10 Days Jomolhari Loop Trek Tour

Highlights: Arrive in Paro and visit Paro Rinpung Dzong.

Welcome to Bhutan, the land of the “Thunder Dragon”.

Upon your arrival at Paro International Airport, your local guide and driver will meet you at the airport arrival hall. They will introduce themselves and greet you warmly.

Then, you will head to visit Paro Rinpung Dzong (also named as Paro Dzong), a fortress once built to defend the valley from invasions. However, it now serves as an administration center and school for monks.

Stay overnight in Paro.

Paro Rinpung Dzong

(Trek Distance: 16km; Time: 5-6 hours; Altitude: Ascent: 630m; Camp Altitude: 2890m)

In the morning, after breakfast, you will drive from Paro to Gunitsawa village (2,930 m).

You will take a tour at the Jowo Temple of Kyichu built by the Tibetan Emperor in the 7th century, which is one of the oldest temples in Bhutan. Then hike to Taktshang Lhakhang (Tiger’s Nest Monastery), which stands at the cliffside of the upper Paro valley. During March and April, Tsechu will be held in the valley sometimes, you can enjoy the dance of the Black Hat monks if lucky.

After lunch you will take a visit to the Drukgyal Dzong, located in the upper part of Paro, which in nowadays is in ruins. From the Dzong you can have a wonderful view of the Chomolhari mountain on the back of it. Your campsite is just above the fortress.

Camping at Gunitsawa village.

Jomolhari Loop trek

(Trek Distance: 2km; Time: 0.5 hour; Altitude: Descent: 630m; Camp Altitude: 2850m)

Today you walk from the calm Gunitsawa village to Sharna Zampa (2,890 m). During the trek you will pass the army post.

Since the trek will become physically consuming the next day, you might want to take this day to rest well and check your trekking permit is ready.

Camping at Sharna Zampa.

Sharna Zampa

(Trek Distance: 22km; Time: 7-8 hours; Altitude Ascent 685 m, descent 10 m; Camp Altitude: 3610m )

After breakfast, you will head north to the Jigme Dorji National Park. Then climb to a well-known stone house named Shing Karap (3100m).

Your trek continues to Tremo La (4380 m), where you turn right, pass by the blue pine forest and birch woods to the campsite in Thangthangkha (3610m). You can have a marvelous panoramic view of the Jomolhari Mountain from the campsite.

Camping at Thangthangkha.

Jigme Dorji National Park

(Trek Distance: 19km; Time: 5-6 hours; Altitude Ascent 480 m; Camp Altitude: 4080m)

You will get up very early to see the sunrise of the mountain. Then continue your trek along the Paro chhu. Along the way you can enjoy the view of endless mount ridges and mountain peaks capped by snow shinning under the sunlight.

You will pass through the larch covered hillside, then climb to the village of Soe. From the village, walk an hour, you will see a cluster of stone houses.

Before arriving at Janothang Base Camp (4080m), you will pass through another village named Dangochang. In the village, you can stroll a bit to experience the local culture and unique lifestyle.

After, you continue climb to Jangothang at the altitude of 4,080 m. Your campsite is nearby with a gorgeous view of majestic Jomolhari.

Camping at Jangothang.

Highlights: Taking a leisure hiking around the campsite.

Today you mainly hike to another campsite nearby to explorer more. It is recommended taking the route to the view of Jichu Drakye, which takes four hours to the north of the camp. You may also head west to Mount Jomolhari.  Another option is to walk one hour and a half to Tshophu, which is an eminent lake full of trout along the route of Jomolhari Loop Itinerary.

Camping at Jangothang

(Trek Distance: 16km; Time: 6-7 hours; Altitude: Ascent 810 m, Descent 1,090 m; Camp Altitude: 3800m)

After breakfast, you will start your return trip from the campsite and head south to complete the entire loop.

During the trek, you will pass the highest point of the loop trek - Bhonte La Pass (4890m). You will also pass by the Tshophu lake, as mentioned earlier, an eminent late full of trout. From where you can have a panoramic view of the great mountains along the trip.

From the pass you will head down to Soi Yaktsa Valley (3800m). You will rest tonight in the valley and enjoy the wonderful views around.

Camping at Soi Yaktsa.

(Trek Distance: 11km; Time: 4-5 hours; Altitude: 4180m; Ascent 720 m, descent 340 m; Camp Altitude: 4180 m)

In the morning, after breakfast, you will climb through the birch and oak forests and wild flowers along the route. You will see a chorten and a mani wall, where you can choose whether to continue climbing to a higher valley or to follow the easier way to walk downhills too the ruins of the Sey Dzong.

Then, to the Takhung La Pass (4520 m), and follow the route descend till reach Thombu Shong, green pasture surrounded by three yak herder huts. You camp next to the Thombu Shong (4180m).

Camping at Thombu Shong.

 (Trek Distance: 13km; Time: 4-5 hours; Altitude Ascent 200 m, Descent 1,650 m; Camp Altitude: 2850m)

Today you will first reach the Thombu La Pass (4380m) before arriving at Gunitsawa Village (2930m). When passing Thombu La Pass, remember this is your last chance to have a view of the majestic Mt. Kanchenjunga (8,586 m) and Drakye Gang (5,200 m).

The trek ends here and you will take a drive back to Paro.

Stay overnight in Paro.

Your local guide and driver will take you to the Paro International Airport after breakfast.  You wish you a safe and pleasant journey onwards.

Service end.