Bhutan Majestic Jomolhari Loop Trek

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Paro International Airport - Sightseeing & Overnight in Paro (2195m)

Pass By: Paro International Airport, Airport Road Paro, Paro 12001, Bhutan
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 began operating 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 you will be taken on your first adventure into the ‘Kingdom of Thunder Dragon’.

We will visit an auspicious 7th-century monastery Kichu 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 listed below. If it is in the afternoon, we might be able to visit a few only.

Stop At: Kyichu Lhakhang, Lamgong Gewog, Paro 12001 Bhutan
Paro Kichu Lhakhang is located just a few minutes drive from the main town of Paro and is one of the oldest monasteries in Bhutan. It is believed to have been built in 659 A.D. by King Songtsen Gampo of Tibet in his effort to built 108 such temples across the Himalayan region to subdue the spirit of a demoness who was causing obstruction to the spread of Buddhism. Bhutan is blessed with two of these temples, one being Jampa Lhakhang in Bumthang, central Bhutan. Both Kichu Lhakhang and Jampa Lhakhang are believed to have been built on the same day.
Duration: 30 minutes

Stop At: National Museum of Bhutan, Paro, Bhutan
The National Museum of Bhutan is located in Paro just above the Rinpung Dzong (administrative headquarter of Paro district) was established in 1968. It is housed in an ancient watchtower called Paro Ta Dzong (Ta Dzong means “watch tower fortress”) built in 1649. It displays hundreds of ancient Bhutanese artifacts and artworks including traditional costumes, armour, weaponry and handcrafted implements for daily life. The collection at the National Museum preserves a snap-shot of the rich cultural traditions of the country. After this, we will visit Paro Dzong.
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Rinpung Dzong, Paro Bhutan
Paro Rinpung Dzong (Rinpung Dzong means “fortress of the heap of jewels”) was built by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel in 1646 and established as the administrative and monastic centre of the western region. Today, the Dzong serves as the office of the governor of Paro district and head of the district monk body in Paro. A great annual festival known as Paro Tsechu is held in Rinpung Dzong from the eleventh to the fifteenth day of the second month of the traditional Bhutanese lunar calendar (usually in March or April of the Western calendar). On this occasion, holy images are taken in a procession followed by a series of traditional mask dances conveying religious stories which are performed by monks for five days.
From there, we take a short walk to the traditional wooden cantilever bridge built across Paro river (Pa Chhu) just below the Dzong. The roofed wooden cantilever bridge is built in a traditional style and this type of bridges are called Bazam.
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Sangchen Chökhor Monastery, Bhutan
Sangchoekhor monastery is located on a hilltop ridge overlooking the Paro Valley and presents grand panoramic views. It takes about 30 mins drive from the main Paro town to reach the monastery. Sangchoekhor monastery is also known as Sangchoekhor Dzong because of its past connection with the reincarnations of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel, a Tibetan Buddhist master who came to Bhutan in 1616 and unified Bhutan as one nation-state. Dzong means ‘Fortress’ and is the main establishment of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel. The original Dzong was burnt down by a fire in 1932. It was later reconstructed at the initiative of the Chamberlain of Paro Penlop (governor of Paro). Today the monastery is turned into a Buddhist college with more than 100 monks studying Buddhist philosophy.

Driving time: 2-hours
Duration: 45 minutes

Meals included:
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight at Khangkhu Resort/Bhutan Mandala Resort or similar.

Day 2: Acclimatization hike to Taktsang Monastery, Tiger's Monastery / Transfer to Thimphu (2334m)

Stop At: Paro Taktsang, Taktsang Trail BT, Paro Bhutan
After breakfast, drive to Ramthangka, the base of the Taktsang monastery. Taktsang monastery is located on the face of an 800-meter rock cliff in Paro. It normally takes about 2 hours to reach the monastery from the road head. It is the most popular tourist attraction in Bhutan.

The trail takes you through the ancient path shaded by pine trees. After an hour of steep uphill hiking, you will reach a nice cafeteria from where you can see spectacular views of Taktsang monastery perched on the face of a steep rock cliff and beautiful valley below. Hot tea and snacks will be served here. For those who are still energetic, can hike further up for 1 hour and visit the monastery, receive blessings from many sacred relics and artifacts and enjoy grand views of the Paro valley below.
Duration: 5 hours

Pass By: Thimphu District, Thimphu District
After the exhilarating hike to Taksang, drive to Thimphu. It is a 55km road journey by luxury private SUV/Minivan/Bus depending on your group size and the drive should not take more than 1.5 hours. Upon arrival in Thimphu, check into the hotel and settle down for a while. We then go to visit one of the landmarks in Thimphu, the National Memorial Chorten. Later in the evening after 5PM, visit the majestic Tashichho Dzong (OPTIONAL as it will just about the same as Paro Rinpung Dzong).

