Jumolhari Trek I 12 nights/ 13 days
This is one of the best and finest treks. This trek gives excellent opportunity to view great Himalayan summits like Mt.Jumolhari, Mt.Tsheringgang, etc. It's also possible to view Jumolhari from Jangothang. The trek best suit from April to June and September to November. Days are warm but become cold above Jangthang. Snows are near and road are muddy in the rain.
The starting point of trek is from ruin Drugyel Dzong.
Itinerary
Day 01: Arrive Paro Airport
Day 02: Paro sightseeing
Day 03: Trek to begin Drugyel Dzong to Shana (17km, 5-6 hours)
Day 04: Shana to Soi-Thangthangka (22km, 6-7 hours)
Day 05: Soi-Thangthangka-Jangothang(Base camp Mt.Jumolhari,19km, 5-6 hours)
Day 06: Day halt for altitude acclimatization/excursion
Day 07: Jangothang to Lingshi(18km, 5-6 hours)
Day 08: Lingshi to Shodu (22km, 8-9 hours)
Day 09: Shodu to Barshong (16km 5-6 hours)
Day 10: Barshong to Dolam Kencho (15km, 5-6 hours)
Day 11: Dolam Khencho to Dodina and drive to Thimphu (8km, 3 hours)
Day 12: Thimphu sightseeing
Day 13: Drive to Paro Airport for departure
Detailed Itinerary
Day 3
DRUKGYEL DZONG TO SHANA (17 km 5-6 hours)
First day of the trek follows Paro Chhu valley climbing up the ridges.
The actual trek starts from Drukgyel Dzong at 2580 m. From here you
look back to see how dzong was positioned. After covering short distance
you will find settlement of Chang Zampa. A further walk takes to settlement
of Mitshi Zampa finding little shops and hotels.The valley widen and
you will reach at army post of Gunyitsawa at 2810 m, there are also
primary schools and shops.
Day 4
SHANA TO SOI-THANGTHANGKA (22 km, 6-7 hours)
The trek continuous at side of Pa chhu through conifers and rhododandron
coming across Jigme Dorji Wangchuk National Park. By making gentle
climb on the rock through oak, crossing several steams come across
Phari Dzong of Tibet. Then climb little ridge, cross the Paro Chhu
on a wooden bridge. Finally come across Thangthangka at 3630 m, where
Bhutanese style house are there.
Day 5
SOI-THANGTHANGKA TO JANGOTHANG (19 km, 5-6 hours)
At night Jumolhariis covered with cloud, but be sure to view early
in the morning. Jumolhariappears behind the a ridge. Less than an
hour from camp at 3730 m is army post. A short climb leads to small
chorten finding yak country. Making further climb come across Takethang,
clustered of stone houses on plateau at 3940 m.
Day 6
DAY HALT – JANGOTHANG
Here is best viewpoint, you won't get better any better than here.
The ridge is endless, after an hour of climb you can view Jichu drake
(6989 m) and Jumolhari. If you like to see much of the country better
to trek Nyile La to Lingzhi.
Day 7
JANGOTHANG TO LINGSHI (18 km, 5-6 hours)
If you have problem with altitude don't go to Lingshi. Ten minutes
after beyond the camp, finds settlements. This is the last settlements
in the valley and is extremely isolated places. From this place you
can also view Jichu Drake. Passing by you can see Jumolharipeak. Then
it comes across Nyile La at 4890 m. Dropping down to the valley at
4450 m and stop for lunch here. Trekking further see army camp, where
Jumolharipeak is visible. At last coming to Lingzhi.
Day 8
LINGSHI TO SHODU (22 km, 8-9 hours)
The Laya Gasa route leaves the Jumolhari and climbs opposite the camp
towards dzong through white chorten. It climbs steeply to Yeli La
(4820 m). From this pass on the clear day, you can view Jumolhari,
Gangchhenta, Tserim Kang and Masang Gang. Further downstream come
across Shodu at 4110 m.
Day 9
SHODU TO BARSHONG (16 km, 5-6 hours)
The route cross the river 6 times on bridge built of huge logs. Within
one hour climb come to Barshong; in Barshong you find small ruin Dzong.
The camp in below the ruin dzong at 3680 m.
Day 10
BARSHONG O DOLAM KENCHO (15 km, 5-6 hours)
The trek continue over dense forest of rhododendron, birch and conifers
and drop to Thimphu Chhu. It reach to Dolam Kencho camp at 3430 m.
Day 11
DOLAM KENCHO-DODINA AND DRIVE TO THIMPHU ( 8 km, 3 hours)
The trail goes in and out through conifers and high broadleaf species
to pass at 3510 m. The trail drop down and reach to road head at Dodina
at 2600 m.
