Days: 17 / Difficulty: 3 of 5 (Moderate to strenuous)
Jomolhari Trek with a Culture Tour of Paro and Thimphu.
Beginning from Paro valley, your trek starts with gentle ascent through Bhutan’s undisturbed forest of rhododendrons and pines. Passing through the villages with lush fields of rice, wheat, barley and crossing over the tree lines you arrive in the regions sparsely inhabited by the migrant yak herders. The trail continues through enchanting valley flanked with snowcapped peaks to the base of Mount Chomolhari and its spike shaped companion, Jichu Drake.
You spend one entire day exploring the vicinity or just relaxing and enjoying the wonders of nature. You resume your trek to the Thimphu valley by crossing two major passes through the remote wilderness with abundant of wildlife, including, blue sheep, Takin and variety of birds, perhaps under the surveillance of the elusive snow leopard. There will be ample of opportunities to interact with the friendly people of Bhutan and learn their philosophy of “GROSS NATIONAL HAPINESS”. After the trek, you have a day to see Bhutan’s tiny Capital city with no traffic light.
Itinerary for Jomolhari Trek with sightseeing in Paro and Thimphu.
DAY 1: Arrival in Kathmandu and meet our staff/crew at the airport and transfer to Hotel.
Welcome drink and briefing about Bhutan trip, equipment check and relax in Hotel.
DAY 2: Free day in Kathmandu and stay overnight at 3* Hotel in Kathmandu.
DAY 3: Arrive at Paro International Airport from Kathmandu.
Paro is situated in a beautiful valley at 2280 metres and is a fitting introduction to this charming kingdom. Your guide will meet you and take you to your hotel. There should be time for a quick stroll around Paro town before lunch.
In the afternoon you can visit the impressive Paro Rinpung Dzong, one of the finest examples of Bhutanese architecture. You can also visit the National Museum. This was previously housed in the Ta Dzong (watch tower) built on top of the hill above Rinpung Dzong to defend Rinpung Dzong and the Paro valley during times of war, in an unusual circular construction resembling a conch shell. Unfortunately, an earthquake in September 2011 damaged the Ta Dzong and the contents of the museum were moved to a neighbouring building. You can still see a magnificent collection of Bhutanese artefacts — costumes, religious paintings, arms, textiles and a fascinating collection of Bhutan stamps. The National Museum is due to reopen in the Ta Dzong in 2015.Overnight in Paro.
DAY 4: Take a day walk to the ‘Tiger's Nest’,
‘Tiger's Nest’, is the sacred Taktshang monastery which clings to the rock face 900 metres above the valley floor. Guru Rinpoche is said to have flown to the site riding on a tigress. He subsequently meditated here for three months. It is one of Bhutan’s most holy sites and draws pilgrims not only from Bhutan but also from neighboring Buddhist countries. You can have lunch at the Taktshang cafeteria from where you get a spectacular view of the monastery.
In the afternoon you can also visit the 7th century Kyichu Lhakhang, a temple of historical significance and one of the most sacred shrines in Bhutan. Overnight in Paro
DAY 5: JOMOLHARI TREK DAY 1.
Paro to Shana. Drive to the end of the motor road at Drukgyel Dzong to begin the trek. While you wait for the horses to load up you will have time to take a look at the ruined Dzong. Known as the fortress of victory, it was constructed to commemorate the victory over Tibetan invaders in 1644 and destroyed by a butter lamp fire in 1951. Today’s trail follows the river uphill through a narrow agricultural valley as far as the border army camp at about 2800 m. There is now a feeder road as far as the army check post at Gunitsawa about half an hour before camp. (17 km). Overnight in camp.
DAY 6: TREK DAY 2. Shana to Soi Thangthangkha.
The path from Shana ascends through the river valley with pine and rhododendron forests. On the way, there is a fantastic view of Mount Jomolhari. We will camp in a meadow with a stone shelter at an altitude of about 3860 m. (19 km, 6 to 7 hours).Overnight in camp
DAY 7: TREK DAY 3. Soi Thangthangkha to Jangothang.
