Jomolhari Trek
(12 Nights/13 Days)
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<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Day 01 Arrival in Paro</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Arrival in Bhutan’s only International airport. You will experience the freshness of the pristine air with stunning mountains and awesome landscapes surrounding Paro valley. You will be received at the gate by Ambrosia Bhutan Travels Representative in a traditional fashion and will be ushered to your hotel in Paro.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">After lunch, you will take a stroll around historic sites of Paro valley. First, visit Ta Dzong which had been an ancient watchtower and now converted to the National Museum. This iconic structure standing on a hilltop houses a collection of ancient Bhutanese art and artifacts, weapons, coins and stamps. Then take a leisure walk down the hill through a trail that leads you to <em>Rinpung Dzong</em> situated at a commanding height overlooking Paro valley. On the way enjoy the scenic overview of Paro valley with fascinating lush green fields and mountains. Rinpung Dzong is a ancient fortress built by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1646 to protect the valley from foreign invasions. This dzong now houses Paro’s monk body and the offices of the civil administration and is symbolic as the religious and secular center. </p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Then take a walk further down and board the vehicle across <em>Pachu</em> (Paro river) after you walk along the traditional cantilever bridge Called <em>Nyimizampa.</em>Then,visit to a 7<sup>th</sup> century <strong><em>Kyichu Lhakang</em></strong><em>, </em>one of 108 lhakhangs constructed by Buddhist Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo. This temple is considered to be very sacred and holds great significance in Bhutanese history.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Overnight in hotel in Paro.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Day 02 Hike to Paro Taktshang, <em>the Tiger’s Nest</em></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The most irresistible site for foreigners to visit in Bhutan is the Paro Taktshang. It is undeniably an awe-inspiring site. People often say that your visit to Bhutan is incomplete without a trip to this monastery. Built in 1692 by Gyalse Tenzin Rabgye, <em>Takshang </em>whichliterally means ‘Tiger’s Nest’ is perched amazingly on a rocky cliff believed to be the cave where Guru Rinpoche, the whisperer of Buddhism in Bhutan, flew on a tigress’s back and meditated for years to subdue demons.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">After breakfast, we will hike uphill for 1.5 to 2 hours to reach to the monastery. The experience of walking through the forest of pine trees is off course exhausting but is fanned away by refreshing air which is irresistibly gratifying. The view of incredible grandeur of the structure clinging on a crag and literally entering the cave will leave a lasting impression of your journey to Bhutan.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Lunch at Cafeteria on the way return from Takshang.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">On return, visit to a historic site of a ruined <em>Drugyel Dzong</em> approximately 9 miles towards north built somewhere in 1647 to commemorate victory of <em>Drukpas</em> (Bhutanese) over Tibetans. Unfortunately, in 1951 it caught fire and raged to ground leaving behind the collapsed walls outlining this historic site.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Day 3 Trek Begins - Drugyel Dzong to Shana</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">(17 km/5-6 hours/Camp Altitude 2850 m, 80 m descent)</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The trek commences at Drugyal Dzong at 2,580 m. The trail ascends gently through rice and millet fields, apple orchards and forests. As the valley widens the trail leads to the army post of Gunitsawa at 2,810m where your trek permit provided by us will be checked and endorsed. Not so far away from Gunitsawa, after we cross a bridge called Shana Zampa, our campsite arrives in beautiful meadows surrounded by trees.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Day 4 Shana to Soi Thangthangkha </strong></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">(20 km/7-8 hours/Camp Altitude 3610 m, 770m ascent & 10 m descent)</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The trail runs beside Pa Chhu (Paro River) up and down through coniferous, oak, spruce and Rhododendron forests. After climbing uphill through the river valley, it finally narrows gradually to a mere path which descends to a meadow and after crossing a bridge the camp will be set up. On a bright day, you will have the great view of Mt. Jomolhari.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Day 5 Soi Thangthangkha to Jangothang </strong></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">(19 km/7-8 hours/Camp Altitude 4080m, 480 m ascent)</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The trek continues up the Paro valley which gradually widens into patches of alpine meadow and scanty growths of forest. After some ascending trail you will come across an army camp and walk further enjoying spectacular view of high mountain ridges and snow-capped peaks. We will pass through the homes of yak herders through the villages Soe, Takethang and Dangochang. Hot lunch will be served from one of this herder’s camp. After a little walk in the valley we reach our campsite Jangothang, one of the most beautiful campsites of the Himalayas, you will again have a spectacular view of Mount Jomolhari.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Day 6 Rest day at Jangothang Base Camp</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Today is a rest day but you will hike around to explore nearby mountains and lakes and also prepare for next day’s highest climb of the trek. There are good short hiking trails in three directions. Jomolhari and its subsidiary mountain chains lay directly west, Jichu Drake to the north and a number of unclimbed peaks to the east. It is often possible to spot some blue sheep on the upper slopes of the valley. Jangothang is a perfect environment for your acclimatization.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Day 7 Jangothang to Lingshi </strong></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">(16 km/7-8 hours/Camp Altitude 3800m, 810m ascent & 1090m descent)</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The trail follows the stream and crosses a bridge leaving behind the last settlement in the valley. Start the climb up to the first ridge with a breathtaking view of Jhomolhari, Jichu Drake and Tshering Gang. Then Walk towards the flat valley for some time until the climb to the Ngye La pass, 4,700m. After the pass, gradually descend down to the Lingshi camp, enjoying the panoramic view of the peaks and Lingshi Dzong.</p>
