The Jomolhari Base Camp trek is a seven days trek, which ranges from the picturesque valleys of Paro and Thimphu, to the incredible mountain vistas of Chomolhari (7326m), Jichu Drake (6794m) and Tshrim Khang. Our tour begins with a visit to the stunning Tiger's Nest Monastery, located high on the cliffside of the upper Paro valley.
We drive for around 2 hours through rice terraces, fields of millet and apple orchards to reach Shana Zampa from where we will start our trek. Throughout the trek you will be weaving your way through rhododendron forests and over glacial streams.
Trek Details
Duration: 10 Days
Max Elevation: 4,950m (Yale La Pass)
Difficulty: Challenging
Best Season: March-May, September-November
Highlights
Jomolhari Base Camp (4,040m)
Tiger's Nest Monastery
Nyele La Pass (4,850m)
Yale La Pass (4,950m)
Lingshi Dzong
Jigme Dorje National Park
The Himalayan Glimpses team will meet you at Paro airport and transfer you to your pre-trek hotel. Later in the afternoon there is the option to join a tour of the city. Once a watchtower, built to defend Rinpung Dzong during inter-valley wars of the 17th century, Ta Dzong (Fortress) was inaugurated as Bhutan's National Museum in 1968.
In the morning we will take an excursion to Taktshang Lhakhang, commonly known as 'The Tiger's Nest Monastery'. This Buddhist place of worship is perched on a cliff-top at around 3,100m above sea level. After lunch we will visit the 7th century Kyichu Lhakhang.
After a 2 hours drive through rice terraces, fields of millet and apple orchards, we reach Shana Zampa from where we will start our trek. The trail follows the Pa Chhu river, ascending and descending through pine, oak and spruce forests. We enter the Jigme Dorje National Park.
The path ascends, passing a small army camp and chorten. We leave the forest behind and can fully experience the huge mountain vistas. From here, the views of Jomolhari (7326m) and Jichu Drake (6794m) are superb.
The base camp at Jangothang sits by an old ruined fortress, beneath Mount Jomolhari and its neighbour Jichu Drake. Today we will take an acclimatization hike to around 4500m for some great views.
The trail follows the stream before we cross a bridge to the right bank. Now the climb starts up to the first ridge with breath-taking views of Mt Jomolhari, Mt Jichu Drake and Tsrim Khang. From the pass we descend through rhododendron forest to Lingshi.
Today is the toughest day of our trek, as we cross our highest pass. We begin with a climb up towards a small white chorten on a ridge, then turn south into the deep Mo Chhu valley.
Back below the tree line, our path follows the course of the Thimphu Chhu river, descending through rhododendron, juniper and mixed alpine forests. There are stunning views of rocky cliff faces and waterfalls.
We start this morning in Bhutan's capital city with a visit to the National Library. We will also visit the Institute for Zorig Chusum, the Textile Museum, and Simply Bhutan. After lunch we drive to CheleLa Pass (3,088m).
We will collect you from your hotel and transfer you to Paro Airport for your flight. Tashi Delek!
Included in Package
- Bhutan visa fee
- Government royalty & taxes
- Dedicated English speaking tour guide
- Dedicated tour vehicle and driver
- 3-star accommodation (twin sharing)
- Daily 3 meals (B/L/D)
- Airport transfers
- Bottled water
- Entry fees to parks and monuments
- Camping equipment
- Pack horses and horsemen
Not Included
- Personal expense/shopping
- Alcoholic beverages
- 4 or 5 star accommodation (extra charges apply)
- Travel insurance
- Tips for guide and driver
- Personal trekking gear
Essential clothing and equipment for your trekking adventure in Bhutan.
Headgear
- Warm beanie style hat – knitted or fleece
- Neck gaiter or scarf – useful for keeping dust out and as a warm layer
- Sun hat – preferably wide-brimmed for protection
- Sunglasses – high UV protection
- Headlamp (plus extra batteries)
Upper Body
- Thermal or fleece base layer (x1)
- Long sleeve shirt/t-shirt – light or medium weight, moisture wicking (x1)
- Short sleeved shirt/t-shirt – lightweight, moisture wicking (x2)
- Fleece or soft shell jacket (x1)
- Insulated jacket – down or primaloft
- Lightweight water/windproof hard shell outer jacket
- Gloves – lightweight, fleece or quick drying fabric
- Gloves or mittens – heavyweight, insulated, preferably water resistant
Legs
- Leggings – thermal or fleece base layer (x1)
- Trekking trousers – light or medium weight (x2) – convertible trousers work well
- Waterproof hard shell trousers – ski pants work fine (x1)
Feet
- Trekking boots – mid weight with good ankle support
- Training shoe or similar – to wear around camp
- Mid-weight trekking socks (x3 pairs)
- Breathable, high-wicking liner socks (x2 pairs)
- Thermal trekking socks for upper reaches of your trek (x1 pair)
Gear
- Small rucksack or daypack (30-40 litres) to carry water and personal items
- Waterproof duffle bag (approx 80-100 litres) – max weight 15kg including sleeping bag, carried by porter
- Sleeping bag (4 season or -10°C) and compression sack
- Insulated sleeping mat
- Trekking poles
- Water bottle or hydration bag – must be able to carry 1.5-2L of water
- Sunscreen high SPF
- Toiletries, including wet wipes and hand sanitiser
- Camera and spare batteries
- Plug adapter for charging devices in hotels
- Personal medication and first aid kit
- Personal snacks and energy bars – dried fruit and nuts are also a good source of energy
- Isotonic drink powder to mix with water – improves flavour and helps replace electrolytes
- Microfibre towel for wiping hands and face each day
- Ear plugs if you are a light sleeper
- Pee bottle – useful for late night toilet needs
- Dry bag (only required if your main duffle bag is not waterproof)
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