Nov 2

Nov 2 Jumolhari Naro 6 Passess Trek

This new trek route is a combination of the Jumolhari Trek, Naro Trek, Laya-Gasa Trek and the Druk Path Trek. The trail traverses 6 spectacular himalayan passes. Among the 6 passes, the two highest passes are Yele La (4950m) and Nyile La (4870m) while the remaining four passes ranging between 4200m and 4700m.

This route offers ample opportunities to immerse in magnificent landscapes, understand the nomadic lifestyle of the yak herders and the chance to spend two nights beneath the imposing slopes of Jomolhari (7315m).

Best season : April, May, September & October

DAY 01 / ARRIVE IN PARO, BHUTAN
The flight to Bhutan offers scenic views of some of the highest peaks in the world. Paro, the site of the only international airport in Bhutan sits at an altitude of 2280m above sea level, the fertile valley serves as an ideal area for rice, apple, wheat, potatoes and vegetable growing.

The Bhutan Scenic Tour guide will receive you at Paro airport, and welcome you with traditional scarves. After a brief rest at your hotel in Paro to recover and refresh from the flight, we embark on a leisurely exploration around Paro valley to get a sense of the place. This introduction is a good way to orient with the culture and the traditional way of life in Bhutan.

We then explore the Paro, Rimpung Dzong(fortress/castle) built in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal the first spiritual and temporal ruler of Bhutan, the Dzong houses the monastic body and district administration.

On the way back from the Dzong we enjoy a walk across the 350 year old traditional bridge that spans over. This walk offers an up close view of the architectural wonder of the fortress/castle.

Evening at leisure or stroll leisurely in the vibrant Paro Market and later we check out a game of traditional archery (national game) in progress at the range close by the market area.

Altitude 2200m / overnight in Paro

DAY 02 / PARO / Acclimatization Hike
We make a short drive to the north of the valley and begin our day hike to Tigers Nest. This spiritual landmark is an awe inspiring testament to the living spiritual legacy of Bhutan. The hike takes 3 hours on ascent and about 1.5 hours on descent.

The Tigers Nest Monastery (3100m) is among one of the most popular spiritual heritage sites and a cultural landmark in the Kingdom of Bhutan. One of the most venerated places precariously perched on the side of a cliff 900m above the Paro Valley floor. Guru Rinpoche arrived at this spot on a back of flying tigress and meditated here in a cave for three years, and hence it is called "Tigers Nest".

This site has been recognized as the most spiritual of sites in Bhutan and many eminent saints have meditated in this area. It is visited by all Bhutanese at least once in their life time. The monastery defies both gravity and imagination.

We will enjoy lunch and refreshments at the cafeteria which offers an impressive view of the temple. We will be able to return to the hotel before the afternoon is out, or if you prefer we can return to Paro town for leisure, time in a café or stroll through the market.

Altitude 2200m / overnight in Paro

DAY 03 / PARO to SHANA (1.5 Hours )
We will enjoy a scenic 2 hour drive across villages, forests and farmlands to arrive in Shana, the northernmost road accessibility. Along the way we will also stop at Drukgyel fortress and also wayside villages. We will arrive at our campsite in time for lunch.

Camp : Shana / Altitude : 2890m

DAY 04 / SHANA to THANGTHANGKA (7 to 8 hours)
We begin the trek today by following the river upstream from the campsite to the Shana bridge, which was destroyed by major flood caused by glacial lake outbursts in 1950s. This bridge was used in the old days by travelers coming from or going to Phari in Tibet, it also functioned at a toll gate where tax was collected in the form of rocksalt.

The trail climbs steadily through a heavily forested area of pine,oak, rhododendron, spruce, bamboo and ferns. After crossing a small house, Shing Karap is reached. Not far after Shing Karap, we pass a junction enroute, where another path leads up the forbidden pass of Tremo La and onwards to the city of Phari in Tibet. This used to be the old trading route.