Thimphu is the capital city of Bhutan and it is home to approximately 100,000 residents. This bustling little city is the main centre of commerce, religion and government in the country. It is the only capital city in the world without traffic lights and even commercial billboards.

Stop At: National Memorial Chhorten, Thimphu, Chhoten Lam, Thimphu, Bhutan
The National Memorial Choeten is the most frequented religious site and obviously an important landmark in Thimphu. The National Memorial Choeten is a Buddhist Stupa built in 1974 in memory of the Late Third King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck who passed away in 1972. People from all walks of life come here to pray and circumambulate offering you a good opportunity to observe how Bhutanese people devote themselves to daily prayers and take refuge in the teachings of the Lord Buddha.


Duration: 30 minutes

Stop At: Tashichho Dzong (Thimpu Dzong), Chhagchhen Lam, Thimphu Bhutan
Tashichho Dzong, which means “Fortress of the Glorious Religion” is opened to visitors only after 5PM during working days and from 9AM to 5PM on weekends. The original Dzong was built in 1216 AD on a location where Dechen Phodrang monastery stands today. Following a fire disaster that destroyed the original dzong in 1771, it was relocated to the present location. The Dzong suffered several earthquakes and fires and was subsequently renovated and new structures added by successive rulers.

It was late His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, the third hereditary King of Bhutan, who renovated and enlarged the entire Dzong to its present form in 1962 over a period of six years. The magnificent architectural feat was achieved using the traditional methods without any blueprint plans or nails. It houses the office of the King, the Throne Room, and Central Monastic Body. It is also the summer residence of the Chief Abbot (Je Khenpo) of the Central Monastic Body of Bhutan.

Driving time: 2-hours
Duration: 30 minutes

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight at Kuenphen Rabten Resort/Hotel Amodhara or similar.

Day 3: Thimphu / Transfer to back to Paro (2195m)

Stop At: Buddha Dordenma, Kuensel Phodrang Viewing Point, Thimphu 11001 Bhutan
Today we spend the whole day exploring Thimphu city and visit some of the popular tourist attractions in the capital. After breakfast, we begin the excursion by first visiting Buddha Dordenma statue followed by few other places of interest.

The marvelous 169 feet tall bronze statue of Lord Buddha is located on a hilltop, Kuensel Phodrang, overlooking the Thimphu valley presenting you with a beautiful view of Thimphu valley. It was built in 2015 to celebrate the 60th birth anniversary of the Fourth King His Majesty Jigme Singye Wangchuck and also as a monument for world peace. The giant Buddha statue houses more than 100,000 8-inch tall Buddha statues of the same type.

Duration: 45 minutes

Stop At: Royal Textile Academy of Bhutan, Norzin Lam, Thimphu 11001 Bhutan
Weaving is an integral component of the culture and tradition of Bhutan. With rapid development and exposure to western culture, the art of weaving and production of its own handwoven textile is declining fast. To preserve and promote this living art, Her Majesty Queen Mother Sangay Choden Wangchuck established the Royal Textile Academy of Bhutan in 2005 as a non-profit organization. The Textile Museum showcases a collection of artifacts to impart an understanding of Bhutan’s rich textile traditions and way of life.
Duration: 40 minutes

Stop At: National Institute for Zorig Chusum, Thimphu Bhutan
The National Institute of Zorig Chusum (Zorig Chusum means ’13 Traditional Arts & Crafts’) was established to promote and preserve the thirteen traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan and to facilitate increased access in learning Zorig skills by Bhutanese youths. Many of these traditional arts and crafts are declining with the advent of modern technologies and therefore, the government is putting in a lot of effort to train youths to keep the traditions alive. The thirteen arts and crafts are categorized as Shing Zo (woodwork), Dho Zo (stonework), Par Zo (carving), Lha Zo (painting), Jim Zo (sculpting), Lug Zo (casting), Shag Zo (woodturning), Gar Zo (blacksmith), Troe Zo (ornament making), Tsa Zo (bamboo work), De Zo (paper making), Tsem Zo (tailoring, embroidery and applique) and Thag Zo (weaving). These thirteen arts and crafts are an essential part of Bhutan’s cultural heritage that has been practiced from time immemorial.

