Jomolhari Trek with Mountain Festival

After breakfast drive to the road point access of Taktshang Monastery, the most famous of Bhutan’s monasteries. Taktshang means “Tiger’s Nest,” so named because Guru Rimpoche reportedly flew to the site of the monastery on the back of a flying tiger in the late centuries of the first millennium. The monastery is perched on a cliff nearly 1000m above the Paro valley floor. This day hike is not only historically and culturally interesting, but also incredibly scenic! It takes about two hours to reach the cafeteria, which gives a breathtaking view of the Tiger’s Nest. Continue hiking you can take another hour to reach the temple. Your tour leader will explain all the story and significance of the temple. The hike also serves to help you acclimatise to the altitude and prepare you for the trek in the coming days. On the way back visit the ruins of Drugyal Dzong fortress, which is an important Bhutanese heritage as it served as a strategic watchtower and a fortress that helped repel numerous Tibetan invasions in the 1600s. Peak of Jumolhari ‘Mountain of the Goddess’ can be seen on a clear day from here (7,329 mts/24,029 ft.) Visit Kyichu Lhakhang – believed to be the oldest Buddhist temple in Bhutan built during the 07th century. Stroll around town in the evening and then proceed to your resort to prepare for the trek.

This is your first trekking day and we keep it easy for your to acclimatise to the elevation. The trail continues to follow the river; gradually ascending through a mixed forest of blue pine and oak and, later in the afternoon, tall rhododendron trees, birch, fir and maple. Though the trail is a rough and rocky path, it is not too strenuous. In rainy conditions it can be quite muddy. There are several simple wooden bridges to cross and sometimes the river reaches right up to the trail. After 4 hours of walking through an ever-narrowing valley, we come to our campsite at Thongbuzam.

Several trails lead in other directions, such as the trail to Tremo La (LA: Pass), which was the old salt-trading route to Tibet. Not long before reaching the campsite, the trail leads you up a ridge with a chorten (CHORTEN: Buddhist monument). Beyond, in the distance at the end of the valley Mt. Jomolhari (7314m) comes into view. Finally, after an 8 hour walk, you reach the campsite located in a spacious clearing and directly facing Jumolhari. The view next morning of the sun’s rays striking the peak is breathtaking.

The third day’s trek is shorter so it’s possible to set off a little later and progress at a leisurely pace. When you reach an army outpost you are required to stop and register your entry permits issued by the army headquarters in Thimphu. This matter will be taken care of by your guide. The Pachu River is again to the right and the trail passes through some tiny villages. It will take less than six hours to reach Jangothang. The altitude at the camp is 4,080m and is a beautiful place to spend the night. The imposing, rounded bulk of Jomolhari fills the view to the Northeast and in the evening the profile of the ruined Jangothang Dzong, populated by huge ravens, creates a mystical atmosphere. The area is rich in bird life including the fire-tailed sunbird, ibisbill, white throated dipper, yellow-billed chough, rosy pipit, snow pigeon, blue-fronted redstart, plumbeous water redstart, blood pheasant, snow partridge and many more. Catch the annual Jomolhari Mountain festival in the afternoon organised by the local nomads of Lingshi and Chebisa.

Today is a day to rest and acclimatise to the altitude. The body also needs time to adjust to the falling temperatures, especially during the night. There are a number of opportunities to explore the valley and enjoy wonderful views of the mountains. Witness the Jomolhari Mountain Festival organized by the nomadic communities of Lingzhi and the day will have traditional mask dances and folk performances highlighting the nomadic culture of the area.

To aid acclimatisation, a walk to a higher altitude then returning to sleep at a lower altitude is an important and strongly recommended strategy. A 2 hour leisurely hike will take you to the twin lakes of Tshophu from which you’ll get excellent views of the cone-shaped Jichu Drakye (6989m) which resembles the Matterhorn. It is a sight to hold! Many rank this as the most beautiful mountain in Bhutan. Return to your campsite at Jangothang.

The trail follows a gentle stream for half an hour and crosses a bridge to the right bank. We now start our climb up the first ridge, enjoying breathtaking views of Chomolhari, Jichu Drake and Tserimgang. The trail then takes us across a fairly level valley floor until the climb up to Nyele-la Pass (4800m). We descend gradually enjoying a panoramic view of the mountainous peaks and Lingshi Dzong from the pass until we reach our campsite at Lingshi (4000m). Overnight at campsite

Our trail climbs up towards a small white chorten on a ridge above the camp, then turns south up the deep Mo Chu valley. The trail stays on the West side of this largely treeless valley, climbing steadily a short distance above the Mo Chu. It then crosses the river, and climbs steeply for two hours to Yeli-La (4820m). On clear day you can see Chomolhari, Gangchenta, Tserimgang and Masagang from this pass. The trail then descends alongside a stream to a rock shelter in a cliff face. It then continues on downstream until reaching Shodu (4100m), where we will camp in a meadow with a chorten in it. Overnight at campsite.

