Jomolhari/ Chomolhari Trek
high-altitude unspoiled area of Bhutan
high-altitude unspoiled area of Bhutan
The Jomolhari (Chomolhari) trek, is one of the most
popular treks in Bhutan. Starting at Drukgyel Dzong, this trek passes
through fields into deep forested valleys, which gradually lead to high
altitude pastures. Ranging in altitudes from 2500m - almost 5000m, the
trek covers a wide range of landscapes with the opportunities to see the
incredible Mount Jomolhari from Jomolhari Base Camp.
The Jomolhari trek is perfect for people who want to experience the
richness of landscape that Bhutan has to offer. Mt Jomolhari is one of
the most beautiful mountains in the world. Standing on the border of
China and Bhutan Jomolhari rises to 7314m and is considered to be a
sacred mountain and worshiped by both the Bhutanese and Tibetans. The
Deity of Jomolhari finds its place next to Lord Budha in a monastery
located just below the base camp of this great mountain.
The trip starts with a visit to Temple Tiger, one of the
most picturesque monasteries there is. The actual trek begins after a drive to
Drugkyel Dzong at Shana, in the picturesque Paro Valley. It is filled with
rhododendron forests The trek will take you across two high passes the Nyile La
(4700m) and the Yale Pass (4950m) before descending to the Thimphu River and
the Bhutanese capital of Thimphu.
Although a shorter walk compared to some in
Bhutan it offers a challenge with stunning scenery for those wanting a shorter
trek. The trek takes you into remote highlands of the Lingshi, witnessing the
lifestyles of the high altitude nomadic dwellers.
Day-1: Arrive Paro - Thimphu
Day-2: Paro Sightseeing
Day-3: Paro - Shana
Day-4: Shana - Thangthayka
Day-5: Soi Thangthayka - Jangothang
Day-6: Jangothang
Day-7: Jangothang - Lingshi
Day-8: Lingshi
Day-9: Lingshi Shodu
Day-10 : Shodu - Barshong
Day-11: Barshong - Dolam Kencho
Day-12: Dolam Kencho - Thimphu.
Day-13: Thimphu - Punakha
Day-14: Punakha - Paro
Day-15: Final Departure.
End of services
Day-1: Arrive Paro - Thimphu
Upon arrival meet with our representative and after lunch transfer to Hotel. Overnight at Hotel in Paro.
Day-2: Paro Sightseeing
Visit Kychu Lhakahang, National Museum and Paro Dzong. Later in the evening assemble the trekking gear. Overnight at Hotel in Paro.
Day-3: Paro - Shana
Drive up to Drukgyel Dzong where the road ends and trek begins, follow the river gently uphill through a agricultural valley and the village. Overnight stop at height of 2,800 m. Dist. 17 km. 5 to 6 hours.
Day-4: Shana - Thangthayka
Continue uphill through the alpine forest. It narrows and closes in and the winds along the drainage. The trek is mostly through the deep forest. Camp is in a meadow with a stone shelter. Alt. 3750m. Dist. 20 km. 8 to 9 hours.
Day-5: Soi Thangthayka - Jangothang
Continue up the Pa Chhu (river). Pass a small army post where the valley begins to widen again. Now views of high ridges and snow-capped peaks can be seen all around. Camp beneath a ruined fortress at the base of Mt. Jhomolhari and Mt. Jichu Drake. Alt: 4,040 m, Dist: 19 km, time about 6 1/2 hrs.
Day-6: Jangothang
Trek up to Tsophu for fishing or do any one of the three hiking excursions. Mt. Jhomolhari and its subsidiary are due west, Mt. Jichu Drake is to the north, unclimbed summits and ridges are to the east.
Day-7: Jangothang - Lingshi
Wide yak pastures are visible both on ways up and down the pass. You may encounter some nomads in their yak tents. You can see the Lingshi Dzong. Tserim Kang and its descending glaciers are at the north end of the valley from the Nyuele la pass alt. 4700m. Camp at alt: 4150 m, dist: 19 km. 7 to 8 hours.
Day-8: Lingshi
On this day, at Lingshi for one-day excursion to Tsokha, the base camp of Jichu Drake. Large herds of blue sheep and musk deer may be seen. Alt: 4,500 m, dist 15 km.
