The Jomolhari Basecamp Trek
This trek starts at Paro, following the Paro River upstream literally to its source. It is a 5 days trek from Paro to the Jhomolhari base camp at Jangothang, returning via the same route. We pass through scattered hamlets and farmland into a deep and richly forested valley, which leads us up to high alpine pastures where yak herders graze their animals. The views of Mt. Jomolhari and the adjoining range along with the diverse landscapes we trek through make this a truly sensational trek. Along with the trek you would be embarking on Cultural Tour where you would visit some of the key sightseeing places in Thimphu, Paro and Punakha.
Brief Description of Cities covered in this tour
Thimphu: Capital and the largest city of Bhutan - Only capital city in the world that does not have traffic lights - Main center of Commerce, Religion and Government in the country - Most modern city of Bhutan and has abundance of restaurants, internet cafes, nightclubs and shopping center. It is one of the few cities of Bhutan having ATM facilities.
Paro: Small town in the western part of Bhutan - Also home to Paro Airport, Bhutan’s only International Airport - The valley has many isolated small villages and is known for red rice - Also home to most of Bhutan’s oldest temples and monasteries.
Punakha and Wangdue: Punakha and Wangdue is located in the same valley. These two places are located within a distance of 13 km. Punakha was the capital of Bhutan and the seat of government until 1955 - The valley is fed by the Pho Chhu and the Mo Chhu rivers - It is one of very few places in Bhutan which offers Rafting facilities - It is the winter seat of the Je Khenpo (Chief Abbot) and the monk body at present.
- Spectacular view of Mount Jomolhari
- Capture a glimpse of the local nomadic lifestyle.
- Visit old Monasteries and majestic fortresses
- Explore a capital city with no traffic lights.
- Feast on Ema Datsi and Red Rice, two of the most popular dishes of Bhutan
- First-hand experience of untouched Nature and unique Culture
- Experience the Sacred Spirituality and see the prayer flags fluttering in the wind.
- Village houses and rural life
- Shop for Silks, Souvenirs and More
- Marvel at structures adorned with Phallus paintings.
- Hike through pine forests to visit “Tiger’s Nest”
- Beautiful landscapes and spectacular Himalayan scenery.
- The must visit Dochula Pass and the Druk Wangyal Chhortens
Day 1. Arrive Paro:
Altitude of Paro - 2,280 m
Your flight to Paro on a clear day, is marked with the panoramic views of the Himalayas including the Everest and other famous Peaks. The approach through the foothills and the landing (including few steep turns) at the tiny airstrip of Paro has been termed as adventurous by many travelers. After the completion of immigration formalities at the Paro Airport exit door, you will be received by your Bhutanese guide with traditional “Tashi Khadar”. Thereafter you are driven to your hotel and do your check in. Lunch would be served at the hotel itself. In the evening, explore the Paro Valley and town.
Meals – Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner; Overnight at the Hotel in Paro.
Day 2. Paro Sightseeing:
After breakfast, start your day with a hike to
- Taktsang Monastery (Tiger's nest), the abode of gods and monks situated at an altitude of 3100m on the Upper Paro Valley, Bhutan. As per the legend, Guru Padmasambhana (Guru Rinpoche), the tantrum mystic who brought Buddhism to Bhutan, came in the form of Dorje Droloe riding a flying tigress to subdue the demon that was obstructing the spread of Buddhism in the Himalayas.
After the completion of the hike, you would be served picnic Lunch among the woods. After lunch, visit
- Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest monasteries in Bhutan built in the 7th century by the Tibetan Emperor Songtsen Gampo.
In the evening take a walk around Paro Town and valley. A short distance further is one of the innumerable archery grounds. Archery is the national sport of Bhutan). If we are lucky, we may catch a match in action. The evening ends with a walk through Paro's main shopping district.
Meals – Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner; Overnight at the Hotel in Paro.
Day 3. Paro Sightseeing - Shana:
Camp Altitude 2,820 m; Distance 17 Kms
Camp Altitude 2,820 m; Distance 17 Km;After breakfast. Visit Paro Rimpung Dzong, also known as Fortress of the heap of jewels, built during the time of Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1646.
- Ta Dzong, an ancient watch tower overlooking Rimpung Dzong built in 1951 now converted into national museum.
Afternoon post lunch, drive to Shana (Starting Point of Trek). Overnight at camp in Shana.
Meals – Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner. Overnight at the Camp.
Day 4. Shana - Thangthangka: (Start of Trek):
Camp Altitude 3610 m; Distance 21 Km; Time 7 hrs - 8 hrs; Ascent 770 m; Descent 10 m
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 enroute, where another path leads north over the Tremo La to Tibet. Camp is in a meadow with a stone shelter.
Meals – Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner. Overnight at the Camp.
Day 5. Thangthangka - Jangothang:
Camp Altitude 4,115 m; Distance 15 Kms; Time 5 hrs - 6 hrs; Ascent 480 m
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.
Meals – Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner. Overnight at the Camp.
