Jomolhari Trek
- By admin
- 13 days
- relish tours bhutan
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.
In the afternoon drive to the ruins of the 17th Century Drukgyel Dzong, an historic monument built by the Zhabdrung to commemorate his victory against invading Tibetans in 1644. In fine weather the towering peak of the sacred Mount Jomolhari (7314m) appears as a stunning backdrop. On the return drive to Paro, visit 7th Century Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the 108 temples constructed by the Tibetan king Songtsen Gampo. Overnight at Paro.
Hike to Tiger's Nest, one of the most sacred Taktshang monasteries in Bhutan. It is perched on the cliff where Guru Rinpoche is said to have flown to the site riding on a tigress. He subsequently meditated here for three months. You can have lunch at the Taktshang cafeteria from where you get a spectacular view of the monastery.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
We will start our sightseeing tour visiting Memorial Chorten built in memory of the 3rd King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck who reigned the Kingdom from 1952-1972. Visit the National Library where ancient manuscripts are preserved. Further, we will visit the Zorig Chusum - 13 Arts & Crafts Institute where traditional arts and crafts are still kept alive. The visitors can see students of different trades at work like: Sculpting, Thanka Painting, Wood Carving and other skills.
Afternoon visit to the Textile Museum, Handicrafts Emporium, Crafts Bazaar where Bhutanese textiles and other arts and crafts are displayed and can be purchased. In the evening free for a leisure walk to explore Thimphu. The walk around the city is easy and would be enjoyable to experience the Bhutanese way of life.
In the morning drive to Punakha, the former Capital of Bhutan (77 Km) from Thimphu. Enjoy panoramic view of Black Mountain range at Dochu La, Visit Druk Wangyel Lhakhang, and Royal Botanical Garden on the way. Dochu La is a paradise for photographers.
On arrival to Punakha we will visit Punakha Dzong built in 1637 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel, "the unifier of Bhutan" to serve as the religious and administrative center of the region. It is placed strategically at the junction of the Pho chu and Mo chu rivers. Damaged over the centuries by four catastrophic fires and an earthquake, the Dzong has been fully restored in recent years by the present monarch and displays some of the best works of Bhutanese arts and crafts.
After lunch, enjoy a walk to Chimi Lhakhang, the temple of fertility, blessed by the Divine Mad Man in the 1500s. The walk to the temple will take about 45 minutes one way through rice paddy fields. Night at Punakha/Wangduephodrang.
In the morning drive upstream of Phochu for a short hike/return from the view point. Depart for Paro after Lunch.
Evening: Take a stroll through Paro town. The town is flooded with handicraft shops catering to tourist interest. There also fake jewelry shops. Bargaining is accepted and part of business deals.
The guests will be Seen Off by a Representative of our company and the Tour Guide at the Exit Gate. Wish Bon Voyage!!!