Day-9: Lingshi - Shodu
The trail ascends up to the Yalila Pass, altitude 4820 m, from the pass, Mt. Jhomolhari, Tserim Gang and Mt. Masagang can be seen on clear days. Then descend. Camp at ht: 3,963 m, 22 km. 9 to 10 hours.
Day-10 : Shodu - Barshong
Follow Wang Chhu through the forest of rhododendron and waterfalls, the river then narrows and closed in and the trail winds ascending to the ruins of Barshong Dzong. Camp just below the Dzong. Atl: 3,785 m dist: 13 kms. 6 to 7 hours.
Day-11: Barshong - Dolam -Kencho
Descend gradually to meet Wang Chhu, passing through forests of Rhododendron, then ascend once again onto pasture land. Camp in meadow. Atl: 3,628 m, dist: 11 km. 5 to 6 hours.
Day-12: Dolam Kencho - Thimphu.
Continue uphill through the forest to a small pass. The trial winds up and along the drainage. Wild animals may be seen. At Dodina, meet the transportation for drive to Thimphu. Dist: 14 km. 6 to 7 hours. Overnight at Hotel in Thimphu.
Day-13: Thimphu - Punakha
Morning Thimphu sightseeing, visit 
Memorial Chorten, Painting School, National Library. After lunch drive to Punakha/Wangdi across the Dochula Pass ( Alt: 3050m ) where once can see the beautiful views across the Dochula Pass (Alt: 3050 m) of Eastern Himalayan Range. Overnight at Hotel in Wangdi.
Day-14: Punakha - Paro
Visit Wangdi Dzong and Punakha Dzong, which is the winter home of Central Monk body (Je-Khenpo). After lunch transfer to Paro. Overnight Hotel
Day-15: Final Departure.
Drive to airport for the final departure.
End of services
No, this is a camping trip so you cannot.
All meals on trek are prepared for by the support team. We can also cater for vegetarian and any other dietary requirements.
This is a really difficult one to answer directly - "how will I cope with the altitude". To be honest, this is an ' unknown' factor as no-one can predict how your body will cope at altitude. People who have been to altitude many times in the past without problems, may on one climb suddenly develop problems. There are many factors that play a role. The only way to help combat this, is to take all of the necessary precautions, and walk slowly.
Bhutan has ‘High Value, Low Impact' tourism policy to preserve its cultural heritages and environment. Thus, with a high rate, it welcomes responsible travelers and few visitors. The policy is built on a daily “visa” fee of US$250 during the high season (which runs March to May and September to November), and US$200 during the low season (all other months). The amount sounds alarming, but is actually a minimum spending requirement that includes meals, three-star (minimum) accommodations in city hotels or countryside resorts, land transport, and guide service for every day spent in the country.
If you are going hiking or climbing or trekking then you need extra cover for your activities. Hiking and Climbing have become popular for many adventure seekers looking to add a climb up Kilimanjaro or a trek to Everest Base Camp, Annapurna or even Island Peak to their list of amazing adventures. But any climb to high altitude carries with it a number of risks and having the correct and good trekking insurance is an absolute must. We recommend two different groups depending on which country you reside in. For further details, click here
The elevation gain is around 530m or 1700 feet so it is a substantial climb and takes around 5-7 hours in total. However it is well worth the effort. By doing this at the start of the tour it helps with acclimatisation.
As a traveler from USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand you will need an adaptor for types C, E, F, D, M, G.
As a traveler from England you will need an adaptor for types C, E, F, D, M.
As a traveler from South Africa you will need an adaptor for types C, E, F, G.
Yes a visa for Bhutan is required for every foreign traveler and has to be processed by a local tour operator, as no foreign embassy abroad grants tourist visas. The visa cost is currently $40 and your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after you leave Bhutan.
Tap water is not safe to drink so you would need to buy mineral water which is readily available. Mineral water is readily available throughout the country. While on trek the guides will ensure that the water is boiled.
English is commonly spoken, as it is the medium of instruction in schools. The national and official language of Bhutan is Dzongkha. Road signs and government documents are written in English and Dzongkha, and the national newspaper is printed in English, Nepali and Dzongkha.