Start your unforgettable 12-night, 13-day Jhomolhari trek with Amigo Treks and Expedition, a journey that combines the breathtaking beauty of the Himalayas with the rich cultural heritage of Bhutan. This carefully crafted itinerary is designed for travelers who are borden with hiking and trekking, and are seeking a profound connection with nature and a deep dive into Bhutan's spiritual and traditional way of life.
Your adventure begins in the charming valley of Paro, where you will explore ancient fortresses and temples, including the legendary Taktsang Lhakhang (Tiger's Nest). The Bhutan trekking itself takes you through pristine, untouched landscapes, from lush rhododendron forests and serene river valleys to vast alpine pastures grazed by yaks. You'll camp beneath a canopy of stars at the foot of the magnificent Mount Jomolhari, a sacred peak revered by the Bhutanese people.
This journey is more than just a trek; it's a cultural odyssey. You'll have the unique opportunity to interact with local yak herders, experience life in nomadic villages, and explore the vibrant markets and majestic monuments of Thimphu, Bhutan's capital. Your knowledgeable Amigo Treks and Expedition guide will lead you every step of the way, ensuring your safety and providing insights into the history, flora, and fauna of this magical kingdom.
The Jhomolhari trek is an experience of a lifetime, offering a perfect balance of challenging hiking and serene cultural exploration. It's a journey that will not only test your endurance but also fill your heart with unforgettable memories of the Last Shangri-La. Join Amigo Treks and Expedition for this incredible adventure and discover the hidden beauty of the Bhutanese Himalayas.
Day 1: Arrive in Paro and immerse yourself in its rich history and culture
Day 1: Arrive in Paro and immerse yourself in its rich history and culture
Day 2: The iconic hike to Taktsang Lhakhang (Tigers Nest)
Day 3: Start of the Jhomolhari Trek from Paro to Soe-Thangthangkha
Day 4: Trek from Thangthangkha to Jangothang
Day 5: Rest and exploration at Jhomolhari Base Camp in Jangothang
Day 6: The scenic climb from Jangothang to Lingshi
Day 7: A long day of trekking from Lingshi to Sodhu
Day 8: A moderate trek from Sodhu to Barshong
Day 9: The beautiful descent from Barshong to Dolam Kencho
Day 10: The final trek from Dolan Kencho to Thimphu
Day 11: A cultural journey from Thimphu to Punakha and back
Day 12: A full day of cultural exploration in Thimphu
Day 13: Farewell from Bhutan
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Package excludes:
Day 1: Arrive in Paro and immerse yourself in its rich history and culture Your incredible Jhomolhari trek adventure begins upon arrival at Paro airport, where you will be warmly greeted by your dedicated Amigo Treks and Expedition guide. Following a brief refreshment, your first taste of Bhutanese heritage will be a scenic walk across the Rimpung Bridge, Bhutan’s oldest traditional cantilever bridge, leading to the majestic Paro Rinpung Dzong. After exploring this historic fortress, we’ll drive to the serene Bonday village and take a short walk to the cliffside Dzongdrakha temple, often referred to as the mini-Taktsang. Our journey continues to Kyichu temple, one of the 108 temples built in the 7th century to overcome a demon. The day concludes with a leisurely stroll through the charming streets of Paro town before a delicious dinner and an overnight stay at a comfortable hotel.
Day 2: The iconic hike to Taktsang Lhakhang (Tigers Nest) Today is dedicated to one of Bhutan's most revered landmarks: Taktsang Monastery, or the Tiger’s Nest. After a drive to the base, you will begin your hike through a beautiful pine-scented forest. A rewarding 1.5-hour ascent brings you to a viewpoint with a breathtaking panorama of the monastery clinging to a vertical cliff at 3,120 meters. Following a break for refreshments at the cafeteria, you will continue your ascent to the monastery itself, a site of profound spiritual significance where Guru Rinpoche is said to have meditated. We will explore the sacred temples before descending for a delicious lunch with a view. The afternoon offers a unique cultural immersion at a traditional Bhutanese farmhouse, where you will be welcomed with butter tea, local snacks, and the chance to try your hand at Bhutan's national sport, archery. You'll then enjoy an authentic home-cooked Bhutanese dinner before retiring for the night at your hotel in Paro.
Day 3: Start of the Jhomolhari Trek from Paro to Soe-Thangthangkha The true trekking portion of your journey begins today. We will drive along an unpaved road from Drukgyel Dzong to Gunetsawa village, where your trek starts. The trail follows a river valley, gradually climbing and narrowing as we ascend. It’s a journey of approximately seven to eight hours, covering 22-23 kilometers, through a mix of terrain. The path winds its way through forests and hills before opening into a vast meadow where we will set up our first camp for the night at an altitude of 3,610 meters.
