Jomolhari Mountain Festival

After breakfast, we hike for Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) Monastery, which is Bhutan’s most famous monastery situated at 2900 meters above sea-level. In 8th century Guru Rinpoche (spiritual master) is said to have flown on the back of a tigress to meditate in a cave where Taktsang Monastery now stands. After having explored the monastery, we hike down to the valley. Afternoon, you can visit to Kyichu monastery, one of the oldest temples of Bhutan said to have built in 7th Century. Overnight at hotel

(17KM | 5-6 HOURS | 230M ASCENT | DESCENT 60M | CAMP ALT 2870M) You will drive 12km north of Paro valley from your hotel to the historic Drugyal Dzong ruins at 2,580m, from were your trek starts. Your trekking crew will be waiting here for you. After a brief meeting, you will walk downhill on a wide trail following the Pachhu (river), which then climbs gently traversing through well-maintained rice terraces and fields of millet. Soon the valley widens and the route enters an area of apple orchards, traditional farmhouses and the tiny settlements of Mitshi Zampa and Sangatan. You reach the army post of Gunitsawa at 2,810 after walking for a while through blue pine forest. Here your trekking permit will be checked and stamped. This is the last stop before Tibet and border close to it. You will then cross Pachu River on a wooden bridge and then climb to Sharna Zampa at 2,870m. Just beyond Shana Zampa, there are several meadows surrounded by trees where you will camp for tonight.

Distance 22 km, 6-7 hours, 770 m ascent, 10 m descent, camp altitude 3,610 m. After breakfast, drive to Sharna. On this long day hike, the trail continues with lots of small ups and downs. After going uphill through the river valley the valley finally narrows gradually to a mere path which descends to a meadow where a camp will be set up. We will have a great view of Mt. Jhomolhari from the camp site.

Distance 19 km, 5-6 hours, 480 m ascent, camp altitude 4,080 m. If you did not see Mt. Jomolhari the previous evening, we will still have a chance to get a great view early this morning. This morning the trek continues up the Paro Chhu valley which widens into patches of alpine meadow and scanty growth of forest. We will cross an army check post along the way before we reach a village of Soe, Takethang and Jangothang. We will camp at Jangothang (Jhomolhari base camp) with a spectacular view of Mt.Jhomolhari(7314m).

The festival will be held at Dangojang. It will begin will Marchang Ceremony, followed by welcome song and dance by a group of performers. After the formal opening of the stall by the chief guest, yaks and horses will be put for show. The competition such as horse race, shor-put and dart throwing will begin after lunch. During these days, you will be kept busy songs and dances and different competitions.

Distance 18 km, 6-7 hours, 840 m ascent, 870 m descent, camp altitude 4,010 m. A short distance from the camp the trail begins climbing rapidly for about an hour and then becomes a gradual ascent to the Nyilila pass at 4,870m, from where we can see most of the Himalayan snow-capped peaks. We can also get a great view of Tsheringma/Tserimgang(6500m) next to Jichu Drakey. While on the climb we might see herds of blue sheep grazing on the slopes of mountain and marmot spying on us near their holes on certain times of the year. We can also see some yak herders’ camps along the trail as we decent to Lingshi Army check post. We will climb for a few minutes on the slope of mountain and descend down to the camp site by the side of river.

Distance 22km, eight to nine hours, 940m ascent, 920m descent, camp altitude 4,080m. The trail follows the stream and climbs up to the Yelila pass at an altitude of 4,930m. From the pass, on a clear day you will get an excellent view of Jumolhari, Tserimgang and Masanggang. The trek from the pass to the campsite at Shodu is a steep downhill.

Distance 16km, five to six hours, 250m ascent, 670m descent, camp altitude 3,710m. The trail follows the Thimphu Chhu through rhododendron forests, past beautiful waterfalls along the way. The valley narrows till the path takes to the slopes and gradually ascends to the ruins of Barshong Dzong. We will camp near the Dzong.

Distance 15km, five to six hours. The trail descends down to the Thimphu Chhu river valley, through dense forests of rhododendron, birch, conifer, maples and bamboos and then ascends to pasture lands. The trail continues through forested areas winding up and down and through a small pass. Langurs (monkeys) can be seen along the way. At Dodena, you will exit the Jigme Dorji National Park and reach the road head next to an impressive cantilever bridge. Then we will drive about 30 minutes to the capital city. If time permits we will visit Tashichhodzong (fortress of glorious religion) which houses His majesty the King’s office and central monk body. In the evening we will stroll around the main street of Thimphu. Overnight at the hotel, Thimphu.

Drive 1hr, 55km Today after breakfast, we will drive to Paro Airport and our guide will bid you farewell at the Airport. We hope that you had a wonderful journey with us.