Jumolhari Trek II 

Day 1: Paro

On arrival, you will be greeted by our guide. If your flight is in the morning or afternoon you will have some time for sightseeing in Paro. Visit the Rinpung Dzong meaning “fortress of the heap of jewels”. It has a long and fascinating history. Along the wooden galleries lining the courtyard of the Dzong are fine wall paintings illustrating Buddhist lore. You will walk downhill till the road point crossing the traditional wooden bridge. In the evening, you can stroll freely in Paro town. Walking around the market and meeting with people will be an enjoyable experience. Overnight at a hotel in Paro.

• Accommodation: Tashi Namgay Resort, Galing Resort, Khangkhu Resort

Day 2: Tiger’s Nest Monastery acclimatisation hike

After breakfast, hike to Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) Monastery, Bhutan’s most famous monastery, which stands at 3180m. The hike helps you acclimatize for the next days’ trek. The 8th-century Spiritual Master, Guru Rinpoche is said to have flown on the back of a tigress to meditate in a cave where Taktsang Monastery now stands. It is perched on the edge of a steep cliff, about 900 meters above Paro Valley. Explore the Monastery and hike back to Paro. Overnight at a hotel in Paro.

• Walking for the day: 5km, 4-5h, ↑900m ↓900m
• Accommodation: Tashi Namgay Resort, Galing Resort, Khangkhu Resort

Day 3: Drive Paro – Drugyel & Trek Drugyel to Shana (Start of the Trek)

First, we drive today (16km) to the Drugyel Dzong, in the northeast of the Paro valley. This dzong was built to commemorate a victory over Tibetan invaders. This is where you start the 7-day Soy Yaktsa trek. First, you follow an unpaved road to an army checkpoint (we need a special trekking permit as the trek skirts the Tibetan/Chinese border) where your trekking permit will be checked. Here, your trekking crew for the next seven days will be waiting (a cook, a porter, a horseman with the packhorses). The trail climbs gently traversing through well-maintained rice terraces and fields of millet. The route later enters an area of apple orchards and forests. Soon the valley widens and you reach the army post of Gunitsawa at 2,810m. Just beyond Shana Zampa, there are several good camping places in meadows surrounded by trees. Camp at an altitude of 2,850m.

• Walking for the day: 17km, 5-6h, ↑300m

Day 4: Trek Shana to Soi Thangthagkha

The trail follows Pa Chhu (Paro River), ascending and descending through pine, oak and spruce forests. Hot lunch will be served after crossing the bridge towards the left side of the river. After lunch follows the river climbing up through rhododendron forests and finally after crossing another bridge, you reach the campsite at an altitude of 3,750m.

• Walking for the day: 22km, 7-8h, ↑900m

Day 5: Trek Soi Thangthangkha to Jangothang

The path ascends for a while until you reach the army camp. Then follow the river above the tree line enjoying a stunning view of the surrounding peaks. Hot lunch will be served inside a yak herder’s camp. A short walk into the valley will take you to the camp at Jangothang at an altitude of 4,100m. From here, the views of Mt. Jumolhari and Jichu Drake are superb.

• Walking for the day: 19km, 5-6h, ↑300m

Day 6: Jangothang Base Camp Acclimatisation Day

Today is a day of acclimatisation and rest to prepare for tomorrow’s demanding trek. But, if you have enough stamina, you can choose between a few day-hikes: a 3-4h hike up to a ridge that gives a good view of Jichu Drake; a hike up to the end of the valley, toward Jumolhari; a trek up the main valley towards Jichu Drake or a hike to Tsophu (4,310m), a pair of lakes with a good supply of brown trout. Or you can just stay in the camp and ask the cook to make some extra pakoras.

• Walking for the day (optional): 3-6h

Day 7: Trek Jangothang to Soi Yaksa

Today’s trek is the most difficult one because there is a lot of climbing to do. The trail leads north to the last settlement in the valley and drops to Paro Chhu (river) where you will cross the river on a wooden bridge. Walk up to Tshophu Lake (4,380m). You will come across a second lake after you climb across a slope to a crest. Then descend into a hidden valley and climb steeply to Bonte La pass at 4,890m. After the pass, the trail descends crisscrossing through yak trails down to the Dhumzo Chhu and after walking downstream below few houses you arrive at the camp at 3,800m.

• Walking for the day: 16km, 7h, ↑800m ↓1,100m

Day 8: Trek Soi Yaksa to Thombu Shong

The trail ascends about 100m over a ridge and then drops to another stream. After crossing this stream, the trail heads up the hillside dropping into a small valley before emerging onto a ridge. Here the route turns south, ascending past few huts to Takhung La (4,520m). A short descend leads to your camp, Thombu Shong at 4,180m with few yak herder’s huts.

