastery. Overnight at hotel.
JOMOLHARI/JUMOLHARI/CHOMOLHARI Trek BEGINs:
Day 04 : Drukgyel Dzong – Sharna Zampa (Distance 17km, four to five hours, 360m ascent, 80m descent, camp altitude 2,850m). Drive up to Drukgyel Dzong (2,580m) where the road ends and the trek begins. With a gradual climb the trail follows the Paro Chhu passing beautiful meadows, paddy fields and impressive farm houses. After about four hours you will reach the army post at Gunitsawa village. At the army checkpost your trek permit (provided by your tour operator) will be checked and endorsed. The campsite is on the opposite side of the river, not far from Gunitsawa
Day 05 :Sharna Zampa- Thangthangkha (Distance 22km, seven to eight hours, 770m ascent, 10m descent, camp altitude 3,610m). On this long day, the trail continues with lots of small ups and downs. After goinguphill through the river valley , you enter the Jigme Dorji National Park. The valley finally narrows gradually to a mere path which descends to a meadow where a camp will be set up. From here, if weather permits, you will have the first great view of Mount Chomolhari.
Day 06: Soi Thangthankha to Jangothang, This 19 km trail averages 4040m. Thangthangkha – Jangothang (Distance 19km, five to six hours, 480m ascent, camp altitude 4,080m). If you did not see Mount Jomolhari last evening, you will have a great chance to get a great view this early morning. This morning the trek continues up the Paro Chhu valley which widens into patches of alpine meadow and scanty growths of forest. Cross an army outpost along the way and enjoy a spectacular view of high mountain ridges and snow-capped peaks. Yaks and the herder’s homes become a regular feature of the landscape. Passing the villages Soe, Takethang and Dangochang is another asset on this day. Reaching Jangothang, one of the most beautiful campsites of the Himalayas, you will again have a spectacular view of Mount Jomolhari.
Day 07: Halt at Jangothang: For acclimatisation and visit the Tshophu Lake. The day in Jangothang provides plenty of possibilities for day hikes with great views on lakes and snow capped mountains such as Jomolhari and Jichu Drake. There are good chances to spot some blue sheep on the upper slopes of the valley. Jangothang is a perfect environment for your acclimatisation. Trek up to Tosoh or hike around the area. There are good short hiking trails in three directions. Jumolhari and it’s subsidiary mountain chains lie directly west, Jichu Drake to the north and a number of unclimbed peaks to the east.
Day 08: Jangothang to Lingshi, Today is about the same distance and altitude as the previous day. (Distance 18km, six to seven hours, 840m ascent, 870m descent, camp altitude 4,010m) After 15 min. from the camp the trail climbs rapidly for about half an hour and then becomes a gradual ascend to the Nyilila pass at 4,870m. While on the climb enjoy the sourrrounding. You might see herds of blue sheep grazing on the slopes of the mountains. From the pass you will have spectacular views of Mt. Jomolhari, Jichu Drake and Tsherimgang, all of them rising above 7,000m. On the way down to the camp you will pass by some of the yak herder’s tent, made from yak wool, where the herders take shelter while on the move to various pastures for their yaks. As you come down into the Lingshi basin, you get a wonderful view of Lingshi Dzong on a clear day. Tserimgang and its glaciers rise up at the north end of the valley. The campsite is next to a stone hut you reach just before Lingshi Dzong
Day 09: Lingshi to Shodu, (Distance 22km, eight to nine hours, 940m ascent, 920m descent, camp altitude 4,080m) The trail climbs up to the Yelila pass at an altitude of 4,930m. From the pass, on a clear day you will get an excellent view of Jumolhari, Tserimgang and Masanggang. The trek from the pass to the campsite at Shodu is a steep downhill.
Day 10: Shodu to Barsong, (Distance 16km, five to six hours, 250m ascent, 670m descent, camp altitude 3,710m). The trail follows the Thimphu Chhu through rhododendron forests, past beautiful waterfalls along the way. The valley narrows till the path takes to the slopes and gradually ascends to the ruins of Barshong Dzong.
Day 11: Barsong to Dolam Kencho, (Distance 15km, four to six hours, 290m ascent, 640m descent, camp altitude 3,320m). The trail descends down to the Thimphu Chhu river valley, through dense forests of rhododendron, birch, conifer, maples and bamboos and then ascends to pasture lands. The camp is in a meadow.
Day 12: Dolam Kencho to Dodena (500m ascent, 930m descent) We finish with a fairly long 17 km trail but at a lower altitude of only 2400m. The trail continues through forested areas winding up and down and through a small pass. Langurs (monkeys) can be seen along the way. In Dodena, you will exit the Jigme Dorji National Park and reach the road head next to a impressive cantilever bridge.
TREK ENDS
Day 13: Thimphu valley sightseeing. Overnight at hotel.
Day 14: Tours of handicraft center and shopping in the morning; in the afternoon, visit Bhutan’s oldest Dzong, Simtokha, and then drive to Paro. Overnight at hotel.
Day 15: Drive to airport to check in for your early morning departure.
