Bhutan Jhomolhari Trek

Trip Duration 14 nights/15 days
Trip Code NAP-BHU - 526
Trip Grade Sightseeing/Hiking/Driving.
Trip Cost On Request
Best Time Sept – Dec/ Feb - May

Overview

Bhutan Jhomolhari trek is a medium duration trek that is probably the most trekked route in Bhutan. The trek will take you to the beautiful landscapes of Bhutan, unique and traditionally rich villages, passing through the nomadic yak herder’s campsites, the fantastic views of the Himalayan Mountains, memorable camping at the base of mountain Jhomolhari – locally known as Chomolhari, the goddess of mountains, believed to be the abode of Chomo goddess is one of the most beautiful and imposing mountains in the entire Himalayan region.

Our journey starts on arrival at Paro airport, welcomed by our Bhutan representative and after immigration formalities, you will escort to the hotel. A pre-trip discussion held in Hotel where you can meet your group leader/guide then you can ask any questions you may have. We spent one and half day sightseeing around the Paro valley, the day will start with a guided tour of Paro historical and spiritual key attractions; visit the National Museum which has a very interesting assortment of costumes, treasures and world-renowned stamps, and will bring alive the history of Bhutan since the 6th century and a full day excursion to the Tiger’s Nest locally known as Taktsang Gompa, this incredible monastery clings to the edge of a sheer rock cliff that plunges 900 meters into the valley below. Then the trek takes you through alpine shrubs upto the base camp of Mount Jhomolhari. This trek allows the travellers to enjoy the taste of the great variety of Bhutanese landscape, and the views from some of the major passes that we come across are breath taking, be it of mountains or the valleys underneath. It gives you a chance to meet people, enjoy the pristine forest with rare glimpse of wildlife and observe the ancient old traditions of arts and crafts. We finally arrive into the lush valley of Thimphu the Capital city. After touring through this tiny no traffic light Capital city we will return to Paro and take our flight back home with beautiful memories of this land.

Highlights

⚝ Picturesque Paro valley
⚝ Monuments of the capital Thimphu
⚝ Easy to moderate trek
⚝  Pristine alpine nature and number of ice lakes
⚝ Buddhist monasteries and beautiful villages on the way
⚝ Conclude trek at the Tiger's Nest monastery
⚝ Magical landscape with hundreds of lakes

Trip Summary

Trip Grade Sightseeing/Hiking/Driving.
Trip Duration 14 nights/15 days
Trip code NAP-BHU - 526
Trip Start/Ends Kathmandu-Paro/Paro-Kathmandu
Maximum Altitude Crossing Nyilila pass (4,870m)
Trip Cost On Request
Group Size Minimum 2 upto 16 passengers
Accessibillity Schedule flight from Kathmandu, Bangkok, Delhi and Kolkatta to Paro or land entry through Phuentsholing on the southwestern border with India.
The Route Kathmandu fly to Paro airport to reach Bhutan, after completing Bhutan tour, fly back to Kathmandu or onward destination.
Season Sept – Dec/ Feb - May
Trip Valid This offer is valid on reservations made from September through December 31, 2018.
Trip Facilities Standard hotel/Lodge both part of Bhutan and Nepal,

Itinerary

Upon arrival at Tribhuwan international airport, welcomed by our representative and transfer to hotel. Generally there will not any tour activities today unless requested. Depending on your arrival time in Kathmandu, you may explore the touristy area “Thamel”. A pre trip meeting and briefing will held all together with you at hotel about the daily program activities by company representative and your trip Leader/Guide where you can discuss your final questions all together.

On arrival at Paro airport, welcomed by our Bhutan representative and after immigration formalities, you will escort to the hotel. A pre-trip discussion held in Hotel where you can meet your group leader/guide then you can ask any questions you may have. After lunch, the day will start with a guided tour of Paro historical and spiritual key attractions; visit the National Museum which has a very interesting assortment of costumes, treasures and world-renowned stamps, and will bring alive the history of Bhutan since the 6th century. Visit Paro Dzong, headquarter of Paro (2280m) District.