• Walking for the day: 11km, 4-5h, ↑720m ↓340m

Day 9: Trek Thombu Shong to Gunitsawa (Trek Ends); Drive to Thimphu

Climb out of the valley to Thombu La at 4,380m, and then descend gradually to about 4,000m. The trail then makes a steep descent, switching back down the ridge, finally reaching the helipad at Gunitsawa (2,730m). Your vehicle will be waiting here to pick you up and drive to Thimphu where you can celebrate your return to civilization with a refreshing shower in the hotel. Overnight at a hotel in Thimphu.

• Walking for the day: 11km, 4-5h, ↑200m ↓340m
• Car transfer: 65km, 1.5h
• Accommodation: Hotel Namgay Heritage, Hotel Tashi Yoedling, Hotel Migmar

Day 10: Thimphu day tour

You will visit the King’s Memorial Chorten (dedicated to world peace and prosperity), the giant Buddha Statue at Kuenselphodrang overlooking Thimphu valley and the Folk Heritage Museum. In the afternoon, you can visit the traditional paper factory and the Tashichhodzong, the beautiful medieval fortress which houses most of the Government’s office and Kings’ Throne Room. If it is the weekend, you will head over to the weekend market where farmers come together to sell their farm produce.

At the Memorial Chorten, a white stupa in memory of King Jigme Singye Wangchuk, you can see Bhutanese from all walks of life doing their daily, ritual circumambulations. Very much worth a visit is the School of Thirteen Crafts, where young artists are taught the traditional (religious) art of Bhutan, as well as Buddha Point, where the largest gilded Buddha statue in the world is located. Overnight at a hotel in Thimphu.

• Accommodation: Hotel Namgay Heritage, Hotel Tashi Yoedling, Hotel Migmar

Day 11: Departure or optional Discovery Extensions

After breakfast, you will be taken to Paro airport (1.5h). You can also book more nights in Thimphu or our extensions as detailed below (so this will be Day 1 of your chosen extension).

Optional Acclimatisation Extension Before the Tour: Haa Valley & Thimphu

Day 1: Arrive Paro, Overnight in Paro (= Day 1 of Main Itinerary)

Day 2: Chele La Pass and Haa Valley, 70km, 2.5h

After breakfast, we will drive to Kila Goenpa, a nunnery monastery set dramatically at the foot of a steep cliff and then hike up to to the nearly 3,900m high Chele La pass (3-4h). This is the highest car-accessible pass in Bhutan. On top of the pass, you will take a short walk on which you will get fantastic views of the Himalayas. After spending some time on the top, you will continue your drive to the Haa Valley for overnight.

Day 3: Haa Valley / Thimphu, 105km, 3h

Today you will explore the Haa Valley. You could start with a visit to the Lhakhang Kharpo, the largest temple in the area and also Haa’s monastic school. A short walk from here leads to the small but fine temple Shek Drak. In the afternoon you can choose from several short walks to beautiful villages, such as Talung, and hidden temples, such as Yangtho and Tsenkha Goemba. Afternoon transfer to Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan, and overnight.

Day 4: Thimphu Sightseeing / Paro, 50km, 1.5h

Explore vibrant Thimphu and stroll its narrow streets and busy markets. Afternoon transfer to Paro and overnight. On next day you continue with Day 2 of the standard programme.

Optional After Tour Extension 1: Western & Central Bhutan (five nights)

Day 1: Thimphu-Punakha, 76km, 3h

After breakfast, we will drive to Dochula La (3,100m) where there are 108 memorial chortens (also known as stupas). On a clear day, you can get spectacular views of the Himalayas here. After spending some time you will continue your drive downhill through the forests of rhododendron, fir and hemlock. After traversing through rice field and along the bank of the river you will soon arrive at Punakha. Visit the Punakha Dzong, which is stunningly situated in between the male and female rivers like an anchored ship. Overnight at a hotel in Punakha.

Day 2: Punakha

After breakfast, we drive a few kilometres and then walk to Khamsum Namgyel Chorten. This stupa was built by the Queen Mother of the 5^th King of Bhutan. After visiting Khamsum we walk part of the way back to Punakha through the fields, along Yebasa village to Sonagasa where the car will be waiting. After lunch, we’ll visit a newly built nunnery temple not far from the hotel. Overnight at a hotel in Punakha.

Day 3: Punakha – Phobjikha, 78km, 3h

In the morning, we drive to Phobjikha. Phobjikha is one of the most beautiful regions of Bhutan. It is a conservation area, protected because of the black-necked cranes that come here in winter from Tibet. The black-necked crane is the national bird of Bhutan and is very well protected by both the government and the local population. Overnight in a hotel or guesthouse in Phobjikha.

Day 4: Phobjikha

We walk down to the black-necked crane information centre. Here, you can learn all about this bird, which is the national bird of Bhutan. With some luck, you can observe them through telescopes from the centre. From the Centre, we’ll follow a nature trail through the valley along marshy dwarf bamboo and blue pines decorated with long ‘old man’s beard’ (lichens), leading up to Gangtey Goemba (monastery). On this lovely walk, chances are good that you will see the cranes while they forage on the harvest remains in the potato fields (the cranes are usually there between the end of September and mid-March). Gangtey Goemba is the only Nyingmapa monastery in western Bhutan and the biggest one in Bhutan as well. The Nyingma form a Buddhist sect that is older and different from the Drukpa sect, to which the vast majority of Bhutanese temples, monasteries and dzongs adhere. Overnight in a hotel or guesthouse in Phobjikha.

