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Jomolhari Loop Trek
There are two versions of the Jomolhari trek, Jomolhari Loop Trek being the shorter version.
Jomolhari Loop Trek starts from Drukgyel Dzong at the head of the Paro valley and on the first day takes you on a gentle ascent through terraces of millet and rice, climbing midst blue pine and fir, to Shanna Zampa at 9,348ft/2,850m.
The next day is a tough walk with an ascent of around 2,460ft/750m punctuated by many sharp, short descents. In places, you walk close to the river while other sections have you negotiating rocks as the trail climbs through oaks and rhododendrons and then through a rich forest of birch and fire till you reach Thang Thangka (11,808ft/4,100m). This is a rolling alpine meadow with the majestic Jomolhari peak looming at the valley head. It is 19km to the splendid viewpoint and camp at Jangothang (13,448ft/4,100m)- crossing the river, rock-hopping along a muddy track past a couple of settlements to get here.
The next day or two are usually spent at this camp, acclimatizing and drinking in the magnificent views of Jomolhari and Jichu Drakye. There are several half-day hikes from here that take you to other vantage points with breathtaking views.
Trekkers taking the Jomolhari Loop Trek return via a different scenic route, camping close to 13,120ft/4,000m for two nights, before joining the trail at Shana Zampa.
Package Details :
Duration : 9 Nights/ 10 Days .
Destination Covered : Paro- Tiger’s Nest- Gunitsawa Village – Shana Zampa- Thangthangka- Jangothang base camp- Soi Ya .
Day 01: Arrive at Paro Airport and Discover Paro valley
Discover the great Himalayan peaks as you fly into Paro Airport. On arrival at the Paro International Airport, you will be greeted by your private guide with a traditional white scarf of auspiciousness and transferred to Thimphu. Discover the mountains speckled with sacred Dzongs and Lhakhangs unfurl its magic as you drive.
Take a gentle hike to the ancient Zuri Dzong from where you can see Paro Dzong and the valley beautifully.
Later try your taste pallets to the different flavors of Bhutanese beer at Namgay Artisinal Brewery.
Explore the typical Bhutanese architecture of Paro town before returning to your hotel.
Overnight: Hotel in Paro (Gangtey Palace/Similar)
Day 02: Hike to the legendary Tiger’s Nest Monastery (4-6 hours hike)
Tiger's Nest is a great acclimatization hike to Bhutan’s most famous monastery, clinging to the cliffs above Paro.
Get your energy up at breakfast this morning for a hike to the iconic Tiger’s Nest Monastery. You would be rewarded to the overwhelming sight of the monastery perched on a cliff at 3,120 meters above sea level and 900 meters above Paro valley. Tiger’s Nest or Taktsang acquires its name from the legend of its foundation, when in the 8th Century Guru Rinpoche, widely revered as the second Buddha, arrived from Tibet flying across the mountains on the back of a tigress and meditated here for three months.
While returning from the hike, we will stop at the ancient Kichu Lhakhang dating back to the 7th century and discover the myths related to the construction of this Lhakhang.
Overnight: Hotel in Paro (Gangtey Palace/Similar)
Day 03: Gunitsawa Village – Shana Zampa
This trek begins at Gunitsawa Village where you pass the army post. At the army check post, your trek permit (provided by your tour operator) will be checked and endorsed. The campsite is on the opposite side of the river, not far from Gunitsawa.
Overnight at Campsite. Camp Altitude: 2,850 m
Day 04: Shana Zampa - Thangthangka
On this long day, the trail continues with lots of small ups and downs. After going uphill through the river valley the valley finally narrows gradually to a mere path which descends to a meadow where a camp will be set up. From here, if weather permits, you will have the first great view of Mt. Jomolhari.
Distance 22 km Time 7-8 hours
Overnight at Campsite. Camp Altitude: 3,610 m
Day 05: Thangthangka – Jangothang
If you did not see Mt. Jomolhari the previous evening, you will still have a chance to get a great view early this morning. This morning the trek continues up the Paro Chhu valley which widens into patches of alpine meadow and scanty growths of forest. You will cross an army checkpoint along the way and enjoy a spectacular view of high mountain ridges and snow-capped peaks. In this area yaks and their herder’s homes become a regular feature of the landscape. Passing the villages Soe, Takethang, and Dangochang is another asset on this day. After reaching Jangothang, one of the most beautiful campsites of the Himalayas, you will again have a spectacular view of Mount Jomolhari.
Distance 19 km Time 5-6 hours
Overnight at Campsite. Camp Altitude 4,080 m
Day 06: Jangothang Halt
The rest day in Jangothang provides plenty of possibilities for day hikes with great views of lakes and snow-capped mountains such as Jomolhari and Jichu Drake. There are good chances to spot some blue sheep on the upper slopes of the valley. Jangothang is a perfect environment for your acclimatization. You can also trek up to Tosoh or hike around the area. There are good short hiking trails in three directions. Jomolhari and its subsidiary mountain chains lie directly west, Jichu Drakey to the north and there are a number of unclimbed peaks to the east.
Overnight at Campsite. Camp Altitude 4,080 m
Day 07: Jangothang to Soi Yaktsa
The trail leads to the last settlement in the valley and drops to the Paro Chhu. Passing the lake of Tshophu (4,380m) you will climb up steeply to Bhonte La pass at 4,890 m, the highest point of this trek route. Reaching the Dhumzo Chhu River, you trek downstream passing the few houses of Soi Yaktsa (Dhumzo) to arrive at your camp soon after.
Distance 16 km Time 6-7 hours
Overnight at Campsite. Camp Altitude 3,800 m
Day 08: Soi Yaktsa to Thombu Shong
The trail climbs 100m over a ridge to drop to another stream then. After crossing the Takhung La pass (4,520m) you descent to Thombu Shong, three yak herder huts with your campsite next to them.
Distance: 11km Time 4-5 hours
Overnight at Campsite. Camp Altitude 4,180 m
Day 09: Thombu Shong to Gunitsawa Village
Crossing Thombu La pass (4,380m) you will finally reach Gunitsawa. This is where you will bid farewell to your trekking crew and your vehicle will transfer to the hotel in Paro.
Overnight at Hotel in Paro (Gangtey Palace or Similar)
Day 10: Departure
Our team will drop you at airport and bid you farewell.
Read Customer Reviews
5.0 / 1 Reviews
I came to know about Bhutan Best Inbound Tour through one of my friend who had travelled with his wife to Bhutan through them and they had many nice things to tell about them.
So I contacted Mr.Thinley and he was very prompt in his response. I wanted to do Jumolhari Trek and Mr Thinley presented me with different Jumolhari Trek Routes.
I chose Jumolhari Loop , as it was shorter comparatively to regular full length Jumolhari Trek and I wanted to use few of my other days stay in cultural exploration.
I was a solo traveller, yet Thinley went all the way to make the wonderful arrangement. Got a VIP treatment. I was accompanied by a lovely and knowlegable guide Mr.Chundu. It was an amazing experience to see the sunrise at Jumolhari mountain. The trekking routes were clean, and as walked along we could capture stunning views of Himalayas.
Right after the trek , I took a short cultural journey combined with Bhutan festival(It was suggested by Thinley to combine Festival with the tour and it was a great idea.
Had a lovely time with lovely company. My special appreciation for Mr.Thinley for organizing this wholesome tour and to my humble and knowlegeable guide Mr Chundu.
Thank You All.
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