Jumolhari Trek in Bhutan is one of the most enchanting adventure treks in the country. The beautiful Jumolhari Trek highlights the great diversity that the Bhutanese landscape has to offer. After an acclimatization hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery, you will start the trek from the historic Drukgyel Dzong ruins, north of Paro Valley. The first three days of this trek follow the Pachhu (Paro River) valley to Jangothang base camp, where you will have a stunning view of 7,315m Mount Jumolhari, the second-highest unclimbed peak in the world. You will have a day of acclimatization here in preparation for the next few days, which will be spent exploring nearby ridges and optionally visiting twin lakes.
As you traverse this trek, you will pass through thick pine forests, scattered hamlets, and alpine meadows, eventually leading to high pasturelands where yak herders graze their animals. The route is challenging, attaining a maximum altitude of 15,114 feet, and requires trekkers to have very good physical fitness. Highlights include the fabulous views of snow-capped mountains such as Mount Jumolhari and Mount Jichu Drake, as well as the experience of camping overnight at the base of Mount Jumolhari.
The next day, you will trek through high pasturelands and a loose, stony trail to arrive at Neyle La Pass (4,700m), marked by stone cairns and a few prayer flags. From the pass, descend with a view of Lingzhi Dzong fortress. The next high pass after Lingzhi is the Yaklayla Pass at 4,942m, offering astonishing views of Mount Jichu Drake (6,989m) and Tsherim Gang (6,789m). You will then descend gradually along the Thimphu Chu River until the end of your trek. The last two days will be spent exploring the cultural sights of Thimphu and Punakha Valleys before your flight back home. Before and after your trek, there will also be time to visit the sites of Paro and Thimphu.
Day 1: Arrive Paro International Airport
Upon arrival at Paro International airport, you will be welcomed by our company representative and the tour guide will receive and escort you to designated Hotels in Paro.
After lunch, if time permits, you have four sightseeing in Paro — Rinpung Dzong or fortress, which was built in 1646 now houses government offices and district monk body; a traditional wooden bridge; 8 th century old Kichu Monastery and the Drukgyal Dzong ruins, which was built in 1646 to commemorate Bhutan’s victory over Tibetan invaders during the 1600s. In the evening you can stroll through the Paro town. Overnight at a hotel in Paro.
Day 2: Paro to Sharna Zampa
The trek starts from Drukgyel Dzong, the ruined fort, which was once defended this valley from Tibetan invasions. The trail then climbs gently through rice terraces and field of millet. Later on we come to apple orchards and forests. Finally at "Gunitsawa", a military camp, which also junctions as a checked point for the army. Here the permits for the trek have to be produced. We continue upwards to just beyond Sharma Zampa, where there are good camping places. Overnight at campsite.
Day 3: Sharna Zampa to Soi Thangkha
The trail follows the Pa Chu River through a heavily forested area with a few isolated farmhouses. As we go up the valley becomes narrow, wilder and steeper. After crossing a bridge to the left bank of the river, we stop for lunch. Then continue along the river, climbing upwards through Rhododendron forest, and again we have to cross river to reach our campsite. Overnight at campsite.
Day 4: Soi Thangkha to Jangothang base camp
The path ascends for a while until we reach the army camp. We then follow the river above the tree line, enjoying stunning views of the surrounding peaks. Hot lunch is served at a yak herder's camp. A short walk from here into the valley takes us to our campsite at Jangothang (4,040m). From here, the views of Jhomolhari and Jichu Drake are superb. Overnight at campsite.
Day 5: Jangothang acclimatization and exploration
Today, you will tackle a four-hour acclimatization hike to the north of your camp. There is practically no trail but you will climb on an open and endless slope till you see the view of Mount Jichu Drakye (6989m). You can scramble further up till 4895m (higher than Mount Blanc) to see amazing view of Mount Jumolhari. You are likely to spot rare blue sheep, Himalayan rhubarb, griffon vultures, golden eagles and the remarkable blue poppy. Jangothang base is a flat grassy land with an old ruined fortress on a hillock in the foreground, beneath the colossal Mount Jumolhari and Jichu Drake. The other viable option is to go on two hours excursion to the twin Tshophu Lakes on the way to Bongtela Pass. Most people show signs of mountain sickness at this altitude and it is recommended that all trekkers halt here. If you do not wish to hike then simply relax in camp, either way it will be a memorable day.
Day 6: Jangothang to Lingshi
The trail climbs gradually to Nyili La pass. Broad yak pastures can be seen along the length of the route. If the weather is clear, there is an excellent view of Lingshi Dzong as we descending into the Lingshi basin. Tstherimgang and its descending glaciers can be seen at the north end of the valleys. We camp in a stone shelter at 3915 m. Overnight at campsite
Day 7: Lingshi to Shodu
The trail ascends to the Yali la pass, from where Mount Jumolhari, Tserimgang and Masagang can be seen on a clear day. Nomads traveling between Lingshi and Thimphu use the Yali la so the trail is well marked. The trail then descends alongside a stream to a rock shelter in a cliff face. Then continues on downstream until reaching Shodu, where we will camp in a meadow with a chorten in it. Overnight at campsite.
Day 8: Shodu to Barshong
The path follows the course of Thimphu Chu, descending through rhododendrons and waterfalls. Then the trail takes us gradually upwards to the ruins of Barshong Dzong, near which we camp for the night.
Day 9: Barshong to Dodena to Thimphu
The trail follows the Thimphu Chu through dense rhododendron forest before emerging into pastureland. We climb to a mountain meadow at about 3428 m and over a small pass. Then drops steeply down to the river, following it southward to the road head at Dodena. Bhutan Tour and Treks vehicle will be waiting to collect us. Overnight at Thimphu
Day 10: Paro International Airport
Morning: After an early breakfast, we will drive to Paro Airport for departure. The guests will be seen off by a representative of our company and the tour guide at the exit gate. Wish them bon voyage!
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