Jomolhari Trek

Distance: 17km, walking time: 5-6 hours, ascent: 360m, descent: 70m, camp altitude: 2,850m

Drive up to Drugyal Dzong at 2,380m from where we will start our trek. The trails follows the Pachu (Paro river) passing beautiful meadows, paddy fields and impressive farm houses. The route later enters an area of apple orchards and forest. After about four hours walk you will reach the army post at Gunitsawa (2,800m) . At the army check point your trek permit (provided by your tour operator) will be checked and endorsed. This is the last stop before Tibet. The campsite is on the opposite side of the river on a meadow surrounded by trees.

Distance: 17km, walking time: 5-6 hours, ascent: 360m, descent: 70m, camp altitude: 2,850m

The trail again follows the Pachu with lots of ups and downs through pine, oak and spruce forests. After going uphill through the river valley, we will enter the Jigme Dorji National park. A hot lunch will be served after crossing the wooden bridge nearby the riverside. We will come across a junction where a trail branches to go to Tibet. Don’t go to Tibet follow the right side of the trial.

Distance: 19km, walking time: 5-6 hours, ascent: 480m, camp altitude: 4,100m

If you did not see Mount Jomolhari last evening, you will have a chance to get a great view this early morning. The trek continues up the Pachhu which widens into patches of alpine meadow and meagre growth of forest. Today, you will be crossing the tree line (4,000m) enjoying the stunning view of surrounding peaks and also yaks and the herder’s homes become a regular feature of the landscape.

Distance: 18km, walking time: 6-7 hours, ascent: 840m, descent: 870m, camp altitude: 4,010m

From the camp, the trails climb rapidly for about half an hour and then become gradual ascend to the Nyile La pass at 4,870m. We may see herds of blue sheep grazing on the slopes of the mountains. From the pass, we will have magnificent views of Jomolhari, Jichu Drake and Tserim Gang, all of them rising above 7000m. As we descend in to the Lingshi, we will get a wonderful view of Lingshi Dzong.

Distance: 22km, walking time: 8-9hours, ascent: 940m, descent: 920m, camp altitude: 4,080m

The Laya- Gasa routes leave the Jumolhari trek here. Trails gradually climbs up to the Yeli La Pass at an altitude of 4,930m. From the pass, again we will have an excellent view of snow- capped peaks. On the way down to the camp we will pass by some of the yak herders’ tent, made from yak wool where the herders take shelter while on the move to various pastures for their yaks. Our camp will be just at the treeline

Distance: 16km, walking hours: 5-6 hours, ascent: 250m, descent: 670m, camp altitude: 3,710m

The Path follows the Thimphu chhu through fir, hemlock, rhododendrons and juniper forests. We will see some waterfalls and beehives along the way. The valley narrows till the path takes to the slops and gradually ascends to the ruins of Barshong Dzong.

Distance: 15km, walking distance:5-6 hours, ascent: 290m, descent:640m, camp altitude: 3,400m

The trail descends gently through a dense forest of rhododendron, birch and conifers, bamboo and drops steeply to meet Thimphu chhu. Again, climbing over ridges and descending till we reach at camp.

Distance: 8km, walking distance: 3-4 hours, ascent: 500m, decent: 940m

The trail goes in and out of a valley above the Thimphu chu, making a long ascent through a forest of conifers, rhododendron and broadleaf species to a pass at 3,515m. Trail then drops steeply to the river and follows it southward to the road head at Dodena (2,600m). Our car will meet us here, and then we drive to Thimphu. Overnight at hotel in Thimphu (2,340m).