The trail continues to follow the river and passes a small army post where the valley begins to widen again. Views of high ridges and snow-capped peaks can be seen on all sides. At this altitude (about 4040 m) it is possible to see yaks and yak herders. Camp is beneath a ruined fortress at the base of Mount Jomolhari. (19 km, 6 hours) overnight in camp.
DAY 8: TREK DAY 4. Rest day at Jomolhari base camp.
An opportunity to explore the glacier, do some washing in the stream (icy cold!) or just take it easy. If you feel like going further afield the guide will discuss the options with you overnight in camp.
DAY 9: TREK DAY 5. Jangothang to Lingshi.
The trail climbs gradually and then more steeply to Nyeli La (4850 m). On the way you will be rewarded when you stop for breath with tremendous views toward Jomolhari and Jitchu Drake. If the weather is clear, Lingshi Dzong can be clearly seen as we descend into the Lingshi basin, and Tserim Kang with its glaciers can be seen to the north. Follow the ridge for a long way until you drop through the forests to our camp just outside Lingshi village beside a stone shelter at 3915 metres. (19 km, 7 to 8 hours) overnight in camp
DAY 10: TREK DAY 6. Rest day at Lingshi.
A splendid opportunity to explore the village and also spend some time at the local school where the children will be excited to see you — many of them yak herders’ children who are sent to board while their parents are up at higher altitudes with the yaks — but you will also see plenty of yaks here! You will get a good feel for the way of life in these remote mountain villages. Lingshi Dzong, which sits proudly on a ridge above the village, was unfortunately badly damaged in the 2011 earthquake and is under renovation so it is not possible to visit currently.Overnight in camp
DAY 11: TREK DAY 7. Lingshi to Shodu. Today’s walk is tough.
The trail ascends to the Yali La Pass (4820 m), the highest point of the trek, from where Mount Jomolhari, Tserim Gang and Masa Gang can be seen on a clear day. After the pass it is a long descent to the campsite which is situated at about 3815 m. (22 km, 8-9 hours) overnight in camp.
DAY 12: TREK DAY 8. Shodu to Barshong.
The path follows the Thimphu Chu (river) through forests of rhododendrons, juniper and pine. The view of the cliff facing rocks and water falls are stunning. The trail gradually ascends after 3 or 4 hours to the ruins of Barshong Dzong. The camp is a stone shelter just below the ruined fortress. (Altitude 3685 m, 16 km, 5-6 hours) overnight in camp
DAY 13: TREK DAY 9.Barshong to Dolam Kencho and back to Thimphu.
We continue to follow the Thimphu Chu through dense rhododendron forest before emerging into pastureland. We climb to a mountain meadow at about 3428 m and over a small pass. A vehicle will be waiting to collect us at Dodena for the drive to Thimphu. (23 km, 8 hours)Overnight in Thimphu
DAY 14: Thimphu sightseeing.
We will visit the weekly market, the revered Memorial Chorten, the National Library and the School of Traditional Arts. You could visit Changangkha temple, perched on the hilltop overlooking the town. Devotees flock throughout the day to circumambulate and turn the prayer wheels. The temple also contains beautiful wall paintings and hundreds of religious scriptures written in gold. In the afternoon you can take in more of the sights and culture of the capital, with the option of a trip to Simtokha Dzong (one of the oldest fortresses in Bhutan, dating from 1629 AD). If you prefer to stay closer to town you could drive up to the Radio Tower (offering splendid views of the city from a hilltop festooned with prayer flags), visit the Takin Reserve showcasing the unique national animal, the Takin, browse the striking collection of intricate textiles at the National Textile Museum or visit the Folk Heritage Museum. If you would like to view or buy Bhutanese handicrafts you may like to visit the new market opposite Taj Tashi hotel which has an array of stalls run by local handicraft shops selling purely home made articles with no imports. Tell your guide what takes your interest. In the evening take the short drive along the Paro and Thimphu valleys to Paro.Overnight in Paro
DAY 15: Bhutan to Kathmandu.