Day 6. Jangothang:
Day of Rest
Today you will stay at the camp site. Jangothang is a perfect environment for your acclimatization. There are good chances that one may spot some blue sheep on the upper slopes of the valley. You also have a chance to walk up to the Jhomolhari glacier or to the Tsho Phu lakes on the opposite direction.
Meals – Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner. Overnight at the Camp.
Day 7. Jangothang - Thangthangka:
Camp Altitude 4,115 m; Distance 15 Kms; Time 5 hrs - 6 hrs; Descent 480 m
Return via same route.
Meals – Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner. Overnight at the Camp.
Day 8. Thangthangka - Shana - Paro (End of Trek):
Camp Altitude 3610 m; Distance 21 Kms; Time 7 hrs - 8 hrs; Ascent 10 m; Descent 770 m
On arrival in Shana, your vehicle shall be waiting for you to take you to Paro. You may also choose to stay overnight in Camp.
Meals – Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner. Overnight in hotel.
Day 9. Paro - Thimphu:
Driving Distance: 65 Kms, Driving time: 1.50 hrs - 2 hrs, Altitude of Thimphu: 2,350 m
In the morning hours, leisure time. Afternoon post lunch, drive to Thimphu, capital of Bhutan. It takes two hours’ drive to Thimphu. While in Thimphu, explore the Thimphu Town. In the evening visit
- Tashichhodzong, or ‘the fortress of the glorious religion’. Initially erected in 1641 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, it was rebuilt in the 1960s during the reign of Bhutan’s third king in the traditional style, without plans or nails. It houses some ministries, His Majesty’s secretariat, and the central monk body and opens after 5 PM.
Meals – Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner. Overnight at the Hotel.
Day 10. Thimphu Sightseeing:
Altitude of Thimphu 2,350 m
Today you would be driven in and around Thimphu covering key places of interest. After breakfast you would visit
- Kuensel Phodrang, the gigantic Buddha Dordenma Statue located atop a hill in Kuensel Phodrang Nature Park.
- National Memorial Chhorten, a Stupa built in 1974 to honor the third Druk Gyalpo, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. Every morning till night old people and young people circumambulate the Chhorten.
- Zorig Chusom, Premier institute of traditional arts and crafts in Thimphu built of preserve “thirteen arts and crafts of Bhutan”.
- Folk Heritage, traditional house giving an insight to the Bhutanese lifestyle, and artifacts from the rural households
Thereafter you would be taken to a local restaurant for lunch. In the afternoon you would be taken to
- Sangaygang View Point, also known as BBS Tower offering panoramic view of Thimphu Town situated at an elevation of 2,685 m.
- Changangkha Monastery, popular fortress like temple perched on a ridge above Central Thimphu built in 15th Century by Lama Phajo Drugom Zhipo.
- Takin Preserve Centre, see Takin (National animal of Bhutan) It is a unique combination of Goat and an Antelope
After the completion of sightseeing, you are driven back to your hotel. After relaxing for sometime you are served with dinner.
Meals – Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner; Overnight at the Hotel in Thimphu.
Day 11. Thimphu - Punakha/Wangdue Phodrang:
Driving Distance: 76 Kms, Driving time: 2.50 hrs - 3hrs, Altitude of Punakha: 1310 m
After breakfast and completion of Check Out formalities you are driven to Punakha/Wangdue, for your second leg of the tour. On the way, you would stop at
- Dochula Pass, lies at an elevation of 3,150 m and is a great place to view the higher Himalayas. The landmarks around the pass includes 108 Druk Wangyal Stupas built under the patronage of Queen Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuk.
After arrival at Punakha, check in to the hotel. After lunch, you would visit
- Punakha Dzong, built in 1637 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. For many years until the time of the second King, it served as the seat of the Government. It is still the winter residence of Je-Khenpo (The Chief Abbot of the Central Monastic Body of Bhutan).
- Chhimi Lhakhang, a famous Temple, which is also known as “The Temple of Fertility” built by Lama Drukpa Kuenley.
Evening free for leisure activities.
Meals – Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner; Overnight at the Hotel in Punakha/Wangdue.
Day 12. Wangdue Phodrang/Punakha - Paro:
Driving Distance: 135 Kms, Driving time: 4.50 hrs – 5 hrs, Altitude of Paro: 2,280 m
After breakfast, you would check out of the hotel to proceed to Paro, final leg of the tour. On the
way stop at
- Royal Botanical Park, Lamperi, also known as the Rhododendron Garden, is the first Botanical Garden of Bhutan. It is famous for 46 species of rhododendrons.
After arriving at Paro, you would be transferred to you Hotel for Check In. After lunch, you would be taken around to visit
- Paro Rimpung Dzong, also known as Fortress of the heap of jewels, built during the time of Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1646.
- Ta Dzong, an ancient watch tower overlooking Rimpung Dzong built in 1951 now converted into national museum.
Evening is free for leisure activities and shopping.
Meals – Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner; Overnight at the Hotel in Paro.
Day 13. Departure:
Today we will bid farewell to this beautiful country and take an early flight back. We hope by now you mist have made some good friends and also have taken photographs and beautiful memories of Bhutan. We certainly hope of serving you again on your next visit to this great country or the Last Shangri-La. Tashi Delek.