Trekking

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Difficulty Rating: Hard

Maximum Elevation: 4,890 m

Preferred Season: March-June, September-November

The most popular treks are the Jomolhari treks. The shortest of the trekking routes is the Jomolhari Loop trekking route. The trek ranges from an altitude of 2,500 m to 5,000 m and offers beautiful scenery of the landscape, wilderness and the mountains of Bhutan. Mount Jomolhari can be seen very close by from the base camp, Jangothang and is the highlight of the trek. Trekkers have the option of avoiding high passes and choose an easier version of the Jomolhari Loop by returning to base from Jangothang (days 1-3), while still experiencing the beauty of Mount Jomolhari.

Time: 40 mins

Camp Altitude: 2,850 m

The first day of the trek commences at Gunitsawa. An army post along the trek will check for your trek permits which will be provided by your tour operator. The camp site is nearby opposite of the river.  

Distance: 22 kms

Time: 7-8 hours

Camp Altitude: 3,610 m

On the second day of trek the trail continues through the steep and narrow valleys. After going uphill for a few hours through the valley you will arrive to a meadow where camp will be set. During this part of the trek you will come across beautiful flora and fauna. 

Distance: 19 kms

Time: 5-6 hours

Camp Altitude: 4,080 m

This part of the trek is a great opportunity to view Mt. Jomolhari. The early morning will give you an opportunity to view the majestic mountain. The trek continues up the Paro valley which widens as you increase altitude. You will experience a change in scenery as you move onwards as the valley opens up into scanty growth of forests. Along the way an old army check post will be crossed. The scenery along the trek is beautiful with plenty of mountains along the way. A drop in temperature will also be experienced the further the trek continues. Yak herders and yaks are common in the area and are a regular feature of the landscape. Soe, Takethang and Dangochang are the villages you will cross along the way to the Jomolhari basecamp. After crossing these villages you reach Jangothang, the basecamp, where you will camp for the night. The view of Mt Jumolhari from the basecamp is spectacular.

Camp Altitude: 4,080 m 

The rest day in Jangothang provides plenty of possibilities for day hikes with great views of lakes and snow capped mountains such as Jomolhari 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 acclimatization. 

Distance: 16 kms

Time: 6-7 hours 

Camp Altitude: 3,800 m 

You will pass the lake of Tshophu during this trek and cross the Bhonte La Pass at 4,890 m. The pass is the highest point of the Jumolhari Loop trek. The descent commences once you cross the pass along the Dhumzo Chuu river. You trek downstream passing Soi Yaktsa village and a little while later you reach your campsite. 

Distance: 11kms
Time: 4-5 hours

Camp Altitude: 4,180 m 

The trail from Soi Yaktsa to Thombu Shong involves a climb of over a ridge and crossing the Takhung La Pass (4,520 m). Then you descend to Thombu Shong where your camp will be set next to a few yak herders huts.

Distance: 13 kms

Time: 4-5 hours

Camp Altitude: 2,850 m 

The final day of the trek involves crossing Thombu La pass (4,380m) and thereafter you will finally reach Gunitsawa where you can be collected. You also have the option of spending another day at the campsite, Sharna Zampa, where you spent the first day of your trek.