The trail to the monastery climbs through beautiful pine forest. You stop at the cafeteria for a rest and refreshments and continue the hike for short while until you see, clearly and seemingly within reach, the remains of Taktsang monastery. Built in 1600s, this incredible monastery clings to the edge of a sheer rock cliff that plunges 900 meters into the valley below. The history states that Guru Padmasambhava, the Tantric mystic who brought Buddhism to Bhutan, landed here on the back of a flying tiger.

Drive up to Drukgyel Dzong (2,580m) where the road ends and the trek begin. With a gradual climb the trail follows the Pachu (Paro river) passing beautiful meadows, paddy fields and impressive farm houses. After about four hours you will reach the army post at Gunitsawa village. At the army check point your trek permit will be checked and endorsed. The campsite is on the opposite side of the river, not far from Gunitsawa.

On this long day, the trail continues with lots of small ups and downs. After going uphill through the river valley, you enter the Jigme Dorji National Park. The valley finally narrows gradually to a mere path which ascends to a meadow where a camp will be set up. From here, if weather permits, you will have the first great view of Mount Jhomolhari.

This morning, the trek continues up the Pachu valley which widens into patches of alpine meadow and meager growths of forest. Cross an army outpost along the way and enjoy a spectacular view of high mountain ridges and snow-capped peaks. Yaks and the herder’s homes become a regular feature of the landscape. Passing the villages Soe, Takethang and Dangochang is another asset on this day. Reaching Jangothang, one of the most beautiful campsites of the Himalayas, you will again have a spectacular view of Mount Jhomolhari.

The day in Jangothang provides plenty of possibilities for day hikes with great views on lakes and snow capped mountains such as Jhomolhari and Jichu Drake. There are good chances to spot some blue sheep on the upper slopes of the valley. Jangothang is a perfect environment for your acclimatization. Trek up to Tsophu or hike around the area. There are good short hiking trails in three directions. Jhomolhari and its subsidiary mountain chains lay directly west, Jichu Drake to the north and a number of unclimbed peaks to the east.

After 15 minutes from the camp the trail climbs rapidly for about half an hour and then becomes a gradual ascends to the Nyilila pass at 4,870m. While on the climb enjoy the surrounding. You might see herds of blue sheep grazing on the slopes of the mountains. From the pass you will have spectacular views of Mt. Jhomolhari, Jichu Drake and Tsherimgang, all of them rising above 7,000m. On the way down to the camp you will pass by some of the yak herder’s tent, made from yak wool, where the herders take shelter while on the move to various pastures for their yaks. As you come down into the Lingshi basin, you get a wonderful view of Lingshi Dzong on a clear day. Tserimgang and its glaciers rise up at the north end of the valley. The campsite is next to a stone hut you reach just before Lingshi Dzong.

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 Jhomolhari, Tserimgang and Masanggang. The trek from the pass to the campsite at Shodu is a steep downhill.

The trail follows the Thimphu Chu (river) through fir and hemlock 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.

The road descends through alpine forest and we once again join Thimphu River for a while. Rest for lunch then climbs up to Dolamkencho is patch of meadow. Where the yak herders use for make shift camp. You will encounter with full swing bloom of rhododendrons through this way to Dodana (3430m).

The path descends through bamboo forest all the way to Dolamkencho, finally joining Thimphu River again. Arrive at Dodana where you will be picked up by your vehicle to drive Thimphu (15km).

After breakfast, visit the National Memorial Chorten built in memory of late 3rd King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk in 1974.visit 15th century Changangkha Temple, Takin (National Animal) sanctuary and view point of Thimphu city. On the way back visit the Zilukha Nunnery and Dechenphodrang monistic school. Visit National library, Scholl of Arts and Crafts, Government Handicrafts Emporium and Traditional Handmade paper factory and Goldsmith & Silversmith unit. In evening visit the Tashi Chhodzong the capital parliament house and after explore the various handicrafts store in the town.

