Day 1
Starting from Drukgyel Dzong, the fortress that once guarded the paro valley against Tibetan invaders, the first day is a pleasant walk following the left side of the Pachu river. The farm road serves as the trek route and passes through a number of very small villages with traditional houses, rice and vegetable fields to the left and right of the trail.
After about an hour’s walk, the farm road ends at Mitsizampa. Crossing a bridge to the right side of the river, the trail climbs very gradually for another hour through the trees to Zakhapang, where a nice lunch break spot in an open and clean space is found. There is a small shop selling basic necessities for the locals.
After lunch the trek continues through blue pine forests, following the river closely. Gunyitsawa army outpost appeats not long before the end of the first day’s trek. The campsite at Shana, just beyond, is situated at an altitude of 2820m in a beautiful open space surrounded by blue pine forest. Two traditional houses on the other side of the wide, fast-flowing river make up Shana village.
Day 2
This is the longest trekking day, taking eight hours to reach the campsite. The trail continues to follow the river gradually ascending through a mixed forest of blue pine and oak and, later in the afternoon, tall rhododendron treks, birch, fir and maple. Though the trail is rocky and bumpy, it is not strenuous but in rainy conditions it can be quite muddy. There are several simple wooden bridges to cross and sometimes the river reaches right up to the trail. The lunch break comes after about four hours of waling through an ever-barrowing valley: Shing Karap or Thombuzam are popular stopping places at around 3,305m.
Several trails lead in other directions such as the trail to Tremo La, which was the old salt-trading route to Time. Not long before reaching the campsite the trail leads you up a ridge with a chorten. Beyoun, in the distance, at the end of the calley the Jhomolhari mountain comes into view. Finally , after an eight hour walk, you reach the campsite.
The campsite is located in a spacious clearing and directly faces Mount Jhomolhari. The view of the early morning sun striking the tip of Jumolhari is breathtaking. Moun Jumolhari, at 7326m is among the world’s highest mountains.
Day 3
The third day’s trek is a short one so it is possible to set off a little later and progress at a leisurely pace. When you reach the army outpost you are required to stop and register your entry permits issued by the army headquarters in Thimphu. This matter will be taken are of by your guide.
The Pachu river is again to the right and the trail passes through some very small villages made up of two or three houses each: these are called Jomphu, Tegithang and , and a little further on, Dotabithang. By now at an altitude of 3860m the path has reached above the tree line.
In less than four hours it is possible to reach Jagothang, the Jumolhari base camp, just in time for lunch. A small community hall has been built out of stone and wood to provide protection from the elements. Cooking can be done inside and all the trekking gear can be stored here.
The altitude at the base camp is 4000m and is a beautiful place to spend the nigh. The imposing, rounded bulk of the Jumolhari Mountain fills the view to the Northern and in the evening the profile of the ruined Jagothang Dzong, populated by huge raves creates a mystical atmosphere.
Apparently a proud king once ruled this area from the Dzong. Myth has it that the king had instructed his subjects to raze one of the mountains to the ground because it was blocking the sunlight. In a meeting to discuss how this Herculean task was to be achieved, an old lady suggested that it would be simpler to chop off the head of the king rather than the top of the mountain. Thus, the deed was carried out.
This area is rich in bird life. Birds sighted en route include the fire-tailed sunbird, Ibisbill, whit-throated dippe, yellow-billed chough, rosy pipit, snow pigeon, blue-fronted Redstar, Plumbeous water Redstar, Blood pheasant, snow partridge and many more.
Day 4
Jagothang-halt
Today is a day to rest and acclimatize to the altitude. The body also needs time to adjust to the falling temperatures, especially during the night. There is an opportunity to explore the valley and enjoy wonderful views of the mountains. A one hour trek s little further up the valley to the right of the campsite takes you to a point from where you can view tehmajestic, cone shaped Jichu Drakey piercing the clear blue sky. Jichu Drakey cannot fail to remind you of the Matternhorn from this perspective. It is a sight to behold! Many rank this as the most beautiful mountain in Bhutan. an hour’s leisurely trek will rake you to the twin of Tshophu. For those taking the Lingshi cariation of the trek, this day trek is important.
An alternative four and half hour excursion for the fitter trekker is to the view point as 5244m, a climb of more than 1000 meters. This viewpoint, located between the wo glacier tongues of the Jhomolhari and the Kingphu peak is the North as well as Masagang and other peaks all over 500 m to the East.