Early in the morning your guide will accompany you to the airport to see you off onto your flight and wish you Tashi Delek (goodbye and good luck) then you arrive in Kathmandu International Airport (TIA) Our airport representative will greet you back to take you the Hotel or according to your flight schedule you can fly to Your next destination (optional).
DAY 16: Full Day Guided Sightseeing Tour in Kathmandu Valley by private van.
Today you will visit some of the popular sites of Kathmandu valley like the Hindu temple of Pashupatinath and the Buddhist shrines of Boudhanath and Swayambhunath. Your tour guide will give you a brief introduction about all of these places. You can also take the recommendation from the guide and try the local food. Overnight at the hotel.
DAY 17: Final Departure.
After breakfast depending on your schedule transfer to International Airport for the final Departure.
Customize Your Trek: This is a general itinerary, which can always individually be “tailormade”. The trek package can be redesigned or redeveloped as per your taste, For more information please e-mail us at snftnepal@yahoo.de
Note: In case of emergency during the trip, Helicopter will be arranged by Swiss Family Treks & Expedition (P) Ltd. The charges must be paid by the clients themselves.
| Status * |
| Trip is available |
* Dates can be flexible, please contact us for individual dates.
Our Trek Package Cost includes;
* Airport/Hotel/Airport pick up and transfer by private car/van.
* 4 nights accommodation in twin bed sharing basis with breakfast at 4* or 5* hotel in Kathmandu.
* Guide - guide throughout the tour from arrival to departure.
* Sightseeing - all sightseeing and entrance fees including any festival visits.
* Transport - meet on arrival, airport transfers on arrival and departure and all overland transport within Bhutan.
* Accommodation - accommodation in hotels in Bhutan.
* Food - full board throughout the trip in Bhutan
* Flight ticket from Kathmandu-Paro-Kathmandu.
* Office Service charge.
* All Government Tax.
Our Trek Package Cost doesn't include;
* Any meals in Kathmandu other than breakfast.
* Travel insurance (if you want us to arrange your travel insurance, we would greatly be happy to assist).
* International air fare to and from Nepal and to and from Bhutan.
* Nepal Tourist Visa fee.
* Visa Fee and Fees for Tourism development Fund (USD 50)
* Items and expenses of personal nature.
* Any kind of alcoholic drinks, cold drinks, laundry, phone call, internet.
* Personal Trekking Equipments like sleeping bags, jackets (can all be hired in KTM)
* Emergency Evacuation (Helicopter Rescue).
* Any costs which arise due to a change of the itinerary, because of landslides, political disturbance, and strikes etc.
* Any other costs whatsoever, that is not mentioned in the cost included.
* Tips for guide, porters, driver...
Tipping is expected but it is not mandatory.
Jomolhari Trek with a Culture Tour of Paro and Thimphu, 17 Days
Swiss Family Treks & Expedition GmbH, Switzerland
Swiss Himalayan Family Treks & Expedition P. Ltd
Address
Ganeshtan-6, Pharping Kathmandu, Nepal
Phone +977 4710390
Cell +977 9803200543 Stephan
Cell +977 9849193453 Ashta
Email snftnepal@yahoo.de
- Jomolhari combined with Druk Path Trek and Tour 13 Days, 9 November to 21 November 2014
Dear Stephan and SFT team,
For the second time you’ve now organized a fantastic trek in the Himalaya for us, and we are glad to count on your reliable and professional services for our next trek in the area. Bhutan is a beautiful country and the combined 10 days Jomolhari — Druk Path trek was amazing. We got a first impression of the country’s deep spiritualism when we hiked up to the Tiger Nest on the first day — a monastery perched high up in the cliffs over Paro valley.
On the trek we enjoyed the beautiful scenery of the Bhutanese and Tibetan mountain range. Yaks were grazing high up in the mountains and we got the chance to spot many blue sheep. We also realized quite soon that our mules always preferred to graze just in front of our tent…
Thanks to our guide Tserten Dorji & team we had a great time in Bhutan and learnt a lot about this peaceful Buddhist kingdom in the Himalaya.