Day 4: Trek from Thangthangkha to Jangothang Continuing your Jhomolhari trek, you will follow the trail alongside the Pachhu River. This five-to-six-hour trek, spanning 19 kilometers, takes you through an increasingly scenic landscape. After passing a small army outpost, the valley widens to reveal stunning views of high ridges, snow-capped peaks, and traditional yak herder huts. The day's journey culminates near the ruins of an old fortress at the foot of the magnificent Mt. Jomolhari, where our camp is set up for the night at an altitude of 4,080 meters.
Day 5: Rest and exploration at Jhomolhari Base Camp in Jangothang Today is a well-deserved rest day at Jangothang, the base camp for the Jhomolhari trek. You have the freedom to choose your activities. You may want to explore the nearby yak herder settlements, hike to the glaciers of Mt. Jomolhari for even more spectacular panoramic views, or visit the local nomadic village farmhouses to experience their way of life. The day is designed for you to acclimatize and enjoy the stunning high-altitude environment at your own pace before continuing your Jhomolhari trek. We will spend another night camping at Jangothang.
Day 6: The scenic climb from Jangothang to Lingshi The Jhomolhari trek continues with a gradual climb toward a high pass through expansive pasturelands, where you may encounter yak herders in their camps depending on the season. As you descend from the pass towards Lingshi, prepare for truly breathtaking views of Lingshi Dzong, the surrounding valley, and the stunning glaciers of Tserim Kang mountain. This strenuous five-to-six-hour trek covers 19 kilometers and takes you to an altitude of 4,150 meters, where we will camp for the night.
Day 7: A long day of trekking from Lingshi to Sodhu Today's trek is both long and strenuous, covering 22 kilometers over seven to eight hours. The trail begins with a climb towards a chorten on a ridge before leading into the Mo-chu valley. We will then begin the ascent to the Yele-La pass at 4,950 meters, a journey of two to three hours. From the pass, you will be rewarded with incredible panoramic views of the snowy peaks of Jumolhari, Gang-Chenta, Tshering-Gang, and Masang-Gang. The path can be narrow and challenging in places, but the short descent to our campsite in a meadow at Sodhu (3,815m) is a welcome end to the day.
Day 8: A moderate trek from Sodhu to Barshong The trail from Sodhu to Barshong is a more moderate journey, taking about three to four hours to cover 13 kilometers. The route follows the Mo Chhu valley, with the highlight being the panoramic views of the magnificent snow-capped peaks from the Yele La pass. While some sections are carved into steep rock faces, the overall journey is less demanding. We will camp for the night at Barshong at an altitude of 3,685 meters.
Day 9: The beautiful descent from Barshong to Dolam Kencho The trek from Barshong to Dolam Kencho is a beautiful five-to-six-hour descent through dense forests of rhododendron, birch, and conifers. The trail gently drops, eventually meeting the Thimphu Chhu river, which you will follow to our campsite. After traversing a cliff, you will arrive at Dolam Kencho, a peaceful meadow campsite at 3,430 meters, where we will enjoy dinner and spend the night under the stars.
Day 10: The final trek from Dolan Kencho to Thimphu This is the final leg of your Jhomolhari trek. The journey from Dolam Kencho to Thimphu is an eight-kilometer trek that takes approximately three to four hours. The trail ascends through forests to a pass at 3,510 meters, then descends to the Thimphu Chhu river. We will follow the river to the village of Dodena, where a private vehicle will be waiting to transfer you to your hotel in Thimphu for a well-deserved rest and a comfortable overnight stay.
Day 11: A cultural journey from Thimphu to Punakha and back Today is a day of cultural immersion with a scenic drive to Punakha. We will cross the Dochula Pass, where on a clear day you can see the panoramic Himalayan ranges. After a visit to the Druk Wangyal Lhakhang, we will visit the Divine Madman’s Monastery, Chhimi Lhakhang, famous for its fertility shrine. Following lunch, we will cross a traditional cantilever bridge to visit the magnificent Punakha Dzong, located at the confluence of the Pho-Chu and Mochu rivers. A walk across one of Bhutan’s longest suspension bridges and a visit to the beautiful Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Lhakhang will round out our time in Punakha before we return to Thimphu for dinner and an overnight stay.
Day 12: A full day of cultural exploration in Thimphu Your final full day in Bhutan is dedicated to exploring the cultural heart of the country. We will visit the iconic Buddha Dordenma, a massive bronze statue radiating peace, and the National Institute for Zorig Chusum, where you can see Bhutan's 13 traditional arts being taught. We will continue to Simtokha Dzong, Bhutan’s oldest fortress, and then to the Gagyel Lhundrup Weaving Center to see intricate textiles being created. After lunch, you can explore the bustling Centenary Farmers’ Market, witness the national sport of archery at Changlimithang Archery Ground, and see the unique Takin Preserve. The day concludes with the solemn flag-lowering ceremony at the magnificent Tashichhoe Dzong.
Day 13: Farewell from Bhutan After a final breakfast, a one-hour scenic drive will take you from Thimphu to Paro Airport. Our tour guide and driver will see you off for your departure, marking the end of your unforgettable Jhomolhari trek and cultural tour of Bhutan.
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