JOMOLHARI TREK

Max Elevation

5, 000 m

Minimum Elevation

2, 500 m

Difficulty

Medium

No. of Days

7 Days

Season

April, May, June, September, October, November

 

Highlights:

Jomolhari Trek is longer than the Jomolhari Loop - the most popular trekking routes in Bhutan. With altitude differences of 2,500m and nearly 5,000m it offers a wide range of landscapes, fauna and flora. The highlight of this trek is the spectacular view of Mount Jomolhari from Jomolhari Basecamp (Jangothang). 

JOMOLHARI TREK

 Itineraries

Day 1: Gunitsawa Village - Sharna Zampa

This trek begins at Gunitsawa Village were you pass the army post. At the army checkpost 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.

Distance

40 km

Time

4 hours

Ascent

Descent 80 m

Camp Altitude

2, 850 m

 

Day 2: Sharna Zampa - Thangthangkha

 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

Ascent

Ascent 770 m Descent 10 m

Camp Altitude

3, 610 m

 

Day 3: Thangthangkha – 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

Ascent

Ascent 480 m  

Camp Altitude

4, 080 m

 

Day 4: 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.

Distance

0 km

Time

0 hours

Ascent

Ascent 0 m 

Camp Altitude

0 m

 

Day 5: Jangothang – Lingshi

The trail leads to a 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

Ascent

Ascent 810 m  Descent 1, 090 m

Camp Altitude

3, 800 m

 

Day 6: Lingshi – Shodu

The trail climbs up to the Yelila pass at an altitude of 4,930m. 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

22 km

Time

8-9 hours

Ascent

Ascent 940 m  Descent 920 m

Camp Altitude

4, 080 m

 

Day 7: Shodu – Barshong

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

16 km

Time

5-6 hours

Ascent

Ascent 250 m  Descent 1, 670 m

Camp Altitude

3, 710 m

 

Day 8: Barshong – Dolam Kencho

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

15 km

Time

4-6 hours

Ascent

Ascent 290 m  Descent 640 m

Camp Altitude

3, 320 m

 

Day 9: Dolam Kencho – Dodena

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 a impressive cantilever bridge.

Distance

8 km

Time

3-4 hours

Ascent

Ascent 500 m  Descent 930 m

Camp Altitude

……… m