This is the furthest point reached by those opting for the shortest Jhomolhari trekking route. From day fice to day seven they will retrace their steps to Drugyel Dzong in paro., staying at the same campsites or at other optional stopping on the same route.
The routes taken by trek one and two also diverge from this point. We will first cover the shorter route at the other option to go on via Lingshi, to Thimphu in Trek two.
Day 5
The day’s hike is the most difficult on this shorter version of the trek. It starts by having to make a continuous one hour climb to the twin lakes of Tshophu located at an altitude of 4310m. These two beautiful lakes are surrounded on both sides by rocky cliffs and they reflect the two peaks of Jhomolhari to the left and the beautiful Jichu Drakey tot eh right. The sight is breathtaking. From this view point on you can expect to see the black yak’s hair tents belonging to the nomadic yak herders that live in this area.
Following the left side of the lakes, the steep climb continues, taking the trekker up to the top of the ridge. Ruddy shelducks and common mergansers are sure to be dighted swimming and wading along the shores of the lakes in which huge trout are said to be abundant. This is also the territory of Blue sheep with massive horns who graze in large groups of seventy or more. Many sightings of the elusive snow Leopard have been reported from this area.
Almost four hours of climbing brings you to the rop of Bontey la at an latitude of 4760m. this is the largest option on this trek route and view is breathtaking. One more hour of downhill trekking brings you to Laptsa, a good place to stop for the lunch.
From here the trek is downhill, all the way with beautiful mountain scenery to enjoy. The rocky face of the cliffs that rise almost 1000 m would make for great rock climbing.
Seven hours after the trek began you will arrive at the campsite which is located just beyond the delightful village of Soi Taktsa at an altitude of 3730m. the ladies from the village come in the evening to sell local handicraft items, mild, dried yak’s meat and a variety of vegetable.
Day 6
The route today is through a nice wooded area. For a while, only a gentle ascent is made through alpine meadows. Once the clim to the Thomby La begings, the climb begins to get more strenuous. The pass is reached about five hours later. The altitude of 4240m where there is a cozy yak herder’s camp to provide shelter from the chill outside.
One hour downhill from the Thombu La is the campsite at Thombu Shong. The campsite is situated in a beautiful valley where you will see two yak-herder’s dwelling built out of stone, with a wooden shingle roof. You can still see the Thombu La peak to the ear of the camp.
Yaks graze in this valley that stretches endlessly into the mountains beyond the campsite. The Jho Drakey Mountain is located to the left and can be seen if you trek up the mountain ridge to the left and right side of the campsite.
Day 7
Other than a short 45 minute climb at the beginning the day’s trek is downhill all the way. The trail follows a ridge affording great views of the valleys on either side and a wonderful view of Jho Drakey. A steep descent of 2-3 hours then follows.
The trek route reaches full circle at the army outpost of Gunyitsawa. It is reached about 5-6 hours after serring out in the morning. At 2800m, the day’s walk sees a dramatic drop of 1270m.
Trekkers can camp again at the same campsite as the first night in Shana or continue a little further dowmstream. A short two hour walk brings you to another possible cam sire called Zakhapang, at an altitude of 2600m. Trekking as far as here would make the final day’s walk a short one.
Day 8
On the final day you will trace your footsteps back from shana or zakhapang along the pachu river to Drugyel Dzong.
Day 9
Early drive to Thimphu, the modern capital of Bhutan located at one hour drive distance from Paro. Transfer to hotel on arrival and after a brief fresh up in the hotel, visit to National Memorial Chhorten, Changangkha temple, Folk Heritage Museum, Painting school and Sangay handicraft shop.
After the lunch visit to Zangdopelri temple in the vicinity of Changlimithang stadium, Sunday vegetable market, handicraft Emporium. There after proceed to Motithang mini zoo where the national animal of Bhutan, Takin is preserved. Further drive fro the zoo will reach you to the famous view point from where one can see the panoramic view of Thimphu city. Evening after office hour, visit the main courtyard and the temple inside Thimphu fortress. Over night at hotel
Day 10
Early morning drive to Paro to hike to Tiger’s nest. It is a day long leisurely hike and evenings explore the main town of Paro. Over night at hotel
Day 11
Early break fast in the hotel and drive to Paro international air port to board your flight for your onward journey.