We hope to be back in the Himalaya soon.
Cornelia and Cédric from Switzerland
- BHUTAN TOURS 24 DAYS, 16 OCTOBER TO 08 NOVEMBER 2013
von 0 auf 2.300m
beeindruckende Landung zwischen den Bergen
willkommenheißende Ankunft
farbenfrohe Holzfachwerkhäuser mit Innen- und Außenmalereien
terrassenformige Dorfgestaltung
natürliche Landschaft - abwechslungsreiche Wälder.
das Moderne ruft in den Städten
Bhutan auf dem Weg zur happiness:
für ein Land ein Traum
für das Individuum die Entscheidung für welche
mentale hin zur materiellen Happiness?!
von der Tradition zur Moderne
Hauptstadt ohne Ampel
Stimmungsdämpfer: Müll
vor den Häusern, in der Landschaft
am exponierten Tigernest.
indische Straßenarbeiterinnen.
gecancelter Flug
Wer ist für uns da?
wo die Adresse…
sofortige Hilfe für lange Abenteuerautofahrt
Begegnung auf der Straße mit
Schlaglöchern.
nachts heulende Straßenhunde.
innere Ruhe über heilige Natur
friedvolle Menschen
alles dreht sich um COMPASSION
Compassion für alle Lebewesen!
Mitgefühl für die räumliche Umgebung?
Auf jeden Fall "Phalli" an jedem Haus.
nach 10 Stündiger bequemer, sorgsamer Autofahrt:
Begegnung mit Lama
gemeinsames Lachen und Lernen: Kern des nature being like a child
in jedem steckt ein Buddha
Bogenschießen
zweiter Teil der Reise — der Trek ins Himalaya zum Jomolhari
eine andere Reiseform ruft: zu Fuss und per Pferd:
Betreuungsschlüssel 6 für uns 4 , 10 Lastentiere, 2 Reittiere
junger Guide mit gemeinsam wachsender Liebe und Spaßigkeit
Koch mit allen Speisen für morgens, mittags, nachmittags und abends,
die Crew stetig bemüht unsere Wünsche abzulesen und zu erfüllen.
gemeinsames Murmelspielen,
es bleibt die sprachliche Barriere die trennende Kultur und Sozialisation.
am Wendepunkt der Wanderung zur Rückkehr
tibetische Fahnen versehen mit unseren Namen Bitten für Frieden in der Welt
frischgebackener Kuchen "Happy Trek".
ausgelassen das gemeinsame Gruppenfoto
Glück unser Wegbegleiter mt vielen Gebeten für Sonne und gute Sicht
angenehme Nächte
Wege über Stock und Stein: slippery, matschig
auf und ab, stetig nach oben
Herausforderung gegenüber der Höhe?
Anpassung an die Höhe problemlos
da ist er, der Jomolhari 7.325m: spitz, schneeig, mächtig
Trekänderung wegen Schnee und Eis ab 4.400m
Nachts stetig kühler, ab 19 Uhr ins Zelt
bis -10 C: alles anziehen und anlassen, am besten mit Bettflasche
warten bis zum Gutenmorgentee am Bett
Pferd Huri vorsichtig im Bewegungsablauf um die jüngste Pferdreiterin und -führerin am Trek an den Fersen nicht zu berühren
gelassen sanftmütig
zuverlässig über die stromreißenden Flussbrücken des Parochu
Bergvolk mit Sanftheit, Gleichmut, Humor
Wegbegleiter - leider
Müll - Plastik- Alu - Batterien
zu viel um darüber hinwegzusehen
im Fluss, auf dem Weg, am Campsite
Abschied aus Bhutan, vom geliebten Führer und Lama
Wehmut
von der Langsamkeit
zurück in die Schnelligkeit durch Einhalten von Flugdaten
Heike Linhart and Family
4 persons (3 Adults and 1 Child)
Germany
