Bhutan Jomolhari Trek From Paro to Thimphu Via Lingzhi
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💎 Why we love it ?
Journeys that spark the imagination can lead you to a realm of happiness and often change your life. Lace up your boots and venture beyond traditional trekking into Bhutan’s iconic Jomolhari Trek through scenic Himalayan mountains, stunning landscapes, pristine forests, and mirror lakes. Travel to Paro and Thimphu, the two most developed towns in Bhutan and immerse yourself into the mindful Buddhist way of life, away from the materialistic world, and discover why Bhutan has earned its nickname the ‘Kingdom of Happiness’. Hike to an 8th-century sacred site where Bhutan’s iconic landmark, 17th century Paro Taktsang or Tiger’s Nest is located, perched on the face of a precarious 800m rock cliff. Visit ancient temples and magnificent Dzongs (fortresses) and marvel at the fine wall paintings, exquisite architecture, and craftsmanship that still continue to influence Bhutanese architecture today.
🏁 Tour Itinerary: Bhutan Jomolhari Trek From Paro to Thimphu Via Lingzhi
Day 1: Arrive at Paro International Airport – Sightseeing Paro valley (2200m)
Arrive Paro International airport by either of only two airlines operating in and out of Bhutan; Drukair, the national flag carrier, or Bhutan Airlines, a private airline that was started in 2011. After arrival, your visa will be stamped on your passport at the immigration counter. You will be received by our guide and driver at the exit gate and then transfer to the hotel. After checking in and settling yourself in the new surroundings, you will be taken on your first adventure into the ‘Kingdom of Thunder Dragon’. We will visit an auspicious 7th-century monastery Kyichu Lhakhang, the National Museum of Bhutan, an impressive Paro Dzong, and later in the afternoon, if time permits, visit Sangchoekhor Monastery on the hilltop overlooking Paro valley.
Note: The coverage of sightseeing on the first day depends on your flight arrival time. If you arrive in the morning, you should be able to visit all of the sites mentioned above.
🏚️ Accommodation: Overnight at Khangkhu Resort or Bhutan Mandala Resort.
Day 2: Full Day in Paro – Hike to Paro Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest)
Today, you will spend the day acclimatizing by hiking to the famous Tiger’s Nest and spend some leisure time around Paro town. After breakfast, drive to Ramthangka, the base of the Taktsang monastery. Taktsang monastery is located on the face of a sheer 800-meter rock cliff in Paro. The round trip hike normally takes 4-5 hours but you can hike at your own pace. We recommend starting early before the sun gets stronger.
Oneway horse riding is available on your way up to the mid-point (Taktsang View Point Cafeteria) for about USD20 per horse which will carry only one person. Horse riding is not recommended on your way down and most owners will not allow it.
After lunch at the Taktsang Cafeteria, we descend back to the base and drive to Paro town where you can spend some leisure time.
🏚️ Accommodation: Overnight at Khangkhu Resort or Bhutan Mandala Resort.
Day 3: [Trek Begins]: Paro Drukgyal Dzong / Sharna Zampa (2850m)
After breakfast, we drive towards the Drukgyal Dzong from where the trek begins. If you are interested, we could spend about 30mins visiting the Drukgyal Dzong, a 17th century ruined fortress which is undergoing complete renovation since 2016 and is expected to take few years to bring to its former glory.
The trek begins from Drukgyal Dzong with a short walk downhill and then ascends gently through the beautiful terraced rice fields leading to apple orchards and pine forests. We reach the village of Gunitsawa and pass the army post. At the army check post your trekking permit will be checked and endorsed. We cross the Sharna Zampa and soon reach our campsite on the meadows surrounded by trees.
Distance 17km
Time 5-6 hours
Camp Altitude 2,850m/9,350ft
Alternatively, we can drive to the village of Gunitsawa where the road ends and hike for 1 hour until we reach the campsite.
🏚️ Accommodation: Campsite.
