Jomolhari Round Trip. (6 nights/7days)
[spoiler title=’Day 1: Paro – Shana/Soi Thangthangkha. (Distance 6-7 hours hike, 3560m)’]
We drive 1.5 hours the winding road northwest up the Pa Chu to Drukyel, the ruined Dzong which once defended this valley from Tibetan invasion. This fortress, now under renovation, was once strategic in Bhutan’s defense against Tibetan invasion. Mt. Jhomolhari (24,500 feet), the sacred summit, reaches skyward beyond the Dzong. The road ends at Shana (2485m) where we find the army check post and the trek begins, following the river gently uphill through a narrowing agricultural valley. Many farms line the valley.
The trail proceeds up a wide valley beneath forest-covered mountains. Continue uphill through the river valley. It narrows and closes in and the trial winds up and down along the drainage. The trek is mostly downhill. Camp is in a meadow with a stone shelter.
The trailheads gradually up the river valley, passing farms and crossing and re-crossing the river many times. The trail goes up and down quite a bit and the footing is sometimes challenging with many river rocks on the path.
Overnight at Soi Thangthangkha campsite.
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[spoiler title=’Day 2: Soi Thangthangkha – Jangothang (Distance 5-6 hours hike, 4080m). ‘]
We continue up the Pa Chu, passing 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. You may see Yak herders’ winter homes. The trail climbs to a beautiful flat plateau with a small chorten, and then follows the river around a sharp bend. Another brief climb takes us to plateau where our staff will have a hearty lunch waiting for us.
After a hot lunch of noodles and vegetables, we continue, now above tree line, through a spectacular valley lined with snow peaks and several huge waterfalls. We pass the small village of Jangothang, with their new health clinic, school and within an hour, we reach the camp at the base of the ruins of an ancient fortress and (if it is clear) Jhomolhari looming at the end of the valley.
Overnight at Jangothang campsite.
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[spoiler title=’Day 3: Jangothang day Excursion to Tsophu (4300m) ‘]
Trek up to Tsophu or do any one of the three hiking excursions. Mt.Jhomolhari and its subsidiary are directly west, Mt.Jichu Drake is to the north, unclimbed summits and ridges to the east.
Today’s program is the excursion around Jhomolhari which can include a beautiful rewarding walk to the Tsophu Lakes. The trail crosses the river and begins to climb up to the lakes. A steep climb for about 45 minutes with spectacular views of Jitchu Drake and Jhomolhari which grow more and more impressive as you gain altitude. Once you reach the top of the plateau, the trail will level out and after crossing a small hill, the first lake will come into view. This is a spectacular walk with the three major peaks rising above the valley, a broad stream on your right and snow covered peaks in the distance. As we near the top of this first incline, we cross a small glacial stream. The trail winds up and into an upper valley, with snow capped peaks in the distance. Be on the lookout for Blue Sheep on the steep hillsides above the valley. In the fall, the sheep gather together in herds numbering up to 300 individuals. In addition to the Blue Sheep, there are several Snow Leopards, which live in this region but very hard to spot.Trek up to Tsophu or do any one of the three hiking excursions. Mt.Jhomolhari and its subsidiary are directly west, Mt.Jichu Drake is to the north, unclimbed summits and ridges to the east.
Today’s program is the excursion around Jhomolhari which can include a beautiful rewarding walk to the Tsophu Lakes. The trail crosses the river and begins to climb up to the lakes. A steep climb for about 45 minutes with spectacular views of Jitchu Drake and Jhomolhari which grow more and more impressive as you gain altitude. Once you reach the top of the plateau, the trail will level out and after crossing a small hill, the first lake will come into view. This is a spectacular walk with the three major peaks rising above the valley, a broad stream on your right and snow covered peaks in the distance. As we near the top of this first incline, we cross a small glacial stream. The trail winds up and into an upper valley, with snow capped peaks in the distance. Be on the lookout for Blue Sheep on the steep hillsides above the valley. In the fall, the sheep gather together in herds numbering up to 300 individuals. In addition to the Blue Sheep, there are several Snow Leopards, which live in this region but very hard to spot.
Overnight at Jangothang campsite.
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[spoiler title=’Day 4: Jangothang – Lingzhi (Distance 5-6 hours, Alt. 4150m) ‘]
After a long climb (3 to 3.5hr) the first high and windy pass of this trek, the Nyile La (16,040ft/4890m) is reached. From Nyile la you can see far towards the east-northeast into trekking area covered over the next couple of days. From the pass, descend a short and steep section with loose stones. After a 30 min hike down a flat sheltered lunch spot is reached. As we continue Masa Gang peak and Lingzhi Dzong can be seen in its full glory, a powerful, solitary structure in the middle of an enormous wilderness.
Finally the campsite which is located next to a tourist bungalow is reached.
Information on Lingzhi: the Lingzhi area has 118 households and about 400 people, some who have migrated from Tibet as refugees. Below the Lingzhi village is a military camp and a small hydro power plant.
Overnight at Lingzhi campsite.
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[spoiler title=’Day 5: Lingzhi – Shodu (Distance 7-8 hours, Alt. 3963m), ‘]
The trail for today goes through the rhododendron forest on the ridge above the camp and in an easterly direction towards a small chorten. After turning a corner going south a small valley where Chabey Chang Chhuu is reached. The last part of today’s climb is through an area called Jimenameshing with large boulders and several switchbacks. Finally after 4 hours, the top of Yale La 4820m is reached. From Yale La, a view of the Basingthang Peak, Mount Jhomolhari, Tserim Gang and Mt.Masagang can be seen on clear days. in the south can be seen. The campsite is at Shodu right after crossing a sandy slope.
Overnight at Shodu campsite.
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[spoiler title=’Day 6: Shodu – Barshong (Distance 4-5 hours. Alt. 3720m) ‘]
Today will be a pleasant day of hiking with not too many ups and downs. Pass a deserted military camp and follow the trail to the river through the limestone valley. A few bridges over the main river will be crossed, where good views of giant rock faces and waterfalls will be offered. The trail ascends 130m to the Barshong Dzong ruins (12,200ft/3720m) and finally a muddy campsite below the Dzong is reached.
Overnight at Barshong campsite.
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[spoiler title=’ Day 7: Barshong – Dolam kencho-Dodina-Thimphu (Distance 6-7 hours. (Alt. 2300m)’]
After crossing Tshongjug Chhu, a rocky trail ending at Wong Chhu will be followed. There will be several ups and downs and small streams to be crossed. Finally a split in the trail will be reached; the one to the right descends to the Dolam kencho (10,790ft/3290m).
The route descends to a side stream after having climbing from Dolam Kencho up to the main trail to a cairn 11,315ft/3450m. After some small ups and downs and a couple of short steep switchbacks the last stretch to Dodena is reached we will meet our car on the farm road and drive to Thimphu is approximated to be about 45 minutes long. End of the Trek
Overnight stay in Hotel Thimphu.
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Tashi Delek.