Jholmohari Base Camp

  • 14 Days
  • Age 12+
  • Apr-June, Sep- Nov.

It is a 6 days trek from Paro to the Jhomolhari base camp at Jangothang, returning via the same route or by an alternative trail to Paro. The view of the Jumolhari mountain (7,314m) from Jangothang is spectacular. This popular trek also affords an excellent opportunity to see yaks. The highest point on the trail is 4115m.

Day 1

Fly Bangkok to Paro Bhutan. During the flight, you will see breathtaking views of Mount Everest, Kanchenjunga and other famous Himalayan peaks, including the sacred Mount Jhomolhari and Jitchu Drake in Bhutan. On arrival at Paro International Airport, you will be received by our representative. Paro sightseeing: Visit the 7th century Kyichu Monastery and Paro national museum. O/n hotel.

Day 2

Day trip to Taktsang, the Tiger's Nest Monastery. The monastery is perched on a rocky ledge with a sheer drop of nearly 4,000 feet. In the 8th century, Guru Padmasambhava flew here on a tiger's back to found the monastery.

Day 3

Paro to Shana, ~17 km, 5-6 hours journey. Camp ~2,800 m. Drive to Drugyal Dzong (a ruined fortress ñ 16 kms away from Paro town). The dzong(castle fortress) built in 1647 although in ruins, holds great historical significance. It was from this fortress that the Bhutanese repelled many Tibetan invasions. The name means "The Victorious Bhutanese." This spot unfolds a magnificent vista of Mount Jhomolhari. The trail follows the river gently uphill through narrowing valley and agricultural fields. The night's halt is just beyond an army outpost. O/n camp.

Day 4

Shana to Soi Thangthangkha. The trail continues uphill through the river valley. The valley narrows so much that the path takes to the slopes. There is quite a lot of descending along this stretch. O/n camp.

Day 5

Soi Thangthangkha to Jangothang, ~19 km, 5-6 hours journey. Camp ~4040 m. The trek starts up the Pa Chu. An Army outpost is crossed along the way. The valley begins to widen again. All around high mountains ridges and snow-capped peaks come into views. Yaks and yak herders' winter homes become a regular feature of the landscape. The night camp is beneath a ruined fortress at the base of Mt. Jumolhari. o/n camp.

Day 6

Jangothang rest day. Trek up to Tsophu or hike around the area. There are good short hiking trails in three directions. Jumolhari and its subsidiary mountain chains lie directly west, Jitchu Drake to the north and a number of unscaled peaks to the east. O/n camp.

Day 7

Jangothang to Lingshi, ~19 Km, 5-6 hours journey. Camp ~4150 m. Trek through wide yak pastures and up and down passes. As you come down into the Lingshi basin, you get a wonderful view of Lingshi Dzong on a clear day. Tsarim Kang and its glaciers rise up at the north end of the valley. Night halt is a choice between a stone hut or the tent.

Day 8

Lingshi to Shodu, ~22 Km, 7-8 hours journey. Camp ~3963 m. The trail climbs up to the Yalila Pass at an altitude of 4820 mtrs. From the pass, you can get an excellent view of Mt. Jhomolhari, Tserim Gang and Masagang on a clear day. The trek from the pass to camp site at Shodu is downhill. O/n camp

Day 9

Shodu to Barshong, ~13 Km, 3-4 hours journey. Camp ~3785 m. The trail follows the Thim-Chu River through forests of Rhododendron. Waterfalls can be seen along the way. The valley narrows till the path takes to the slopes and gradually ascends to reach the ruins of Barshong Dzong. O/n camp.

Day 10

Barshong to Dolam Kencho, ~11 Km, 3-4 hours journey. Camp ~3628 m. The trail descends through thick forest of Rhododendron to meet the Thim-Chu and then ascends to pasture lands. O/n camp.

Day 11

Dolam Kencho - Thimphu, ~14 Km, 4-5 hrs journey. The trail continues through forested areas winding up and down and through a small pass. Langurs (monkeys) can be seen along the way. O/n hotel.

Day 12

Day excursion to Punakha and Wangdi via Dochula pass. O/n hotel.

Day 13

Thimphu sightseeing: visit the Memorial Chorten (dedicated to the Late Third King of Bhutan), Takins mini zoo (Takin is the rare national animal of Bhutan), Thimphu view-point, Zilukha Nunnery, National Library, Traditional Painting School, traditional indigenous hospital, hand-made paper factory and visit to a traditional handicraft gift shop. Drive to Paro. O/n hotel.

Day 14

Depart Paro for Bangkok, and connect to homebound flights.