Day 4: Sharna Zampa / Thangthangka (3610m)
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 that 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 22km
Time 7-8 hours
Ascent 770m
Descent 10m
Camp Altitude 3,610m/11,845ft
🏚️ Accommodation: Campsite.
Day 5: Thangthangka / Jangothang (4080)
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 19km
Time 5-6 hours
Ascent 480m
Camp Altitude 4,080m/13,385ft
🏚️ Accommodation: Campsite.
Day 6: Halt at Jangothang (4080)
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. There are good short hiking trails in three directions. Jomolhari and its subsidiary mountain chains lie directly west, Jichu Drake to the north and there are a number of unclimbed peaks to the east.
Camp Altitude 4,080m/13,385ft
🏚️ Accommodation: Campsite.
Day 7: Jangothang / Lingzhi (3800m)
The trail leads to the last settlement in the valley and drops to the Paro Chhu. Passing the lake of Tshophu (4,380m/14,370ft) you will climb up steeply to Bhonte La pass at 4,890m/16,045ft, the highest point of this trek route. Reaching the Dhumzo Chhu river, you trek downstream passing the few houses of Soi Yaksa (Dhumzo) to arrive at your camp soon after.
Distance 16km
Time 6-7 hours
Ascent 810m
Descent 1,090m
Camp Altitude 3,800m/12,470ft
🏚️ Accommodation: Campsite.
Day 8: Lingzhi / Shodu (4080m)
The trail climbs up to the Yelila pass at an altitude of 4,930m/16,175ft. From the pass, on a clear day, you will get an excellent view of Jumolhari, Tserimgang, and Masanggang. The trek from the pass to the campsite at Shodu is a steep downhill.
Distance 22km
Time 8-9 hours
Ascent 940m
Descent 920m
Camp Altitude 4,080m/13,385ft
🏚️ Accommodation: Campsite.
Day 9: Shodu / Barshong (3710m)
The trail follows the Thimphu Chhu through rhododendron forests, past beautiful waterfalls along the way. The valley narrows till the path takes to the slopes and gradually ascends to the ruins of Barshong Dzong.
Distance 16km
Time 5-6 hours
Ascent 250m
Descent 670m
Camp Altitude 3,710m/12,170ft
🏚️ Accommodation: Campsite.
Day 10: Barshong / Dolam Kencho (3320m)
The trail descends down to the Thimphu Chhu river valley, through dense forests of rhododendron, birch, conifer, maples, and bamboos, and then ascends to pasture lands. The camp is in a meadow.
Distance 15km
Time 4-6 hours
Ascent 290m
Descent 640m
Camp Altitude 3,320m/10,890ft
🏚️ Accommodation: Campsite.
Day 11: [Trek Ends]: Dolam Kencho / Dodena / Thimphu (2334m)
The trail continues through forested areas winding up and down and through a small pass. Langurs (monkeys) can be seen along the way. In Dodena, you will exit the Jigme Dorji National Park and reach the road head next to an impressive wooden cantilever bridge. This is the point where our trekking staff will bid you farewell.
Distance 8km
Time 3-4 hours
Ascent 500m
Descent 930m
Thimphu Altitude 2,334m/7,655ft
From here, we will drive to Thimphu. Check into the hotel and rest for a while. You can venture out to explore Thimphu town and gather at 5 PM to visit Tashichho Dzong (Fortress of the Glorious Religion). Thimphu is the capital city of Bhutan and is home to approximately 115,000 residents. This bustling little city is the main center of commerce, religion, and government in the country.
🏚️ Accommodation: Overnight at Kuenphen Rabten Resort or Hotel Amodhara.
Day 12: Sightseeing in Thimphu / Transfer to Paro (2200m)
Today we spend the day exploring Thimphu city and visit some of the important landmarks in the capital and other points of interest. After a leisurely breakfast, visit the tallest sitting Buddha Dordhenma Statue (167ft) on a hilltop overlooking the Thimphu valley, visit Bhutan Postal Museum if you are interested in stamp collection and philatelic products. You can also have stamps printed with your own photo. From there, we drive to Thangtong Dewachen Nunnery commonly known as Zilukha Anim Dratsang. Built-in 1976, this nunnery is home to dozens of nuns.
