Jomolhari Trek, Bhutan
It's nice that in this crowded and constantly travelling world where all the paths have been well-trodden, all peaks - climbed and all the sights – shown more than enough, there is still one place so much unexplored, unknown and well preserved that the tourists can feel truly like a discoverer. A very difficult to reach place, a place that knows its price, very very special place - Bhutan!
A closed territory until recently, now this small Himalayan Kingdom reveals to the curious stranger everything he dreams of - stunningly beautiful and preserved nature, untouched traditions, strange architecture and a genuine way of life that followed the ancient Buddhist religion for centuries. These reliable baits would have turned Bhutan quickly in another crowded touristic destination if it wasn’t for the strict laws in Bhutan for tourism development which allow only a very limited number of lovers of authentic experiences to visit the country. We would like to offer you to be one of those lucky ones, for which Bhutan will not remain only a dream!
This tour is for those of you who love long walks in the mountains and sleeping in high mountain camps under the stars. You will be accompanied by yak herds, the musical background - the roar of the rivers in deep gorges, and the decor - the sacred peak Jomolhari. But before you taste this natural delicacy will have the opportunity to get acquainted with dzonga - Bhutanese unique public buildings and also to enjoy the most iconic views in Bhutan - to the monastery of Takstang "Tiger Nest”!
Itinerary:
Day 1. Delhi - Paro (2235 m.a.s.l.)
During the flight you will enjoy amazing views of the Himalayas Mountains. Meet and greet at the airport and lunch at the hotel. Visit of dzonga Paro- Rinpung built in 1645, now used by the local administration and the monastic school. The central watchtower is one of the most beautiful in the country. Overnight in a hotel.
Day 2. Excursion to Taktsang
Either on foot or on a horseback, the trail takes us to the place where we can enjoy an exceptional view to Takstang – the Tiger Nest - monastery, built on a cliff almost 700 m above the valley at 3100 m a.s.l. In the cave which served as home to the monastery Ringpoche Guru used to meditate. The legend has it that the guru flew over from Tibet on the back of tigress. In April 1998 a fire destroyed big part of the monastery but now it is fully reconstructed. On our way back we will visit dzonga Drukgel and one of the oldest Bhutanese monasteries - Kichu Lakhang, built in the VII century by the first Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 3. Drukgel Dzong - Sharna Zampa (2850 m.a.s.l.)
Transfer to Drukgel Dzong (2580 m.a.s.l.), where the road ends and walking paths start. The path gradually follows the Paro Chu passing by beautiful meadows and farmhouses. After about four hours up we reach the military post at the village Gunitsava where our permits (provided by the tour operator) will be checked and confirmed. The camp is on the opposite side of the river near the village.
Duration and length of the trekking: 4-5 hours, 17 km, ascent / descent: 360 m/80m.
Day 4. Sharna Zampa - Tangtangkha (3610 m.a.s.l.)
During this long day itinerary makes a lot, but no long ascents and descents. Climbing along the river, the trail soon enters the territory of National Park, Jigme Dorji. Gradually the valley narrows to a path that reaches the meadow where the camp will be established. From here if the weather allows it, you will see Jomolhari for the first time.
Duration and length of the transition: 7-8 hours, 22 km, ascent / descent: 770 m/10m.
Day 5. Tangtangkha - Dzhangotang (4080 m) a.s.l.)
In the morning the trek continues along the valley of Paro Chu - a wonderful puzzle of Alpine meadows and small forests. The road crosses a military station. Chains of snow peaks and yak herds are an integral part of the landscape and view changes only by the villages of Ko, Taketang, Dangochang. When we reaching Dangochang, one of the most beautiful camps in the Himalayas, a beautiful view opens in front of us to the Jomolhari peak.
Duration and length of the trekking: 5-6 hours, 19 km, ascent / descent: 480 m/0m.
Day 6. Dangochang
The day spent in camp Dangochang offers many opportunities for day walks with glorious views of the lakes and the snowy pyramids of Dangochang and Jichu Drake. The camp is the perfect place for acclimatization. Good trails for short hikes start in three directions. Jomolhari and its chain of peaks lies straight to the west, Jichu Drake to the north and to the east beautiful mountains complete view.
Day 7. Dangochang - Dzumzo (3800 m.a.s.l.)
The trail leads to the end of the valley slopes to the Paro Chu. Along the Tsofu lake (4380 m) we follow a steep ascent to Bonthe La Pass (4890 m), highest point in this trek. Reaching Dzumzo Chu river, the road goes down through the small village Dzumzo and soon reaches the camp.
Duration and length of the trek: 6-7 hours, 16 km, ascent / descent: 810 m/1090m.
Day 8. Dzumzo - Thombu Shong (4180 m.a.s.l.)
The tour continues with a short climb which takes us to the other side of the ridge in another stream. After crossing the pass Takhung La (4520 m) the trail descends to Thombu Shong, where our camp is located next to herdsman huts. Duration and length of the walk: 4-5 hours, 11 km; ascent / descent: 720 m/340m.
Day 9. Shong Thombu - Sharna Zampa (2850 m.a.s.l.)
In the Thombu Pass (4380 m) the route closes the circle and again reaches Gunitsava village and the camp from the first night of the trek.
Duration and length of walk: 4-5 hours, 13 km, ascent / descent: 200 m/1650m.
Day 10. Sharna Zampa- Drukgel Dzong (2580 m.a.s.l.).
Descent on the way back to Drukgel Dzong and the end of the route.
Duration and length of the walk: 4-6 hours, 17 km, ascent / descent: 80 m/360m.
Overnight at hotel in Paro.
Day 11. Departure.
Included in the price: ►3 nights in good hotels 3 *** ►7 nights in tents during trekking ►full board (breakfast, lunch and dinner included) ►all transfers and luggage transportation from / to Paro airport ►local English-speaking guide ►cook ►camping equipment (except sleeping bags) ►entrance fees ►tourist visa for Bhutan.
Not included: ►drinks ►tips ►Indian visa ►insurance ►tips ►alcohol drinks ►cigarettes and other personal expenses.
Other expences: The price is per person for a group of at least 3 participants. If the participants are only two additional amount of 260 euros per person is required.
Good to know: Duration of the tour: 10 days; Duration of trekking: 8 days; Highest altitude along the route: 4890 m a.s.l.; Highest altitude at which we spend a night: 4080 m a.s.l.
We recommend the trip in the period: Spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November)
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