Itinerary for Jomolhari Trek with sightseeing Tour in Paro and Thimphu
Day 1: Arrive at Paro International Airport and transfer to hotel
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 at a 3-star hotel in Paro.
Day 2: 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 at a 3-star in Paro.
Day 3: Paro to Shana 2870m/15km/5-6 hours (Jomolhari Trek - Day 1)
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 2800m. There is now a feeder road as far as the army check post at Gunitsawa about half an hour before camp. Overnight at a tented camp in Shana.
Day 4: Shana to Soi Thangkha 3750m/20km/8-9 hours (Jomolhari Trek - Day 2)
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 3750m. Overnight at a tented camp in Soi Thangkha.
Day 5: Soi Thangkha to Jangothang 4040m/17km/5-6 hours (Jomolhari Trek - Day 3)
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 4040m) it is possible to see yaks and yak herders. Camp is beneath a ruined fortress at the base of Mount Jomolhari. Overnight at a tented camp in Jangothang.
Day 6: Rest day at Jomolhari base camp (Jomolhari Trek - Day 4)
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 at a tented camp in Jomolhari Base Camp.
Day 7: Jangothang to Lingshi 4010m/18km/6-7 hours (Jomolhari Trek - Day 5)
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 4010 metres. Overnight at a tented camp in Lingshi.
Day 8: Lingshi to Shodu 4100m/19km/7-8 hours (Jomolhari Trek - Day 6)
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 4100m. Overnight at a tented camp in Shodu.
Day 9: Shodu to Barshong 3600m/16km/5-6 hours (Jomolhari Trek - Day 7)
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. Overnight at a tented camp in Barshong.
Day 10: Barshong to Dodena 2600m/17km/5-6 hours (Jomolhari Trek - Day 8) and drive 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. Overnight at a 3-star hotel in Thimphu.
Day 11: Thimphu sightseeing tour
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 to Paro. Overnight at a 3-star hotel in Paro.
Day 12: Fly from Paro to your further destination
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).
Bhutan Trip Cost based on group size basis:
01Pax - USD 4245
02Pax - USD 3530 Per Person
03-08Pax - USD 3365 Per Person
09-16Pax - USD 3310 Per Person
Single Supplement - USD 45 Per Night
Additional Cost for Bhutan Visa Fee - USD 50.
Customize Your Trek and Tour in Bhutan: 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.
- 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