After a traditional lunch at Folk Heritage Museum, we visit the National Institue of Zorig Chusum where 13 Bhutanese traditional arts & crafts are taught. From there we go to visit Craft Bazaar along the main Thimphu street, Centenary Farmer’s Weekend Market to get insights into food preference and culture in Bhutanese society. We then pass by Changlimithang Archery Range to witness the game of archery if the match is in progress. You will see archers dancing and singing each time the target is hit from a whopping distance of 145m.
If interested, we can visit the weaving center where intricate traditional textiles are handwoven. From there, we drive to Paro overnight.
Distance from Thimphu to Paro 55km | Driving Time 1.5-hours, Thimphu altitude 2334m | Paro Altitude 2200m
Overnight at Paro Village View Home Stay. Located above a quaint village amidst an apple orchard overlooking south Paro valley, this homestay is a perfect place to experience the life of an ordinary Bhutanese family. Apart from comfortable accommodation and delicious home-cooked local cuisines, they also have an in-house traditional hot stone bath believed to have a therapeutic and revitalizing effect. Specially select river stones are heated in the wood-fired fireplace and dropped into the chamber of wooden tub releasing minerals.
If this homestay is fully booked, similar accommodation will be provided or you can stay at Khangkhu Resort/Bhutan Mandala Resort. read less
Day 13: Transfer to Paro International Airport for Departure
After breakfast, drive to Paro International Airport for your onward journey. Your guide will assist you to complete all exit formalities before you check in.
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Terms & Conditions
Cancellation Policy
- Free cancellation for up to 30 days prior to departure date
- 20% will be charged if cancelled 16-29 days prior to departure date
- 30% will be charged if cancelled 08-15 days prior to departure date
- 50% will be charged if cancelled 03-07 days prior to departure date
- No refund will be available if No Show or cancelled 0-02 days prior to departure date
Flights
The flight tends to get fully booked months ahead especially during the peak season. We highly recommend you book flights a few months ahead of your departure date. We can help with the arrangement of flights to and from Bhutan. There are only two airlines operating in and out of Bhutan:
- Drukair, the national flag carrier of Bhutan (www.drukair.com.bt) operates from and to these cities/International Airports: Bangkok, Bagdogra, Bodhgaya, Dhaka, Delhi, Guwahati, Kathmandu, Kolkata, Singapore.
- Bhutan Airlines, a private airline introduced in 2011 (www.bhutanairlines.bt) operates from and to these cities/International Airport: Bangkok, Delhi, Kolkata, Kathmandu
Other Important Information
- Airport pick-up and drop-off time will be coordinated depending on your flight timings
- For the purpose of processing a visa, you must send us a clear passport copy of all the participants after you book the tour. A whole biodata page including the machine-readable zone must be seen clearly. It can be either scanned or just a mobile photo shot as long as it is clear and legible. Passports should have a validity of at least SIX MONTHS from the day you depart from Bhutan.
- You’ll receive a copy of your approved e-Visa Clearance letter in PDF format within 3-4 business days from the day the visa application is submitted. You MUST print a copy of this letter and present it at the check-in counter of the airline flying into Bhutan. Without the proof of an e-Visa Clearance letter, you may be denied boarding the flight to Bhutan. The actual visa will be stamped on your passport on arrival at the Paro International Airport.
- Child(ren) below 18 years of age must be accompanied by an adult
- All participants between the age of 13 – 18 years old must send us a valid copy of the Student Photo ID Card/document after booking the tour.
- All our tour guides speak very fluent English. Guides speaking other major languages (Chinese, Japanese, French & German) can be arranged at an additional fee of $120 per day.
- You must let us know prior to your arrival if you have any dietary restrictions/preference.
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