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<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Day 8 Lingshi to Shodu </strong></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">(22 km/8-9 hours/Camp Altitude 4080m, 940m ascent & 920 m descent)</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">From Lingshi, the route for Laya Gasa trek diverges and leaves the Jhomolhari trek. There is a small white Chorten (Stupa) on a ridge above the camp. The trail turns south up the deep Mo Chhu valley climbing steadily a short distance above Mo Chhu. After crossing the river, it climbs steeply for two hours to Yeli La pass (4,930m). From the pass, on a clear day, you will get an excellent view of Jomolhari, Tshering Gang and Masang Gang. From the pass, the trek route descends steep downhill till the campsite at Shodu.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Day 9 Shodu to Barshong </strong></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">(16 km/5-6 hours/Camp Altitude 3710m, 250m ascent 670m descent)</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The trail follows the Thimphu Chhu (river) through rhododendron, juniper and other alpine forests with some sightings of rocky cliffs and beautiful waterfalls along the way. The valley narrows till the path takes to the slopes and gradually ascends to the ruins of Barshong Dzong where nearby will be the campsite.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Day 10 Barshong to Dolam Kencho </strong></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">(15 km/5-6 hours/Camp Altitude 3320m, 290m ascent & 640m descent)</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The trail descends down to the Thimphu Chhu valley, through dense forests of rhododendron, birch, conifer, maples and bamboos. Then it ascends steep cliffs to pasture lands finally reaching to Dolam Kencho, a camp in the meadows.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Day 11 Trek Ends - Dolam Kencho to Dodena, Thimphu </strong></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">(8 km/3-4 hours/500 ascent, 930 descent)</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The trail continuously winds up and down through forested areas and through a small pass. Languor’s (monkeys) can be seen along the way. In Dodena, you will exit the Jigme Dorji National Park and reach the road head next to an impressive cantilever bridge where you will meet Ambrosia Bhutan Travels staff to drive you to Thimphu.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">In the afternoon freshen yourself and stroll around the town. Towards evening, visit Tashichhodzong, the archetype of ancient Bhutanese engineering which was constructed without using any nails or work plans. It houses the throne room, King’s office and many vital government agencies. The construction dates back to as early as 13<sup>th</sup> Century which was renovated several times until 1952 when the capital was moved to Thimphu. </p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"> Drive back to hotel for overnight stay.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Day 12 Thimphu to Paro</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">In the morning, we will move out for Thimphu sightseeing. You will visit National Memorial <em>Chorten</em> (temple), iconic monument at the heart of the city constructed in memory of our third king of Bhutan. Here, we can find young and old customarily circumambulating the chorten and huge prayer wheels rotating with bell chimes. Memorial Chorten stands in the heart of Thimphu with its grandeur in intricate Bhutanese sculptures, designs and paintings. Then we drive to the Institute of <em>Zorig Chusum</em> (the 13 crafts) which is the school for traditional art and crafts where we may see students amid their work.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Then, we ascend up the hill <em>Kuenselphodrang</em> to see 169 feet (51.4 meters) tall statue of Shakyamuni Buddha called the <em>Dordenma</em>. This bronze statue gilded in gold is although still under construction, it is open to tourists and safe to visit. While descending down the hill, you will enjoy taking pictures of spectacular Thimphu valley with a wide view of the city.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Next, visit to Changangkha Lhakhang, a 12<sup>th</sup> century monastery which is often flocked by people for blessings from the protective deity Tamdrin. Here, it is believed to be auspicious for new born babies to receive name from Lama. Then we drive to the Institute of <em>Zorig Chusum</em> (the 13 crafts) which is the school for traditional art and crafts where we may see students amid their work.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">After lunch, we will also visit Jungshi paper factory where <em>Dehsho</em> is manufactured. Itis a handmade authentic Bhutanese paper produced locally using traditional method. While you study the entire process involved in this ancient craft, you can also try your hand and have feel of it.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Then take a drive of 1 hour and 20 minutes alongside the river to Paro. Just before reaching Paro, stop at <em>Tachogang Lhakhang</em> (literally, temple of the excellent horse) built by Tibetan monk Thangtong Gyalpo in 15<sup>th</sup> century. It is situated on a hillock across an iron bridge constructed in a traditional style.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">In Paro, visit<strong><em> Dungtse Lhakhang</em></strong> built in 1421 by an eminent Tibetan lama named Thangtong Gyalpo. The three storeys of this lhakhang represent hell, earth and heaven.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Last shopping in the town and then to your hotel.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Day 13 Departure</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">After breakfast in the hotel, drive to the airport to for your onward flight. Your guide from Ambrosia Bhutan Travels will bid you farewell. Good bye.</p>