Day 5: Phobjikha – Thimphu, 134km, 4.5h

Today a beautiful drive awaits you. Spend some more time strolling the streets of Thimphu. Overnight in a hotel in Thimphu.

Day 6: Departure (Transfer Thimphu – Paro Airport)

After breakfast, you will be taken to the airport for your flight (1.5h drive).

Optional After Tour Extension 2: Western, Central & Eastern Bhutan (9 nights)

Days 1-4: As in Option 1

Day 5: Phobjikha – Trongsa, 85km, 2.5h

Following breakfast, you will drive to Trongsa through dense forests of oak trees and rhododendrons. The route is along a spectacular winding road crossing 3,300m high Pele La pass and at certain times of the year, it’s possible to see yaks. Check into hotel on arrival. After lunch, you’ll visit Trongsa Dzong, the masterpiece of Bhutanese architecture, and you’ll also see Ta Dzong, the watchtower built to defend this Dzong. You can browse through Trongsa shops and town in the evening. Overnight at a hotel in Trongsa.

Day 6: Trongsa – Bumthang, 68km, 2.5-3h

Today you’ll head to Bumthang, the religious heartland of the nation, with lush valleys and hilly forests. Along the way, you will stop at a yathra (textile weaving) factory at Chumey, where the yathra are designed with patterns unique to Bumthang, and you can even watch some of the weavers at their looms. Check into hotel on arrival. Later if you wish you can visit the local cheese and beer factory. Overnight at a hotel in Bumthang.

Day 7: Bumthang

Today’s sightseeing includes Jambey Lhakhang, one of the oldest monasteries in Bhutan, dating from the introduction of Buddhism in Bhutan and Kurjey Lhakhang, one of the most sacred places, because Guru Rinpoche left his body imprint on the cave when he was meditating. After lunch, you will also have a chance to tour Tamshing Lhakhang, a treasure house of interesting religious Buddhist paintings and the Wangdicholing Palace, the first Palace for the royal family where our 1st and 2nd king was brought up. Overnight at a hotel in Bumthang.

Day 8: Bumthang – Mongar, 198km, 7-8h

You will begin your journey to eastern Bhutan, which is very different from western and central Bhutan in terms of development and lifestyle. The steepness of the region lends itself to some spectacular views, with rushing waterfalls and sheer drops. The drive on this day is an exhilarating 7-8h, particularly the Thrumshing La (pass), which peaks at 3,750m. Stop for your picnic lunch at the Pass enjoying the great sceneries around. You can walk on the certain stretches of road to relax your muscles while your car will be following behind you. Check into the hotel on arrival at Mongar. You can wander around Mongar town in the evening and sit down to a relaxing dinner. Overnight at a hotel in Mongar. 

Day 9: Mongar – Trashigang, 91km, 3-4h

You will drive to Trashigang today. From Mongar, the road ascends to Kori La pass (2,400m) marked by a café and a few prayer flags. As you descend from the pass you will cross Yadi, a small town. Continue your drive to cross the Sherichhu river bridge at 600m. The road from here is almost flat till Dangme Chhu river bridge from where you ascend till Trashigang. Trashigang is a compact and bustling town fitting its role as a business hub in eastern Bhutan. Overnight at a hotel in Trashigang.

Day 10: Excursion to Radhi and Phongmey Villages 

After breakfast, you will visit Trashigang Dzong, standing at an extreme end of the spur overhanging the Gamri River. You will then drive to Rangjung, which is located on the bank of the river. Visit the Rangjung Monastery, which is founded by His Eminence Garab Rinpoche. You will then drive to Radhi and Phongmey Villages, which are renowned for “bura” gho and kira, a textile made from raw silk and you can even see women weaving in their homes. You can have your picnic lunch in one of the farmhouses. Later in the evening, you will drive back to Trashigang for your night halt. Overnight at a hotel in Trashigang. 

Day 11: Domestic Flight to Paro; Paro – Thimphu

After early breakfast, you will drive for about an hour to Yonphula airport. It is an uphill drive passing through the villages of Pam, Rongthung, Kanglung and then finally to the airport at 2,750m almost equal to that of Lukla in Nepal. Both airports have a tabletop landing. On clear weather from Yonphula airport, you can spot Mount Jumolhari in the distance The flight route to Paro offers stunning views of the Himalayan mountain ranges of Bhutan to the north of Tibet border. Beneath you have the views of the lateral highway and rivers flowing down the valleys. On arrival, you will drive to Thimphu, the capital. Overnight at a hotel in Thimphu.

Day 12: Departure (Transfer Thimphu – Paro Airport)

After breakfast, you will be taken to the airport for your flight (1.5h drive).