ELEVATION: 1000M TO 4000M

OVERVIEW

It is considered one of the most scenic trekking routes in Bhutan. The journey will take trekkers all the way to the base of Mount Jomolhari. Mount Jomolhari believed to be the abode of Goddess Jomo. The Goddess is believed to be under the oath of Guru Rinpoche to protect the land, the Buddhist faith and the local people. Trekkers will pass through Lingzhi village. The highlanders are known for their unique culture.

Day 01: Arrive at Paro International Airport and Cultural Sightseeing at Paro

The runway of the Paro International Airport hides deep within layers of mountainous terrain. Flying into Bhutan can be quite an adventure particularly the final approach to the airport as the plane glides and maneuver the mountains before aligning to the runway. After the touch down, your assigned guide and driver will meet you at the airport and drive you to your hotel.  In the afternoon you will continue with cultural sightseeing in Paro. Attractions include the national museum, the Paro Dzong and exploring the quaint Paro town. Night halt in Paro.

Day 02: Hike to Taktsang Monastery

Considered the highlight of any trip to Bhutan, today you will hike to the most popular Tiger’s nest monastery. You will drive up to the base of the monastery and begin your two hour hike to the top. Lunch will be served at a cafeteria en route. On arrival, you will visit the monastery and spend some time taking in the impressive view of the valley below.  You will then descend back to the base and drive back to the hotel. Night halt in Paro.

Day 03: Paro – Shana – Soi Thangthangka

Trekkers will drive to Shana and begin their trek to Thangthangka. The gradually ascending trail follows the Paro River. Trekkers will walk for about 8 hours covering 22 Kilometers. Trekkers will camp their first night in a stone shelter amidst the meadow. Camp altitude will be at 3610 meters. On a clear weather day, trekkers can catch a spectacular view of the Mount Jomolhari.

Day 04: Thangthangka – Jangothang

On the second day trek, the valley begins to widen and trekkers will come across winter house for yak herders where lunch will be served. Trekkers will camp beneath a ruined fortress at the base of Mount Jomolhari. Trekkers will walk for about 6 hours covering 19 Kilometers. Camp altitude will be at 4080 meters.

Day 05: Halt at Jangothang

Trekkers will stop their journey at the base for acclimatization. During this day, trekkers can engage in day hike around the area. The place offers a great view of the Mount Jomolhari and Jichu Drake peak. Trekkers can also spot blue sheep grazing on the slopes of the valley.

Day 06: Jangothang – Lingzhi

Trekkers will continue their journey to Lingzhi. The trek path will peak at Nyelila Pass from which trekkers will descend to the camp. Trekkers will walk for about 7 hours covering 18 Kilometers. Camp altitude will be at 4010 meters.

Day 07: Lingzhi – Shodu

The trail follows through deep valley before ascending to Yelila Pass at 4820 meters. Trekkers will camp in the meadow for the night. Trekkers will walk for 9 hours covering 22 Kilometers. Camp altitude will be at 4080 meters.

Day 08: Shodu – Barshong

Trekkers will follow the Thimphu Chhu River and gradually climb up to Barshong. Trekkers will camp below a ruined fortress for the night. Trekkers will walk for 6 hours covering 16 Kilometers. Camp altitude will be at 3710 meters.

Day 09: Barshong – Dolamkencho

The trail begins to descend to the valley. Trekkers will pass through dense forests of rhododendrons, birch, conifer, maples and bamboos. Towards the end of this leg of the journey, trekkers will begin to climb up to the pasture land. Camp site is in the meadow.  Trekkers will walk for 6 hours covering 15 Kilometers. Camp altitude will be at 3320 meters.

Day 10: Dolamkencho – Dodena

Trekkers will continue the trek through the dense forest and finally exit the Jigme Dorji National Park where the trek ends. Trekkers will be driven to Thimphu and check in to the hotel.

Day 11: Thimphu Sightseeing

Tourists will do some cultural sightseeing in Thimphu. Attractions include Kuensel Phodrang nature park, Folk Heritage Museum.

Day 12: Depart from Paro