Jhomolhari-The Mother Goddess Mountain Trek of Bhutan
Overview
The trail begins at the Drugyel Dzong and follows the ancient caravan route, heading towards the base camp of Mount Jhumolhari, passing through scattered hamlets and farmland, into deep and richly forested valleys, which leads to a high alpine pastureland where yak herders graze their animals. The trek offers a taste of great variety of Bhutanese landscape.
Despite being one of the high altitude treks, this trek is moderate graded and requires no previous experience but a strong pairs of legs with determination and a spirit of adventures. We cover remote highlands of the Lingshi, witnessing the nomadic lifestyles of these high altitude gypsies. Sights of Yaks and the wild blue sheep on the mountains are awesome. Himalayan poppies, primulas, gentianas and the spectacular rheum nobile fill the mountain side in the summer. We follow the trial to Thimpu along Wangchu River and through rhododendron and pine forest and the ruins of Barshong Fortress before reaching the upper Thimphu valley at Dodena.
Outline Itinerary
Day 01~Arrive at Paro-the gateway town to the tiny Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan.
Day 2~Paro – Warm up hike to the legendary Takstang Monastery famed as Tiger’s Nest.
Day 3~We begin our trek today from Drugyel Dzong. Distance 17km /10.6 miles, time 5-6 hours, overnight at Shana at altitude 2800m/9.184ft)
Day 04~Trek from Shana to Soi Thangthangkha. Distance 22km/14 miles, time 6-7 hours, Overnight at altitude of 3630m (11,906m).
Day 05~An Additional Day in Soi Thangthangka for acclimatization.
Day 06~Trek from Soi Thangthangkha to Jangothang along the Paro River up, stop by yak herder’s camp and try yak cheese. Distance 19km/12 miles, time 5-6 hours. Camp at an altitude of 4,090 m/13,415 ft.
Day 07~An additional day in Jangothang for acclimatization. Take some optional hikes and enjoy the views of Jichu Drake.
Day 08~Trek from Jangothang across Nyile-la pass (4890 m/16,039 ft) to Lingshi. Meet the nomads on the way, encounter with Sheep and Musk Deer. Distance 18km/11 miles, time 5-6 hours. Camp at an altitude of 4010 m/13152 ft)
Day 09~An additional day in Lingshi to explore the area around.
Day 10~Trekking from Lingshi across Yeli-la pass (4820 m/15,810 ft) with magnificent views of Jumolhari, Tserim Gang, and Masagang mountains. Distance 22km/35 miles, time 8-9 hours. Camp at Shdou at 4,110m/13, 480m.
Day 11~Trek from Shodu to Barshong. Distance 16km/10 miles, time 5-6 hours, camp at an altitude of 3680m/12070ft.
Day 12~Trek from Barshong to Dolam Kencho through conifers and rhododendron forests Distance 15km/9 miles, time 5-6 hours. Camp at an altitude of 3,430m/11,250ft)
Day 13~Trek ends at Dodina. Meet your transport and transfer to Thimphu. Distance 8km, time 3 hours. Overnight hotel.
Day 14~Explore the fortresses, school of arts and crafts, traditional handmade paper factory, textile museum etc. If we are in Thimphu during week-end, we will attend the week-end market and also take chance to watch the archery match. Late afternoon, we are transferred to Paro (1 hr). Overnight hotel.
Day 15~Tour concludes with transfer to the airport for flight back home.
Itinerary
Day 01: Flight to Paro, Bhutan (L/D) .
Flight into Bhutan in itself is an amazing experience. We will have the great views of the Himalayas on a clear weather day. As we enter Bhutanese sky, our Captain of Druk Airline will introduce us with the sacred Jumolhari and Jichu Drake mountains of Bhutan. At Paro airport immigration, we get our passport stamped with Bhutan visa; collect our baggage and walk through customs and meet our Guide and Driver outside the airport. Then, we are transferred to our hotel in Paro town.
