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Jumolhari Base Camp Trek

Jumolhari Base Camp Trek
Click to Enlarge

Duration: 12 Days

Trip Grade: three star

Join-in Departure Jomolhari Base Camp trek 12 Days is the most popular trail of Bhutan.  It traverses through remote highland meadows and wild world of the yak herders, the steep pass Yalila at 4800 metre and small villages on the way.  The best views of Jumolhari 7314 metre are from the camp site at Jangothang.  Mountains in Bhutan are not allowed for climbing as these are considered holy abode of deities. In season the area is full of primulas, poppies, gentianas and the spectacular rheum nobile.

 

Itinerary

Day 1 : Arrive Paro 2200m.

Arrive at Paro international airport, Bhutan. Transfer to hotel, refresh and check-in.  Meet and orient with Trek Guide for a briefing on the next days schedule.  To acclimatize a short tour will be organized to Kyichu Lhagang one of the sacred sites for a glimpse of Buddhism practices and a walk in Paro town.

 

Return to hotel for an equipment check in case anyone should require additional gear.  Enjoy a nice Bhutanese dinner.

Overnight Hotel.

 

Day 2 : Paro tour, Tiger's Nest monastery 3100m & National Museum

Paro, a beautifull valley with homes set among terraced paddy fields and orchards. It is a unique combination of the rural and urban dwellings. 

 

Take an early hike to Taktsang “Tiger’s Nest” monastery built by Guru Rimpoche as legends have it who flew on the back of a mythical tigress.  This incredible structure seems to float on clouds amidst the craggy sides of a hill.  Option to walk to the monastery or enjoy views from a mid way point.

 

Visit Ta Dzong National Museum and walk down the trail to visit Rinpung Dzong which has a long and fascinating history from here walk across a traditional cantilever bridge.

 

This evening is for repacking, to leave items not required on the trek.

Overnight Hotel.

 

Day 3 : Transfer past Drukyel Dzong 2580m to Shana 2860m and trek to Thongo Zampa 3250m, 11kms, approx 4hrs

A short drive of approx 20 minutes up Paro valley to Drukyel Dzong, originally built as a fortress in 1647 to guard against Tibetans invaders. Continue 1-1.5h drive to Shana from where the trek will begin. The scenic drive passes through farming villages with fields of rice, wheat, barley, mustard, potato, and radish as well as herds of cows. Here are fine examples of Bhutanese two storey, timber and stone houses to be seen. Also first views of Jumolhari 7314m summit at the head of the valley.

 

Start trek and break for lunch at a suitable spot on the first day it is likely a packed lunch.  The beginning section of the trail is wide and flat as it meanders steadily through lightly forested fields, in recent years the area has been the site of ongoing large-scale projects to bring electricity to isolated villages up the valley.

Overnight camp Thongo Zampa.

 

Day 4 : Trek to Soi Thangthangkha 3700m, approx 4hrs

Today's trail is inside Jigme Dorje National Park, largest protected area 4350 sq kms which extends beyond Laya to Lunana in the east and all the way south.  The wilderness sanctuary is managed by the park office based in Gasa to handle the needs of lowland farmers and semi-nomadic yak herders. There is rich in plant species and wildlife at both high and low altitudes.  Lush forests of oaks, maple, birch, larch pine and alders give way to rhododendron and pines as the trek gets higher.  Many camp stops are not settlements but clearings beside a water source suitable for camping.

 

Overnight camping.

 

Day 5 : Trek to Jumolhari Base Camp, "Jangothang" 4100m, 12kms, approx 5hrs.

Continue trek ascending to camp at the base of Jumolhari, a stunning alpine setting. Jichu Drake 6794m rises to the right with a fine, elegant ridge running down toward the pass to be crossed next day. Camp in view of yak herders from Paro Valley like their counterparts in Southern Tibet live in woven yak wool tents all through the summer months. At this point the trail is above treeline and the landscape is low tundra of juniper and rhododendron setosum; look out for blue sheeps in the higher rocky outcrops.

Overnight camping.

 

Day 6 : Jumolhari Base Camp, "Jangothang" rest and exploration

A perfect day for rest and acclimatisation. Take a side trip up a small valley towards Jumolhari for a dramatic view towards the glacier and imposing face of this 7000m mountain. Or option to take a scenic excursion up to Sopu lake set adjacent to Nyile La pass, both are superb photo ops.

Overnight camping.

 

Day 7 : Cross Nyile La 4850m, 18kms, approx 8hrs to Lingshi

The trail begins with ascent over rolling slopes of grassland and small brushes to Nyile La 4850 metres. A relatively long day and the first Himalayan pass so advisable to take it slowly especially on the final steep path just below the pass where grasses give way to scree and sand. Views enroute to Jichu Drake are magnificent. From the Nyile La it is a steep descent through dwarf rhododendron shrub towards Lingshi village. In the distance are first sights of Lingshi Dzong built to protect this and the other outlying villages from periodic raids from Tibet. Before reaching village and Dzong, turn off descending to cross a stream, after a short stiff climb descend into the quiet valley to camp by a stream.

