Mt. Jomolhari sometimes known as “the bride of Kangchenjunga”, is a mountain in the Himalayas, straddling the border between Yadong County of Tibet, China, and the Paro district of Bhutan. The north face rises over 2,700 meters (8,900 ft) above the barren plains. The mountain is the source of the Paro Chu (Paro river) which flows from the south side and the Amo Chu which flows from the north side. Chomolhari Trek also referred to as Jomolhari Base Camp Trek is one of the most popular treks in the unspoiled region of the Himalayas.
Trek is a 7-day Trek from Paro to Jomolhari base camp at Jangothang, returning via the same route or by an alternative trail to Paro. The view of Jomolhari mountain (7314 M) from Jangothang is spectacular. This Trek also affords an excellent opportunity to see Yaks and the blue poppy the national flower of Bhutan. The highest point is 4115 Meters.
Paro International Airport.
Starts from Paro and ends at Paro.
Moderate
4115 meter
104 km from the starting point to the end Point.
The flight into Paro on our national carrier, Druk Air or Bhutan Airlines, is a befitting introduction to the spectacular beauty of Bhutan. In clear weather, magnificent views of the world’s highest peaks, give way to the lush green Paro valley as you land. Your Bhutanese escort from Excursion to Himalayas will greet you on arrival, and then drive you the short distance to the Hotel.
Your journey into the Thunder Dragon kingdom will truly begin with a drive in the morning to the recently restored Drukgyal Dzong 16 km up the valley.
Visit Kichu Lhakhang built in 659 by the Tibetan King Srongsen Gampo. Explore the ramparts and on a clear day experience an unforgettable view of Mt. Jhomolhari (7,314 m). Our next visit is to Ta Dzong, an ancient watchtower, which now houses the National Museum.
Below the museum is the Paro Rimpung Dzong, the center of civil and religious authority in this valley. A short walk takes you to the base of the dzong and across a traditional cantilevered, covered bridge. A short distance further is one of the innumerable archery grounds. (Archery is the national sport of Bhutan). Overnight at Hotel.
Today is a very important day as we will be hiking to the most iconic and secret monastery of Bhutan. The itinerary begins after a short drive which takes us to Satsam Chorten. The trail climbs through beautiful pine forest, many of the trees festooned with Spanish moss, and an occasional grove of fluttering prayer flags. Built-in the 1600s, this incredible monastery clings to the edge of a sheer rock cliff that plunges 900 m into the valley below.
Lunch will be served at the cafeteria, followed by a short walk to Satsam Chorten for the drive to the hotel.
Distance: 14 Km
Time Taken:5-6 Hours
Max Altitude: 2820m
Our trek to Shana starts at Drukgyal Dzong following the Paro river and we pass cultivated fields and tiny picturesque villages. The forests are alive with numerous birds and brightly colored butterflies. Overnight at camp Shana.
Distance: 21 Km
Time Taken:7-8 Hours
Max Altitude: 3610m
The trail follows the river through a heavily forested area with a few isolated farmhouses. It narrows and closes in and the trail winds up and down along the drainage. We pass a junction en-route, where another path leads north over the Tremo La to Tibet. The camp is in a meadow with a stone shelter.
Distance: 15 Km
Time Taken:5-6 Hours
Max Altitude: 4115m
In the morning after passing a small army post, the trail slowly leaves the forest line and gradually climbs into a beautiful valley, passing Tegethang, a winter home of yak herdsmen. Lunch will be served in one of these huts. Lots of yaks will be seen today before we arrive at the Jhomolhari base camp (4,115 m). High mountains overlook the camp and visible nearby are the ruins of an old fortress used to guard Bhutan against Tibetan invasions.
A rest day. A chance to walk up to the Jhomolhari glacier or to the Tsho Phu lakes in the opposite direction. We camp under the ruins of Dzong and have lots of chances to see blue sheep, Snow leopard at the camp sites.
Distance: 19 Km
Time Taken:5-6 Hours
Max Altitude: 4080m
Ascent: 480m
We continue following the Paro River as the valley widens again, opening to a spectacular area surrounded by high ridges and snowcapped peaks. A few yak-herding families are based in this area, and we may be seeing some of them along the way. Your lunch could be in one of their simple, traditional homes. Today is not a long day but because of altitude gain, the pace is slower. Camp at Jangothang (4080m) below a ruined fortress near the base of Mt. Chomolhari or (Jomolhari).
The trail follows the river through a heavily forested area with a few isolated farmhouses. It narrows and closes in and the trail winds up and down along the drainage. We pass a junction en-route, where another path leads north over the Tremo La to Tibet. Camp is in a meadow with a stone shelter at Shana.
Our team will be waiting (at Drukgyal Dzong) to take us to Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan. It takes two hours drive to Thimphu. Enjoy and relax at Hotel in Thimphu.
After breakfast we visit the National Memorial Chorten built in honour of our late King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk. We then visit the National Library, stocked with ancient Buddhist manuscripts, and the Painting School where traditional art is still kept alive through instructions in the art of painting Thangkas (sacred Buddhist religious scrolls).
After lunch, we drive to the Traditional Medicine Institute where medicines are prepared according to ancient practices, and to Lungtenzampa to observe the Royal silver smiths and Bhutanese Paper Factory at work.
We finally visit the Handicrafts Emporium, which has all types of Bhutanese handicrafts for sale.
After breakfast, Drive to Punakha via Dochula pass. The pass offers us a magnificent view of the Himalayas. Best place for photo shoots and enjoying time in nature.
Further, drive down to Punakha and visit Punakha Dzong built in 1637 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal and situated between Pho Chu (Male river) and Mo Chu (Female river). The Dzong was named Druk Pungthang Dechen Phodrang (Palace of Great Happiness). A little drive from Dzong you come across the longest suspension bridge connecting two villages with Punakha Dzong. Overnight in Hotel.
After breakfast, drive to Thimphu. Enroute visit Simtokha Dzong, the oldest fort of Bhutan. Enjoy the nightlife at Mojo Park where they play western music in Thimphu. Overnight in Hotel.
Your trekking in Bhutan ends here today. Jomolhari Base Camp trek is one of the beautiful and most amazing treks in Bhutan. You have taken the right trek to take back great memories of beautiful nature. Our team will see you off from the airport.