After lunch, we embark on the tour of Paro. We begin from Paro Dzong which was built in 1646 and now houses government offices and religious institutions, as do all the dzongs (forts) currently. This is also the venue of the famous Paro Tsechu that falls during spring. We, then visit National Museum housed in the Ta Dzong-formerly a watchtower. The museum has collection of fine arts, paintings, thankas, statues, and antiques. Time permitting; we will also visit the Kyichu Lakhang- the oldest temple in the country. In the evening, we just hang loose in the small township of Paro. Overnight Ugyen Phendyeling Resort or similar A class. or similar.
Day 2: Paro – Warm up hike to Tiger's Nest Monastery (B/L/D)
The legendary Taktsang Monastery, which is also called Tiger's nest, perched some 2,000ft/600m up on a sheer cliff overlooking the valley, is a popular hiking destination. This is a holy site where the legendary Guru Padmasambhava is believed to have flown from Tibet on the back of a tigress to defeat five demons, who were opposing the spread of Buddhism in Bhutan!! The hike is about 2 hrs to the Takstang Cafeteria where we stop for tea and snacks and take some beautiful shots of the monastery. From here, we may either opt to hike further uphill for about 45minutes to one hour for a closer look at monastery or we retrace down.
The return trek to the road head is all downhill and takes about half the time. On the way back, visit a typical Bhutanese village home to have an insight on living style of Bhutanese villagers. The trip also can be done pony back. If you are keen on photography, you are recommended take the monastery hike in the afternoon as the sunlight is blocked by the hill in the morning.
Before we return to our hotel, we will Dungtse and a typical farm house to get an insight into the lives of Bhutanese people. Overnight Ugyen Phendyeling Resort or similar A class. or similar.
Day 3: Trek Begins. Paro - Shana (distance 17km, time 5-6 hours, altitude 2800m/9.184ft) (B/L/D)
After breakfast, we leave hotel with our trekking crews and drive to the trail head at Drugyal Dzong. The Dzong today exits in ruins and has the glorious history of having fought the war against Tibetan Invaders in the 1600s. The trek begins, following the Paro River gently uphill through rice paddy terraces, apple orchards, and forest, passing the village houses. Overnight at camp
Day 04: Shana - Soi Thangthangkha (distance 22km, time 6-7 hours, Alt 3630m/11,906m)
The trail continues to gradually climb along the side of the Paro River. The valley narrows and closes, and the path then winds along the stream. This day's trek is not so hard, but it is long, and there are many short but frequent ups and downs. From our lunch stop point, we can see the route to Tremo La- paved in stone and served as the main trade route to the Phari Dzong in Tibet. It was also the main invasion route of the Tibetans ages ago. We camp in a meadow with a stone shelter. On a clear day, we will see Jumolhari Mountain. Overnight at camp.
Day 05: An Additional Day in Soi Thangthangka for acclimatization. (B/L/D)
As we are already at an altitude of 3630m/11, 906, its important to have an additional day here for acclimatization. We just take easy and do not overly exert ourselves in physical hardships. We drink of plenty of water and have liquid food intake.
Day 06: Soi Thangthangkha - Jangothang (distance 19km, time 5-6 hours, Alt 4,090m/13,415ft) (B/L/D)
It’s a not so long day but we will have altitude gain of 450m. The trail continues to follow the Paro River up, past a small army post, where the valley begins to widen again and we are also rewarded with the view of high ridges and snow-capped mountains of the Himalayas. We may see some yaks grazing and also the winter homes of the yak herders. We take chance to visit the Yak herders and share a cup of yak butter tea with them and possibly, we will buy dried yak cheese-"chugo" from them. We will set up our camp below the ruined fortress at the base of Jumolhari, and it is one of the most beautiful camps in Bhutan.
Day 07: An additional day in Jangothang (B/L/D)
We take an additional day in Jangothang which is necessary for acclimatization. We have options of hiking 3- to 4-hour up to a ridge that gives a good view of Jichu Drake or to the head of the valley, toward Jumolhari or trekking up the main valley toward Jichu Drake; or to Tsophu for fishing. Or, we can relax at the camp, read novels or write journals as you wish.
Day 08: Jangothang - Lingshi (distance 18km, time 5-6 hours, Alt 4010m/13152 ft) (B/L/D)
This day's trek will take us over Nyile La (pass), which is at 4,890m. It tends to be windy at the pass. We can see yak pastures on the way. Depending on the time of year, we may encounter some nomads. We will have a great view of Lingshi Dzong further along the trail. There is also chance that we can see blue sheep and musk deer. Tserim Gang Mountain and glaciers are at the north end of the Lingshi valley. Overnight at camp.
Day 09: An additional day in Lingshi (B/L/D)
Explore Lingshi valley and relax after the previous day's vigorous trek.
Day 10: Lingshi - Shodu (distance 22km, time 8-9 hours, Alt 4.110m/13, 480m) (B/L/D)
The trail climbs up to Yeli La (pass) at 4,820m, where, on a clear day, we will see Jumolhari, Tserim Gang, and Masagang mountains. The trail descends, following a stream. Overnight at camp.
Day 11: Shodu - Barshong (distance 16km, time 5-6 hours, 3680m/12070ft) (B/L/D)
The trail crosses the Thimphu River several times and winds gently up and down alongside the river. At one section of the trail, we will notice a massive steep canyon on one side and a cypress forest on the other. We will then ascend up to the ruins of the Barshong Dzong. We set up our camp today just below the ruins. Overnight at camp.
Day 12: Barshong - Dolam Kencho (distance 15km, time 5-6 hours, Alt 3,430m/11,250ft) (B/L/D)
We gradually descend through conifers and rhododendron forests and then begin a steep descent to the Thimphu River. We will ascend again into a meadow, where the camp of the day is located.
Day 13: Trek Ends. Dolam Kencho - Thimphu (distance 8km, time 3 hours) (B/L/D)
The trail winds in and out of valleys above the Thimphu River and then makes a long climb through a forest of conifers and high-altitude broadleaf species up to a 3,510m pass. The trail then begins a steep descent to the river, following it southward to the road in the town of Dodina. At Dodina, we will be met by our transport for the ride to our hotel in Thimphu. Time permitting; we will stroll in the principal street of Thimphu. Overnight Jhumolhari Hotel or similar.
Day 14: Thimphu Sightseeing (B/L/D)
After breakfast, we embark on the tour of Thimphu. We begin from the National Library (which houses ancient manuscripts), the School of Arts and Crafts, the National Institute of Traditional Medicine, Simtokha Dzong (the oldest fortress in the kingdom), Changgangkha Monastery, a traditional paper factory, and the Takin zoo.
In the afternoon, we will visit the King's Memorial Chorten (built in memory of the third King of Bhutan who reigned from 1952-1972) and the majestic Tashichodzong, tour the Textile Museum and the Folk Heritage Museum, and explore the interesting handicraft shops. If we are in Thimphu, during week-end, we will not miss the colorful week-end market. Late afternoon, we drive to Paro.
Day 15: Depart Paro (B)
We are transferred to the airport for our fligtht back home or to next destination. Bid farewell to this beautiful country and people.
Trip Info
Cost Includes
Best available of the regular hotel accommodation in Paro and Thimphu
All camping gears that includes-2 person sleeping tents with floors and fly sheet, dinning tent, kitchen tent, toilet tents, dinning tables, chairs, pillows and mattresses
English speaking Guide
Cook and kitchen aides
All intercity transfers and sightseeing by a private vehicle
Pack animals and animal drivers during trekking
All necessary supplies
3 meals a day
Bhutan visa
Entrance fees
Cost Does Not Include
All airfares and airport taxes
Travel Insurance and emergency evacuation
Expenses of personal nature such as drinks, tip, telephone, laundry etc.
Extra expenses due to nature or unforeseen events such as flight cancellation, road blockade, no show etc.
Trek Difficulty and Preparation
This is a moderate graded trek with maximum altitude of 4, 930 m (16,170ft). We camp between 2800m (8185ft) and 4150m (13,615ft) and take optional hike to 4500m (14,760ft). In average, we will walk 6 to 7 hrs but some days are longer. Trail conditions are varied with frequent ups and downs. The trails become muddy and pretty miserable when it rains and passes are closed by snows around end of November. Trekkers are likely to experience mild symptoms of altitude sickness above 3000m (9840ft); so we allow enough time for acclimatization and the symptoms should go away in two or three days. Although previous experience is not a mandatory but some training and preparation would help a lot to build stamina and confidence. Participants should start jogging, cycling and some hill hiking etc about a couple of months ahead of the trip. If you are buying new boots for the trek, please do wear them to get used to your feet.
What a typical trekking in Bhutan is like?
A trekking day in Bhutan usually consists of five to seven hours of walking. Pack animals, ponies or yaks are provided to porter provisions, baggage and equipment. All necessary camping and kitchen equipment are provided and included in the trip cost. Camping gears include 2 person sleeping tents, toilet tent, kitchen tent, dinning tables and chairs and foam mattress. You should bring your own sleeping bag.
All trekking parties are accompanied by a trained guide, a cook, and a couple of aides and pack animals with their driver. At least one riding pony is always taken along just incase it is needed. The support crew walks ahead of the trekking party each day and pitches camp before the trekkers arrive. A warm cup of tea or coffee waiting in the dinning tent is a most welcome treat after a days trek. All meals are carefully planned and prepared. Breakfast and dinner are served freshly prepared at camp and includes a choice of, at least, four dishes. During the day a picnic lunch is served at a pleasant and scenic place. All cooking and cleaning chores are taken care of by our trek staff so you can enjoy the trek fully.
A trekking day normally begins with an early cup of tea or coffee in our tent. A jug of hot water will be provided for washing and you are expected in the breakfast table by 7 am. Breakfast is usually cereals, toasts, eggs, juice and tea or Nescafe Coffee. By 8 am, we find ourselves on the trail. Trekkers can walk on their own pace but we should still try to maintain some close proximity with others. We stop to explore the villages and temples and exchange greeting with the locals. Lunch stop is around noon to 1 pm. We are served hot fried rice or noodles or bread or boiled potatoes brought in an insulated container, unlike in Nepal where the crews take time to cook hot meal while you nap. Lunch is usually accompanied by tea from a large flask. Some days, they serve cold lunch which is simply sandwiches, fruits and cookies. Usually the day concludes between 4 to 5 pm. As we reach our campsite, we find our tents already set up and steaming cup of tea or coffee with biscuits or cookies waiting. We will have some time to write journals, or read novels or engage ourselves on photography while the crews fix dinner for us. Dinner is usually served around 7 pm. Meals usually include a rice dish, a potato dish or frequently both. The cook is trained to produce a reasonable variety of Western and Asian dishes. They often add interesting Bhutanese touches, such as cheese sauces.
Clothing and Equipment
Druk Air has only 20 kg of checked in baggage allowance and we expect to provide one pony for each two trekkers. Each pony carries 30kg or less. So, these things should be taken under consideration when.
Essentials Items/Not to forget
Down Jacket: We recommend down jacket as it has the advantage of being light and compressible and it can serve many functions on the trek. We can use it as pillow at night and long car trips and wear it to bed inside our sleeping bags when its very cold. Artificial-fiber jackets filled with Polar-guard Thinsulate or Fiberfill are a good substitute for down and price wise, much cheaper.
For day walking, we recommend Jumper or Pile Jacket. Two or three light layers of clothing, which could be jumpers, shirts or polypropylene, are better than a single heavy layer. Pile jackets with polyester fleece are light, warm and easy to clean.
Sleeping Bag is a must. Choose the one for 4 seasons. We can rent them in Bhutan but can not guarantee the quality.
Duffel Bags and Backpack: As suitcases are fragile and can not be carried by ponies, please bring strong duffel bags which are water proof, also a spare lockable kit bag or suitcase for the city stuff that you want to leave behind in the hotel and a back pack for your personal items such as camera, wallet etc.
Mountain Trekking Boots: Bring a pair of good quality of trekking boots with ankle support. If you are buying a new pair, make sure you use them enough to make it comfortable to your feet. Another pair of tennis or camp shoes or thongs are also recommended.
Torch lights with spare batteries and bulbs
Water bottle and water purifying pills
Other clothing
• Jumper or sweaters
• Waterproof jacket, poncho or umbrella
• Hiking shorts (for men) and skirts (for women)
• Nylon windbreaker (for altitude above 4000m/13,120ft)
• Nylong wind pants (for altitude above 4000m/13,120ft)
• Insulated pants (for altitude above 4000m/13,120ft)
• Long sleeved shirt
• Long Underwear
• Sun hat
• Gloves ((for altitude above 4000m/13,120ft)
• Gaiters (for altitude above 4000m/13,120ft)
• Woolen socks and some cotton socks to wear under wool socks
Miscellaneous Items
• Toiletries
• Cigarette lighter
• Small knife
• Sunscreen (SPF 15+)
• Towel
• Laundry soap
• Medical and first aid kit
• Sewing kit
• Bandana
• Goggles or sun glasses
• Lip guards
• Insect repellents
Optional
• Reading materials
• Pen and diaries
• Play cards
How we dress during the day
This is one of the high altitude treks and it is cool even during the day and so most people are comfortable on long pants but women are recommended skirts; the most obvious reason is the ease in relieving yourself along the trail. There are long stretches where there is little chance to hide and a skirt solves the problem.
Best Trekking Season
Late September to mid-November is generally recognized as the best trekking season in the Himalayas and so it is in Bhutan. The second best period is March to April. Winter is snowy and summer is rainy and so we tend to avoid these seasons but no matter when we trek, we expect some rain at some time. During fall, nights are cold in the mountains, but the bright sun makes the day pleasant, with temperatures-in the high 20?Cs,(68? F+) falling to 4-5?C ( 40? F +) at night, in the elevation below 3500m( 11,500ft) but at higher elevation, temperatures range from about 20?C (68? F) to -10?C (14? F). Autumn has clear sky with good visibility whereas Spring trekkers are rewarded with rhododendron and orchid flowers in bloom.
High Altitude Sickness
Altitude sickness can pose a problem for trekkers crossing the high passes. Above 3000m (9,840ft) All trekkers are likely to experience some mild symptoms of altitude sickness that includes headache, disorientation, dizziness, restlessness and loss of appetite but our itineraries allow enough time for acclimatization and following proper measures, those symptoms should disappear in a day or two. We will not overly exert ourselves or engage on hard physical activities. We drink plenty of water and eat soup in meal.
People with existing heart, lungs, high blood pressure issues should consult their physician before signing up for this trip. Participants should be optimally conditioned and should start some exercises like jogging, cycling, swimming, hiking in hilly terrain and camping at least a couple of months ahead of the trip. Please, note that this trek should not be taken as means of loosing weight.
Accommodations and meals in the towns
In the towns of Paro and Thimphu, unless we have chosen other alternatives, we will be staying in moderate to the best available accommodations which are in general small hotel with room numbers ranging 10-20. Rooms are simple with en suite bathroom with running hot and cold water. No rooms may be similar to another and so there may be disparity in the rooms. You may get a better room than others or vice versa. We do not expect our hotel to have a gift shop for "sundry" items.
All Bhutan trip includes 3 meals a day and we expect to eat most meals at our hotel, usually served in buffet that includes rice, vegetables, noodles, bread etc. Our guide can arrange some dinner at local restaurants but beware: traditional Bhutanese food always features chilies and the most popular dish is ema datse made with large, green hot chilies in a cheese sauce.
Guides
Our guides are college educated locals, proficient in English and trained and licensed by local tourism authorities. Most importantly they are friendly and committed to deliver the best services.
International and internal airfares:
You will book your international airfare on your own and provide us your flight information. We can also help you find good fares through our air ticket consolidator on your request. We will take care of internal airfares-flight from Bangkok into Paro or on the return from Kathmandu back to Bangkok. If your trip starts from Delhi or Kathmandu, we can book your internal airfare accordingly. All internal airfares are booked locally. Local airport taxes may or may not included in the fare.
Passport and Visa
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months at the time of travel and there should be enough blank pages for entry and exit seals. Bhutan visa is pre-processed by us and we will get clearance for you before your flight into Bhutan. Your passport gets actual visa seal upon arrival at Paro airport. You can obtain Nepal visa upon arrival at Kathmandu airport or you can obtain it from nearest Nepali embassy abroad. India does not grant visa on arrival and so you will have to obtain it beforehand. We will take care of all other permits necessary for this trip.
Best time for this trip:
This trip can be undertaken throughout the year but definitely October and November are the best months when temperatures are mild, skies are clear and we have clear visibility. The second best season is from March through early May. Temperatures are still mild and we have rhododendrons and other wild flowers in bloom during this season.
Note on Itinerary
Although we will do our very best to adhere to the itinerary schedule as listed; it is subject to change for numerous reasons beyond our control.
Booking/Deposit.
When you are sure you are going to Bhutan, it will be wise to put your reservation in line as early as possible as Bhutan Air reservation is quite a tricky matter. Druk Air is the only airline flying into and out of Bhutan and operates with 2 A 319 craft with capacity less than 100 passengers and gets filled up quickly. Paro-the only airport of Bhutan is connected with Bangkok, Delhi, Kolkatta and Kathmandu and have limited operations. For flight schedules and more information, please visit Druk Air Website. A deposit of US$ 200 on land plus the cost of internal airfares is requested along with booking application and passport photocopies.
Balance Payment.
The balance and final payment is 60 days prior departure. The payment schedule may vary with customized and private trips on case to case basis. Payments made within 60 days prior departure may be subject to late fee and are required to make through wire transfer or cashier’s check.
Cancellation and refund
Notice of cancellation and refund request must be received in written form. Cancellation fee structure has been listed below.
90 days prior departure: US$ 50 (Administrative Fee)
60-89 day's prior departure: US$ 250 or 25% of the land cost whichever is higher.
45 days to 59 days prior departure: US$ 450 or 50% of the land cost whichever is higher.
30 days to 44 days prior departure: US$ 600 or 75% of the land cost whichever is higher.
Less than 30 days: 100%
Highland Asia Travel
We are an active adventure travel company, based in Minneapolis, USA with destination management offices in Kathmandu, Thimphu and Lhasa. We are BBB acredited business and an active member of American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA). We have set the standard for adventure travel and have a strong reputation for excellence that we do everything we can to maintain. Our managers and guides have more than 15 years of experience in organizing and leading adventure trips in the highlands of Asia. For us travel is not just a business, but a way of life.
Travel Protection Plan
While we plan and do our best to make your trip smooth and seamless, there may be chances of unforeseen events and conditions such as illness, accident, inclement weather, and flight cancellation or missed connection or loss of baggage etc. that may cause interruption or delay or total cancellation of your trip putting your hard earned travel investment in jeopardy. It’s also possible that you may need medical assistance, emergency evacuation or medical transportation when you get ill or involve in an accident when you are traveling in remote areas. Highland Asia’s Tour cost does not cover any of these expenses or losses and so we strongly recommend you that you should protect yourself and your travel investment against those unfavorable conditions.
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Trip Snapshot
- Difficulty Level
Moderate: This is moderate trip ! - RatingPopular
- Destination(s)Bhutan
- Highest Altitude15,810ft ( 4,820m)
- Group Size2-10 Person
- Trip Price
US$ 4375 per person (2 persons)
US$ 3898 per person (3 persons amd more)
US$ 450 (Single Supp)
Additional:
US$ 930 Bangkok-Paro-Bangkok Airfare.
Tour cost is subject to change. - Trip Start FromParo
- Trip Ends atThimphu
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