Following the main river upstream, the trail makes a short steep climb and descent followed by a big bridge at 3250 m, crossing to the east side of the river is Thongo Zam, a possible lunch spot. The trek to Thangthangka continues for about 3 to 4 hours through the forest consisting of birch, fir, larch, maple, blue pine and rhododendron. After a short climb we reach Seyende Zam where there is a big chorten (stupa). During favorable weather we can see the Chomolhari peak to the north from this point. We finally continue further up about 30 minutes until we reach our camp situated in a meadow.

Camp : Thangthangkha / Altitude : 3500m

DAY 05 / THANGTHANGKA to JANGOTHANG (7 hours)
After enjoying a good hearty breakfast we walk for 1 hr until we pass a small army frontier post. The trail slowly leaves the forest line and gradually climbs into Tegethang valley, a winter home of the nomadic yak herdsmen. Lunch will be served at one of these huts enroute. Lots of yaks will be seen today before we arrive at Jangothang, the Chomolhari base camp. This valley is wide, and high mountains like Chomolhari, Jichu Drake overlook the camp and visible nearby are the ruins of an old fortress.

Camp : Jangothang / Altitude : 4045m.

DAY 06 / JANGOTHANG (Rest Day)

Acclimatization and Rest day at Jangothang base camp ( Jumolhari base camp )

A rest day at Jumolhari base camp will help with the acclimatization. There are some good hikes from Jumolhari camp towards the twin lakes of Tsophu to view the snow clad peaks and visit homes of the nomads, if they are around.

Camp : Jangothang / Altitude : 4045m

DAY 07 / JANGOTHANG to LINGSHI (7 to 8 hours)

After breakfast we walk north and then cross a log bridge over a stream. A steep switchback trail starts climbing out of the valley into another that leads to the final climb and pass. It is a long climb about 3 to 4 hours to reach the first high and very windy pass of this trek, the Nyelela Pass “sleepy pass” (4890m/16,040 ft). The Nyelela Pass offers a panoramic view of the trekking routes and adjoining peaks such as Jumolhari, Jichu Drake, Gangchen Tak (Tiger Mountain) and Tserimgang. Along the way there may be opportunities to come across the himalayan griffon vulture and blue sheep, from a distance.

After offering our prayers to the deities at the pass we descend down a short but steep section with loose stones. Less than 30 minutes down is a flat and much more sheltered area away from the wind which is a good lunch spot. We then continue to descend through a narrow gorge with a small river crossing leading to a viewing point from which the 17th century Lingshi Dzong can be seen. This fortress is a powerful, solitary structure in the middle of an enormous wilderness. Our campsite is situated next to a river.

Camp Lingshi / Altitude : 4010m.

DAY 08 / LINGSHI to WALEYTHANG (8 hours)
Today we cross the Yele la pass (4820m). An early start is required as it will be a long day with a fair amount of climbing. The gentle trail along the Mo Chu River is initially dominated by Lingshi Dzong behind us, which then recedes in the distance as we climb. After about 3 hours we cross the river followed by another 2 hours at a slow and steady pace should see us on the Yele pass(4820m). Again we will be enjoying the picture perfect panorama of Jumolhari, Ganchentak, Tserimgang and few others.

A steady and not too steep descent leads us past slopes where the blue sheep graze and then follow the Thimphu chu river towards shodu. Now our route diverges from the main trail to the camp at Waleythang.

Camp Waleythang / Altitude : 4160m

DAY 09 / WALEYTHANG to GANG-TSA (7 to 8 hours)
We begin the day with a gentle but steady three hour climb by following an old yak herders trail to reach the Ledi la pass (4700m), our third pass so far. We follow the shoreline of a beautiful blue lake on a good trail which then threads its way beneath towering cliffs to reach our next camp by a yak herders shelter at Gang-Tsa (3800m).

