Jomolhari Trek

Hike to Taktshang monastery as good acclimatisation for the trek. Taktshang Monastery (Tiger
Nest) is located at top of about 900 meter cliff in Paro. It takes slightly more than an hour and a
half to reach the monastery on foot from the nearest road point. Taktshang or the Tigers lair as
the monastery is widely regarded is one of the most important in Bhutan.

Drive to the end of the motor road at DrukgyelDzong to begin the trek. While you wait for the
horses to load up you will have time to take a look at the ruined Dzong. Known as the fortress of
victory, it was constructed to commemorate the victory over Tibetan invaders in 1644 and
destroyed by a butter lamp fire in 1951. Today’s trail follows the river uphill through a narrow
agricultural valley as far as the border army camp at about 2800 m. There is now a feeder road as
far as the army check post at Gunitsawa about half an hour before camp so if you prefer you can
take a day hike near Paro for acclimatisation and then drive towards camp at Shana in the late
afternoon. (17 km, 6 hours)

The path from Shana ascends through the river valley with pine and rhododendron forests. On
the way, there is a fantastic view of Mount Jomolhari. We will camp in a meadow with a stone
shelter at an altitude of about 3860 m. (19 km, 6 to 7 hours)

The trail continues to follow the river and passes a small army post where the valley begins to
widen again. Views of high ridges and snow-capped peaks can be seen on all sides. At this
altitude (about 4040 m) it is possible to see yaks and yak herders. Camp is beneath a ruined
fortress at the base of Mount Jomolhari. (19 kms, 6 hours)

It’s possible to walk to Tsophu (sacred lakes) or hike in various directions: towards Mount
Jomolhari and its subsidiary to the west, Jichu Drake to the north and unclaimed summits and
ridges to the east.

The trail climbs gradually to Nyili La Pass (4680 m). Broad yak pastures can be seen along the
length of the route. If the weather is clear, there is an excellent view of LingshiDzong as we
descend into the Lingshi basin. Tserim Kang and its descending glaciers can be seen at the north
end of the valley. We camp in a stone shelter at 3915 m. (19 km, 7 to 8 hours)

A day’s excursion to Tsekha (Lahe), the base camp of Jichu Drake Mountain where it is possible
to see blue sheep and musk deer. (Altitude about 4500 m) If you prefer, you can relax today,
Explore the village and visit the school. Sadly Lingshi Dzong was badly damaged in a recent
earthquake and it will only be possible to visit if renovations works are complete.

The trail ascends to the Yali La Pass (4820 m), from where Mount Jomolhari, Tserim Gang and
Masa Gang can be seen on a clear day. We descend to our campsite which is situated at about
3815 m. (6 to 7 hours)

The path follows the Thimphu Chhu (river) and through forests with rhododendrons and
waterfalls, before climbing to the ruins of Barshong Dzong. The camp is a stone shelter just
below the ruined fortress. (Altitude 3685 m, 13 km, 5 hours)

Barshong to Dolam Kencho. We continue to follow the Thimphu Chhu through dense
rhododendron forest before emerging into pastureland. We climb to a mountain meadow at about
3428 m and over a small pass. A vehicle will be waiting to collect us at Dodena for the drive to
Thimphu. (23 km, 8 hours)

Sightseeing in Thimphu

Drive to Punakha and sightseeing in Punakha

Return to Paro

Early in the morning your guide will accompany you to the Paro International Airport to see you
off onto your flight and wish you Tashi Delek (goodbye and good luck).