It is free time in morning and after lunch drives to Paro through winding road all the way down following the Wangchuk River and reaches to the confluence (Chu- Zom) it means the meeting of two rivers Wangchuk & Pa- Chu from Paro. This point is to check the vehicle pass by and immigrations. On the junction of this river you will witness the three different kind of Chorten Tibetan, Bhutanese and Nepalese style. You will cross this bridge and turn to right towards Paro.

After breakfast in the hotel, drive to the airport in time to catch up your onward flight.

Cost Included

Fee: Bhutan entrance visa, permit & entrance tickets to all attractions
⚝  Activities: Driving, sightseeing, hiking and trekking trip as per the itinerary.
⚝  Accommodation: 8 night hotel/Tented accommodation on twin sharing bedroom in city and mountain.
⚝  Equipments’:  Tents and other camping equipment
 Food: Full board [Breakfast, lunch and dinner]
⚝  Staffs: A licensed English speaking local guide, cook, kitchen staffs, horses or Yak for carrying all the trekking materials during the entire trekking.
⚝  Transportation: Arrival/Departure transfer and all internal road transportation by private veichle with excellent driver
 Company and Government’s service charge: All applicable Government fee, royalty, taxes and surcharges. And Crew’s, daily wages/salary, food, equipment, air and road-head transportation

 

Cost Excluded

⚝  Travel insurance
⚝  Airfare from Delhi to Paro and return flight USD 570 Kathmandu to Paro and return flight USD 410 Delhi to Paro and Kathmandu flight USD.510 by Druk air
⚝  Personal travel and hiking equipments
⚝  Bar bills & Beverages
⚝  Tips/Gratuities for guide and driver
⚝  Optional activities
⚝  And unforeseen expenses which are out of control by Nepal Adventure Point

Note: Travellers shuold has to bring their own trekking gears like sleeping bags, rainproof, trekking boots and enough warm clothes.

Trip Notes

Package includes: Accommodation in 3* hotels on double sharing basis, transportation in comfortable private vehicle with experienced driver, licensed English speaking guide, all entrance fees, full board, visa and permit fee.

On trekking: Accommodation in tents on double sharing basis, baggage hauling on mules, dining tent, latrine tent, chairs and tables, cook, helper staff.

Not included: International flight tickets, drinks except tea and coffee, any insurance, tips, personal expenses and any extra expenses caused by climatic conditions, late flight arrivals, natural causes, health condition etc., bank account transfer fees, optional bike rent.

The list of trekking gear we recommend you to bring along:
* Mountain trekking shoes
* sports shoes
* Sandals or slippers (useful at camp site)
* Few pairs of socks
* Light warm jacket and/or fleece / down jacket
* Enough spares T-shirt and inner wear
* Rain and wind proof gear – pants/jackets/ponchos/gaiters
* Gloves, scarves, other clothing
* Water bottle
* Cap/hat to prevent sun exposure
* Sunglasses, sunscreen, lip protection, sun burn relief cream
* Insect repellent
* Tooth paste, tooth brush and other sanitary items
* Camera with extra charger (no facility to charge battery during trek)
* Small sewing kit and safety pins, pocket knife, scissors
* Flash light with spare batteries
* Your favorite sweets and/or snacks for energy
* Personal medicines and/or medical kit
* Water proof bags/pouches to protect your clothes, electronics and personal items
* Backpack and  waterproof backpack cover in case of rain
* Duffel bags or bags without wheels (easier for ponies to carry) to pack your belongings

Tour payment and cancellations: Full payment for tour has to be credited prior to arrival in order to arrange visas. Possible modes of payments are bank account transfer (SWIFT) or credit/debit card (Visa or Master). For cancellation conditions please inquire.

Payment and visa issuing process: Payment for the package tour has to be wired to travel agency bank account ideally 1 month before the trip, so all the formalities can be arranged safely. After we receive you payment, we will apply for visa on your behalf. After the visas are granted, we will send you Visa approval letter. You will need this visa confirmation while checking into the flight to Bhutan. Visa stamp into your passport will be only given at the immigration after arrival to Bhutan.

More information: We will be happy to provide all necessary information to make your trip to Bhutan reasonable and successful. Please do contact us at: nap@wlink.com.np

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