Camp Gang Tsa / Altitude : 3800m

DAY 10 / GANG TSA to JIGMELANGTSHO (6 to 7 hours)
Following the valley downstream from our camp, we cross the Tango Chari Chu stream. The trail climbs across another forested ridge to drop into the next valley. A gradual climb leads through the pine forests and over to the large sacred lake of Jigmelangtsho (sand ox lake)

Camp Jigmelangtso lakeside / Altitude : 3880m

DAY 11 / JIGMELANGTSHO to LABANAH (6 to 7 hours)

A steady climb leads to Yusa la pass (4380m) and we drop down over rocky terrain then climb again to Dung Tsho la pass (4300m) to join the Druk Path Trek, the traditional route between Paro and Thimphu. We camp a little further on, either by a sheltered lake or at Labanah.

There are a number of campsite options on this route and we will collectively decide upon the campsite after assessing the local conditions.

Camp Labanah / Altitude : 4100m

DAY 12 / LABANAH to THIMPHU (5 to 6 hours)
The final pass to conquer on this trek is the Labanah La at 4200m from which Gangar Punsum and the rest of the Bhutan Himalaya can be seen, weather permitting.

The trail slowly descends through junipers tress and finally descends down to Phajoding monastery from where Thimphu town is visible at the valley floor. The trek from Phajoding to Thimphu is downhill all the way, passing through a forested area mostly blue pine. With a leisurely pace, you can reach Thimphu in about 2 hours and enjoy a hot shower, fluffy pillows and a comfortable bed.

Altitude : 2300m

DAY 13 / THIMPHU

Today is set aside for a full day of cultural exploration in the capital, of Bhutan.

We begin the day with a visit to the Institute for Zorig Chusum (commonly known as Painting School) where students undertake a six year course on the 13 traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan ( open : Monday to Fridays). Other sightseeing highlights include:

National Library; which holds a vast collection of ancient Buddhist texts and manuscripts, some dating back several hundred years, as well as modern academic books mainly on Himalayan culture and religion. On display here is, "Bhutan - A visual odyssey", a book conceived and printed by the MIT USA & Hewlett Packard and is the biggest book in the world. ( open : Monday to Fridays)

The Institute of Traditional Medicine; this is where traditional medicine are manufactured and healing are practiced in accordance to ancient scriptures and traditions. ( open : Monday to Saturdays)

The traditional handmade paper factory displays and demonstrates the Bhutanese traditional craft of paper making. (open : Monday to Saturdays)

The simply Bhutan Museum; The museum is under the patronage of Her Majesty the Queen Mother and the museum provides fascinating insights into Bhutanese culture and way of life. ( open : Monday to Sundays)

Textile weaving center/cottage Industry ; The enterprise here manufactures a wide range of beautifully hand woven textiles and craft products. Most of the textiles here are ornately crafted using natural organic pigments and woven on the traditional wooden backstrap loom. ( open : Monday to Sundays)

In the afternoon we visit the Buddha Point (Dordenma) which is where one of the worlds largest statue of Buddha is located. The vantage here also offers spectacular views of the capital city.

Altitude : 2300m

DAY 14 / THIMPHU to PARO

We leisurely drive to Paro, upon arrival in Paro, we will explore the National Museum of Bhutan. It was established in 1968 and houses some of the finest specimens of arts including masterpieces of bronze, paintings, cultural objects and natural history exhibits. The museum with its extensive collections interprets history and culture of Bhutan through its exhibits.

Later in the afternoon there will also be adequate time to enjoy the souvenir retailers in town, have a very good cup of coffee, or we can visit a farm house in the valley.

This will be a good evening to pamper yourself with some spa or massage therapy at the hotel.

Altitude 2200m / overnight in Paro

DAY 15 : PARO to ONWARD DESTINATION

We check in two hours prior to flight departure to ensure the best seats on board, best suited to take in the panoramic view of the Himalayas.

We bid you goodbye and happy travels.

TRIP COST

Fully supported/serviced touring and trekking for 15 days will typically cost USD$6140 per person for a group of two or more people. The following are included in this price guide:

Accommodation and Camping Support
Government mandated sustainable development fund contribution of US$200/person/night
All Meals
All Transportation
Professional Trekking Guides, Porters and Pack Animals
Visa for entry into Bhutan

What's not included: