Jomolhari Trek

Jomolhari Trek is longer than the Jomolhari Loop – the most popular trekking routes in Bhutan. With altitude differences of 2,500m and nearly 5,000m it offers a wide range of landscapes, fauna and flora. The highlight of this trek is the spectacular view of Mount Jomolhari from Jomolhari Basecamp (Jangothang).

DAY 1: GUNITSAWA VILLAGE – SHARNA ZAMPA

40mins, 80 m descent, camp altitude 2,850 m. This trek begins at Gunitsawa Village were you pass the army post. At the army checkpost your trek permit (provided by your tour operator) will be checked and endorsed. The campsite is on the opposite side of the river, not far from Gunitsawa.

DAY 2: SHARNA ZAMPA – THANGTHANGKHA

Distance 22 km, 7-8 hours,  770 m ascent, 10 m descent, camp altitude 3,610 m. On this long day, the trail continues with lots of small ups and downs. After going uphill through the river valley the valley finally narrows gradually to a mere path which descends to a meadow.

DAY 3: THANGTHANGKHA – JANGOTHANG

Distance 19 km, 5-6 hours, 480 m ascent, camp altitude 4,080 m. If you did not see Mt. Jomolhari the previous evening, you will still have a chance to get a great view early this morning. This morning the trek continues up the Paro Chhu valley which widens into patches of alpine meadow.

DAY 4: JANGOTHANG HALT

The rest day in Jangothang provides plenty of possibilities for day hikes with great views of lakes and snow capped mountains such as Jomolhari and Jichu Drake. There are good chances to spot some blue sheep on the upper slopes of the valley.

DAY 5: JANGOTHANG – LINGSHI

Distance 16km, six to seven hours, 810m ascent, 1,090m descent, camp altitude 3,800m. The trail leads to a last settlement in the valley and drops to the Paro Chhu. Passing the lake of Tshophu (4,380m) you will climb up steeply to Bhonte La pass at 4,890 m.

DAY 6: LINGSHI – SHODU

Distance 22km, eight to nine hours, 940m ascent, 920m descent, camp altitude 4,080m. The trail climbs up to the Yelila pass at an altitude of 4,930m. From the pass, on a clear day you will get an excellent view of Jumolhari, Tserimgang and Masanggang.

DAY 7: SHODU – BARSHONG

Distance 16km, five to six hours, 250m ascent, 670m descent, camp altitude 3,710m. The trail follows the Thimphu Chhu through rhododendron forests, past beautiful waterfalls along the way. The valley narrows till the path takes to the slopes and gradually ascends to the ruins of Barshong Dzong.

DAY 8: BARSHONG – DOLAM KENCHO

Distance 15km, four to six hours, 290m ascent, 640m descent, camp altitude 3,320m. The trail descends down to the Thimphu Chhu river valley, through dense forests of rhododendron, birch, conifer, maples and bamboos and then ascends to pasture lands.

DAY 9: DOLAM KENCHO – DODENA

Distance 8km, three to four hours, 500m ascent, 930m descent. The trail continues through forested areas winding up and down and through a small pass. Langurs (monkeys) can be seen along the way. In Dodena, you will exit the Jigme Dorji National Park.

JOMOLHARI TREK – FINISH

The trek finishes at the beautiful Cherri Monastery, while it is a 40 min hike to the monastery it is well worth it.