Our path follows the course of the Thimphu Chu, descending through Rhododendron, Juniper and mixed alpine forests. There are stunning views along the way. We stop at the riverside for a hot lunch. Then the trail takes us gradually upwards to the ruins of Barshong Dzong (3600m). From here descend for another 1 hour to the Domshisa campsite for the final night of camping.

After your last breakfast in nature, continue to hike towards Dolam Kencho. The trail winds through a dense forest of Rhododendron, Birch and conifers folloging the Thimphu river. The trail runs along the left bank of the river, climbing over ridges and descending into gullies where side streams run down into the river. The final stage of the trail climbs around a cliff face high above the Thimphu Chu. The trail continues southward to meet the motor-road at Dodena. Bhutan Travel Club's vehicle meets us here, and we drive to Thimphu. Tonight its Pizza time and beer time, and we know you'll love this change after a week in the mountains.

Explore some of the treasures of the capital town- drive up to Buddha point and visit Buddha Dordenma - a gigantic statue Sakyamuni Buddha.The statue is filled with over one hundred smaller statues ,each of which like the Buddha itself, but made of bronze and gilded with gold. At the height of 59.5 m, it is one of the tallest Buddha statues in the world. Proceed to Zorig- Chusum school 13 traditional arts/crafts, the Royal Textile Museum and Academy. Stroll around town and visit the Bhutan Post Office where you can see the famous Bhutanese stamps. If you would like, you can make stamps with your photos on it and post them to your loved ones. Proceed to the Stadium to witness the national game Archery played over a 120m long field. On the way back, walk past Kabesa village to get a sense of the countryside before returning to town. Visit the Crafts Bazaar in the afternoon, along the streets of Thimphu which sells and displays various handicrafts and textiles made entirely in Bhutan. In the evening visit the Memorial Chorten Stupa which is a sacred shrine built in the memory of third king of Bhutan. Countiue visit to Tashichhodzong – the fortress that is now the government’s central administration headquarters, and also the offices of the King and the Prime Minister.

After breakfast, drive to Kuensel Phodrang where the gigantic 169ft statue of Buddha Dordenma is near completion. Enjoy a panoramic view of Thimphu city from there while taking a short scenic hike through the Park. From here, lets take a beautiful hike on the Kuenselphodrang trail which is the capital city’s favourite hiking trail that lasts for 2 hours. The entire hike is through beautiful bluepine forests with great views over the capital city. The easy hike ends at Changangkha monastery and from here drive to the Takin Reserve centre to see the national animal of Bhutan. Drive to Punakha over the Dochula Pass (3140m). Situated atop the pass at the backdrop of fluttering prayer flags is the Druk Wangyal Chortens, a collection of 108 chortens (stupas) that was built to exemplify the greatness of the Fourth King. Descend to the low-lying rice valley of Lobesa and pay your respects to one of Bhutan’s most charming and eccentric historic figures nicknamed ‘The Divine Madman’ at the Chhimi Lhakhang – also called the fertility monastery - our guide will explain the entire story about it. The visit involves a short nice hike through a beautiful village surrounded by paddy fields. Stay in a cozy resort overlooking the valley.

Drive to Punakha valley to visit Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal stupa, which involves a short scenic hike through paddy fields for about 45 minutes till the hilltop where the temple is located. From here you can also enjoy a majestic view of the underlying valley. The temple itself is a splendid example of Bhutan’s fine architectural and artistic traditions and the only one of its kind in the world. From here you can optionally take another great hike from the riverside crossing a suspension bridge to other side of the Mo Chu river for approximately 3 km with hours hiking. A picnic lunch is served on the banks of the Punakha river. After lunch, continue to Punakha Dzong – the most beautiful fortress in Bhutan situated at the confluence of two rivers. This ancient fortress is the winter residence of the monastic order’s leadership and still serves as the administrative headquarters for the Punakha region. The fortress is a fine example of Bhutan’s rich art and architecture, and our guide who is an expert in iconography will explain all aspects of art, architecture, history and its significance. Proceed to Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Lhakhang Nunnery which is atop a ridge amid pine trees and overlooking valleys of Punakha and Wangduephodrang. Interact with the nuns and they love to speak English with visitors and learn about the ways of the world. Drive to Paro in the evening. Stoll the streets of Paro in the evening as you may want to take home a few souvenirs to remember your great trekking experience in Bhutan.

After breakfast at your hotel, your driver will take you to the airport. Your guide will help you with the formalities and fare you well on your onward journey.