Duration: 30 minutes

Stop At: Bhutan Postal Museum, Thimphu Bhutan
Bhutan Postal Museum is located in the heart of the city in the same building as Bhutan National Bank so you can also exchange your money into local currency if you wish. The Postal Museum was opened in 2015 to exhibit the story of Bhutan’s progress and development of communications and the postal system in the country. If you are interested in philatelic products and stamp collection, they have a good collection of stamps, First Day Covers and stamp albums. In October of 2017, His Majesty graciously granted several rare collections of philatelic and communications products giving additional insights into the history of Bhutan’s philatelic and communications systems. The Postal Service in Bhutan was first launched in 1962 with the opening of a post office in Phuentsholing, a town in the south bordering with India.

You can also print stamps with your own photo.
Duration: 30 minutes

Stop At: Centenary Farmers Market, Main Town, Near the Wangchhu River, Thimphu Bhutan
Located below the main town, near the Thimchu River, Thimphu’s weekend market which is by far the largest domestic market for the farmers in Bhutan. Farmers come from all over the country to sell their farm products in the market. With its wide assortment of fresh organic produce, the Farmer’s Market has become a favourite spot for tourists and a recreational place for people from all walks of life.

Visiting this market and seeing various agricultural produce on display, you will learn food preferences and culture in Bhutanese society.

From there, we visit the nearby Changlimithang National Stadium * Archery Ground to witness the game of archery if the match is in progress. You will see archers dancing and singing each time they hit the target from a distance of 145 meters. Archery is the national sport of Bhutan.

Transfer to back to Paro.

Driving time from Thimphu to Paro: 1.5-hours
Duration: 1 hour

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight at Khangkhu Resort/Bhutan Mandala Resort or similar.

Day 4: Trek Begins: Paro Drukagyal Dzong / Sharna Zampa (2850m)

Stop At: Shana, Bhutan
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 checkpoint, your trekking permit will be checked and endorsed. We cross the Sharna Zampa and soon reach our campsite on the meadows surrounded by trees.

Alternatively, we can drive to the village of Gunitsawa where the road ends and hike for 1 hour until we reach the campsite.

Distance 17 km
Time 5-6 hours
Descent 80m
Camp Altitude 2,850m/9350ft
Duration: 6 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight outdoor camping at Sharna Zampa.


Day 5: Sharna Zampa / Thangthangka (3610m)

Stop At: Thang Thangka Camp, Bhutan
On this long day, the trail continues with lots of small ups and downs. After going uphill through the river 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
Duration: 8 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight outdoor camping at Thang Thangka

Day 6: Thang Thanka / Jangothang (4080m)

Stop At: Jangothang, Bhutan
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
Duration: 6 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight outdoor camping at Jangothang, Jomolhari Base Camp.

Day 7: Halt at Jangothang, Jomolhari Base Camp

Stop At: Jangothang, Bhutan
Today you will take a full day rest at Jangothang. The rest day 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
Duration: 1 day

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight outdoor camping at Soe Yaktsa.


Day 8: Jangothang / Soe Yaksa

Stop At: Yaksa, Paro, Bhutan
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 Yaksa (Dhumzo) to arrive at your camp soon after. Overnight at a campsite.

Distance 16km
Time 6-7 hours
Ascent 810m
Descent 10,90m
Campsite Altitude 3,800m/12,467ft
Duration: 7 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight outdoor camping at Soe Yaksa.

Day 9: Soe Yaksa / Thongbu Shong (4180m)

Stop At: Thongbu Shong, Bhutan
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. Overnight at a campsite.

Distance 11km
Time 4-5 hours
Ascent 720m
Descent 340m
Campsite Altitude 4,180m/13,715ft
Duration: 5 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight outdoor camping at Thombu Shong

Day 10: Thongbu Shong / Sharna Zampa / Transfer to Paro (2195m)

Stop At: Shana, Bhutan
Crossing Thombu La pass (4,380m) you will finally reach Gunitsawa village (Zharna Zampa) where your driver will be waiting for you. This is the point where your trekking staff will bid you farewell.

We will then drive to Paro. Leisure time in Paro.

Distance 13km
Time 4-5 hours
Ascent 200m
Descent 650m
Paro Altitude 2,850m/9,350ft
Duration: 5 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight at Khangkhu Resort/Bhutan Mandala Resort or similar

Day 11: Departure from Paro International Airport

Pass By: Paro International Airport, Airport Road Paro, Paro 12001, Bhutan
After breakfast, you will be transferred Paro International Airport for your onward journey depending on your departure time. Your guide will assist you to complete all exit formalities before you check-in.

Meals included:
• Breakfast
No accommodation included on this day.