Jumolhari Trek (14 Days)Day 1 : Arrival at ParoDuring the flight, you will experience breathtaking views of Mount Everest, Kanchenjunga and other Himalayan peaks like sacred Jumolhari & Jichu Drake in Bhutan. On arrival representatives of Zopa Adventure travel will escort you to your hotel. Visit National Museum. Night halt at Paro. Day 2 : Paro – SightseeingAfter breakfast, drive to Drugyel Dzong, the ruined fortress which once defended Paro Valley from Tibetan invasion. This fortress, now a burnt shell, was strategic in Bhutan’s defence against Tibetan invasion. The sacred mountain Jumolhari (7,314 meters) can be seen in the background on a clear day. Hike up to the famous Taktshang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest) to the viewpoint, refreshment at the cafeteria and hike up to the main monastery. Overnight at Paro. Day 3 : Paro- Shana (Trek begins)After breakfast, drive up to Drugyel Dzong where the road ends and the trek begins. Following the Pa Chu River gently uphill through a narrowing valley. Camp is just beyond an Army post. Altitude: 2800 meters. Distance: 17 Km. 5-6 hrs. Day 4 : Shana- Soi ThankthangkaContinue uphill through the river valley. It narrows and closes in and the trail winds up and down along the waterway. Camp is in a meadow with a stone shelter built for trekkers. Altitude: 3600 meters. Distance: 21 Km.- 7-8 hrs. Day 5 : Soi Thangthangka- JangothangOn up the Pa Chu River, passing a small army post where the valley widens again, one can view the high ridges and then snow-capped peaks located all around. You begin to see yaks and yak herder’s camp. Altitude: 4040 meters. Distance: 19 Km.- 5-6 hrs. Day 6 : Jangothang (halt)Trek up to Tsophu or there are stupendous day- hikes in three directions. You can take short excursion to small ridges to get good view of the mount Jumolhari. Day 7 : Jangothang- LingshiWide yak pastures on the way up and down the pass, possibly see some people in their yak hair tents depending on the time of the year. Great view of Lingshi Dzong as you comes down into the Lingshi base if the weather is clear. Tserim Gang and its descending glaciers at the north end of the valley. Camp is in a stone shelter built for trekkers. It has an inside fire pit and you can sleep on a wooden floor or in a tent. Altitude: 4150 meters. Day 8 : Lingshi HaltA day excursion to Tshokha (lake) i.e. base camp for Jichu Drake. During the excursion it is possible to see hundreds of blue sheep and musk Deer. Altitude: 4500 meters. Distance: 15 Km, 3-4 hrs. Day 9 : Lingshi- ShoduThe trail ascends up to the Yalila pass (4820 m.) from the mount Jumolhari. On a clear day, Tserim Gang and Masagang can be seen. Camp is in a stone shelter. Altitude: 3963 meters. Distance: 22 Km, 7-8 hrs. Day 10 : Shodu- BarshongFollow the Thimphu Chu, river through the thick forest of rhododendrons and waterfalls. It narrows and closes in and the trail winds up and down along the waterway. Ascending up to the ruins of Barshong Dzong, camp is just below the ruined Dzong with a stone shelter. Altitude: 3785 meters. Distance: 13 Km., 3-4 hrs. Day 11 : Barshong- Dolem KenchoDescending down to meet Thimphu River following gradually through the forest of rhododendrons and ascending up to the pastureland. Camp in a meadow. Altitude: 3628 meters. Distance: 11 Km, 3-4 hrs. Day 12 : Dolem Kencho- ThimphuContinue up hill to a small pass. The trail winds up and down along the waterway. Wild animals, such as Languor, can be seen. At Dodina, meet the transportation van to return to Thimphu. Distance: 4-5 hrs. Overnight at Druk Hotel. Day 13 : Thimphu- SightseeingA full day sightseeing and shopping in Thimphu. Stroll around the town, visit the Handicraft Development center. Afternoon visit Memorial Chorten, Zilukha Nunnery. Overnight at Druk Hotel. Day 14 : Thimphu-Punakha/Wangdue/BackFull day excursion to Punakha/Wangdue (1250 m.) valley across Dochula Pass. On a clear day, a whole range of the northern snow capped Himalayan Peaks can be seen from the pass. Overnight at Druk Hotel. Day 15 : Thimphu- Paro (Departure)Early morning drive to Paro airport for departure. |