Overnight camping.

 

Day 8 : Cross Yale La 4950m, trek to Shodu 3950m, walk approx 8hrs

Today is the most difficult day so an early start is necessary. Start trek and ascend gradually through the valley until the stiff climb to Yale La pass at 4950 metres - the highest point of the trek. The final push to the top of the pass is hard work though rewarding, the panoramic views of Jumolhari 7314m, Jichu Drake 6794m and Tshrim Gang are breathtaking!  Across the pass it is a long descent to the camp at Shodu.

Overnight camping.

 

Day 9 : To Barshong 3700m, walk approx 7 - 8hrs

The path now follows the Thimchu River descending through rhododendron, juniper and pine forests.  Views of the cliff facing rocks and water falls are splendid. The trail gradually ascends after 3 to 4 hours to the ruins of Barshong Dzong to camp for the night.

Overnight camping.

 

Day 10 : Trek ends at Dolam Kencho, walk approx 5 - 6 hrs, transfer to Thimphu, approx 1.5hrs.

The trail descends for a while joining the Thimchu river and gradually up and down through thick bamboo and pine forests. Walk approximately 2 hours to reach an old campsite at Domshesha before continuing for another 3-4 hours to Dolam Kencho and the roadhead where vehicle will be awaiting for transfer to Thimphu, capital of the country.

Time permitting, visit the Tashichho Dzong. Left baggages in Paro would have been transferred and available at the hotel in Thimphu. Enjoy a nice hot shower and a soft bed in as many days and a pleasant evening at dinner.  The bustle of the city would be an unfamiliar sound after the serenity of the trek! Catch up on souvenir hunting at the many retailers and enjoy a stroll in the city center.

Overnight Hotel.

 

Day 11 : Thimphu tours, later transfer to Paro, 1.5hrs drive.

Sightseeing in the capital with its many interesting places to visit :

 

Takin enclosure to see the country’s uniquely endangered national animal. 

Buddha Point the largest statue of the Buddha, it has good views of Thimphu valley. It contains holy Buddhist scriptures, images and a library.

Simply Bhutan, an interactive 'living' museum developed for and by the youth of Bhutan through the Bhutan Youth Development Fund.

National Textile Museum which offers an in-depth look into the many weaving techniques and styles of local dress and textiles from different areas.  Weavers are usually at work on their looms giving visitors an opportunity to see this traditional way of doing things.

Jungshi Traditional Paper factory to see the process of using traditional method to make this strong and durable paper.  It uses the bark of two tree species, the Daphne tree and Dhekap tree in the manufacture of traditional paper.

Transfer to Paro for overnight. 

Overnight Hotel.

 

Day 12 : Paro departure

It is time to reluctantly bid goodbye trekking in the Bhutan Himalayas a most amazing experience, transfer to airport for departure.

 

Please note : all distances and walking hours indicated are approximate; time taken depends on each individuals walking pace and does not include rest and lunch stops.

 

KINDLY NOTE : of 26 June 2022, a new tourism tariff will replace the current one and rates for all trips are on request basis at this time of post.

 

 

Bhutan's Paro International Airport is connected by Druk Air and Bhutan Air flights from Bangkok, Kolkata, Delhi, Kathmandu and Singapore.

 

 

Hotels : Standard Tourist Accommodation are in the 3* and 3* plus categories with upgrades on payment of supplementary cost in locations where available.

 

 

Local Trip Leaders : all tours are lead by our experienced and knowledgeable Bhutan Trek Leaders to give you an insight from a local perspective and accompany the group from arrival to departure.

 

 

Visa : on confirmation and full tour payment; visas will be processed.  

 

 

Pre & Post Tour assistance : those who plan  to make pre or post tours to Nepal, India or Tibet TAR can do so, please enquire to make arrangements. Nepal and India are just a little over 1 hour flight connected daily.   

 

 

Exit Options : those who do not wish to fly can exit by land to Darjeeling and Sikkim, India.

 

Book and enjoy Jumolhari Base Camp trek 12 Days to experience a memorable adventure in the Bhutan Himalayas!

KINDLY NOTE : of 26 June 2022, a new tourism tariff will replace the current one and rates for all trips are on request basis at this time of post.

 

 

Bhutan's Paro International Airport is connected by Druk Air and Bhutan Air flights from Bangkok, Kolkata, Delhi, Kathmandu and Singapore.

 

 

Hotels : Standard Tourist Accommodation are in the 3* and 3* plus categories with upgrades on payment of supplementary cost in locations where available.

 

 

Local Trip Leaders : all tours are lead by our experienced and knowledgeable Bhutan Trek Leaders to give you an insight from a local perspective and accompany the group from arrival to departure.

 

 

Visa : on confirmation and full tour payment; visas will be processed.  

 

 

Pre & Post Tour assistance : those who plan  to make pre or post tours to Nepal, India or Tibet TAR can do so, please enquire to make arrangements. Nepal and India are just a little over 1 hour flight connected daily.   

 

 

Exit Options : those who do not wish to fly can exit by land to Darjeeling and Sikkim, India.

 

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